Protecting wildlife: South Africa to prohibit new captive lion breeding facilities
In a landmark decision, South Africa's government is set to ban new captive lion breeding facilities, marking a significant step towards ethical wildlife conservation and animal welfare.
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In a decisive move to protect South Africa’s lions and reinforce ethical conservation practices, the government is set to ban the establishment of new captive lion breeding facilities. This forms part of a broader initiative to phase out commercial intensive breeding of lions and prioritise animal wellbeing.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said it is finalising a Prohibition Notice that will outlaw the creation of new captive lion facilities in the country. This step follows recommendations from the Ministerial Task Team and supports the Policy Position on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Elephant, Lion, Leopard and Rhinoceros.
The notice comes after animal welfare organisation Four Paws South Africa recently called for government to expedite the implementation of the phase-out plan of the captive lion industry.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said: “This marks a turning point in our approach to wildlife conservation. By prohibiting new captive lion breeding facilities and addressing critical animal wellbeing provisions in the TOPS (Threatened or Protected Species) Regulations to be published in due course, we are committed to enforcing clear, effective, and legally robust measures that protect South Africa’s natural heritage and address concerns raised by the public, conservation experts, and stakeholders.”
The ban will be introduced through updated Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) Regulations under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA), 2004.
“The Lion Prohibition Notice implements a key recommendation from the Ministerial Task Team Report and is in line with the objectives of the Policy Position on the conservation and sustainable use of elephant, lion, leopard, and rhinoceros,” said the Department.
“The Notice prohibits the establishment of new captive lion facilities for commercial purposes, aligning with global conservation standards and ethical wildlife management practices.”
The Notice was tabled before the National Council of Provinces on June 10, 2025 and has since passed the 30-day consideration period. The Department confirmed that it has completed the necessary administrative processes for promulgation.
Additionally, the Department is working with provincial Members of the Executive Council (MECs) under Section 87A(3) of NEM:BA to ensure effective implementation of the ban.
Minister George is expected to provide further updates during stakeholder engagements, including at the upcoming G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group meeting at Kruger National Park.
“We are building a regulatory foundation that prioritises animal wellbeing, biodiversity protection, and practical enforcement,” said George. “The Department remains fully committed to finalising and implementing these reforms without delay, ensuring a sustainable future for South Africa’s wildlife.”