The story behind the ‘You’re killing them softly’ lion mural on Durban’s promenade
|Published
South African non-profit organisations campaigning to bring an end to the commercial captive lion industry in the country commissioned a mural titled ‘You’re killing them softly’ on the Durban promenade.
The mural was done by graffiti artist Giffy on World Lion Day and aims to continue to create awareness beyond August 10 when it was released.
“The mural continues to bring awareness to the fact that any visitor or volunteer paying to play, bottle feed, and/or hand-raise captive-bred predator cubs, use them as photo props, or merely visit predator parks, are fuelling South Africa’s cruel commercial captive predator industry,” said Blood Lions.
Blood Lions director Dr Louise De Waal said Blood Lions decided to translate the ‘You’re Killing them Softly’ message into a powerful mural to make the public fully aware that their actions fuel this unethical industry.
De Waal said the commercial captive lion industry is responsible for the brutal death of thousands of captive-bred lions and many other predator species.
The organisation said in South Africa, lions and many other predators are bred solely for commercial purposes, such as cub petting, walking with predators, voluntourism, ‘canned’ or captive trophy hunting, the live trade, and the trade in their bones, parts and derivatives.
“Each time we choose to visit a predator park or engage in interactive activities with lions or other predators, we are perpetuating captivity. Our actions and choices are killing them softly.”
De Waal added that this is not the first time that Durban street artist Giffy has raised his artistic voice for the Blood Lions cause, to bring an end to the captive lion industry in South Africa.
She said in 2020, he created a poignant mural for the then 800 Voices for 800 Lions campaign.
Giffy, who gets his inspiration from his local environment, is known for his colourful and life-like wildlife murals in Durban’s public spaces mostly.
Blood Lions said not only does Giffy bring South Africa’s natural beauty to life but he also encourages people to be more involved in wildlife conservation efforts.
Blood Lions said a Ministerial Task Team (MTT) was appointed by former minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy to identify and recommend voluntary exit options and pathways for the captive lion industry last year.
The organisation said MTT’s recommendations were approved by Cabinet in March 2024 and their final report was published.
“One of their key recommendations was that voluntary exit should only be the first step in the longer-term government objectives of ultimately closing the commercial captive lion industry in South Africa.”
The Mercury