SA Moves to Ban Captive Lion Breeding as Wildlife Protection Laws Tighten

In a major step toward wildlife conservation reform, South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has announced decisive regulatory action to ban the establishment of new captive lion breeding facilities, marking a shift in the country’s approach to biodiversity protection and animal welfare.

The move comes as part of a broader legislative and policy overhaul aimed at ending exploitative wildlife practices and aligning South Africa’s conservation standards with international ethical norms. The regulatory change, announced by Minister Dr Dion George on Tuesday, is being implemented under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA), 2004, which governs the sustainable use and conservation of South Africa’s natural resources.

“This marks a turning point in our approach to wildlife conservation,” said Minister George. “By prohibiting new captive lion breeding facilities and addressing critical animal well-being provisions, we are committed to enforcing clear, effective, and legally robust measures that protect South Africa’s natural heritage.”

The Lion Prohibition Notice: What It Means

The upcoming Prohibition Notice will prevent the creation of new facilities that breed lions for commercial purposes, such as canned hunting, cub petting, and the lion bone trade—industries that have long drawn domestic and international criticism.

This ban gives legal force to a key recommendation from the Ministerial Task Team Report, and reinforces the national Policy Position on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Elephant, Lion, Leopard, and Rhinoceros. The policy was developed following extensive public consultation, research, and expert input to reform how iconic wildlife species are managed in South Africa.

“We are building a regulatory foundation that prioritises animal wellbeing, biodiversity protection, and practical enforcement,” George said.

The Notice was formally tabled before the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on 10 June 2025. With the 30-day consideration period now complete, the department has concluded the necessary administrative processes required for final promulgation by the Executive Authority.

Collaborative Rollout and Provincial Coordination

To ensure the effective implementation of the new regulation, the department is currently engaging provincial Members of the Executive Council (MECs) under Section 87A(3) of NEM:BA. These discussions are essential to harmonise enforcement across the nine provinces, many of which have differing capacities and levels of involvement in the captive predator industry.

The DFFE has pledged to provide further updates at upcoming stakeholder engagements, most notably during the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group meeting scheduled to be held in Kruger National Park. This high-level international forum will provide an opportunity to showcase South Africa’s evolving wildlife policy and regulatory leadership.

Conservation Community Applauds the Move

Animal rights groups, conservation biologists, and tourism stakeholders have long called for the complete dismantling of South Africa’s captive lion breeding industry, citing unethical practices, genetic degradation, and reputational damage to the country's ecotourism brand.

Past reports and undercover investigations have uncovered severe neglect, overcrowding, and abuse in many lion breeding facilities. Conservationists argue that captive lion operations do not contribute meaningfully to conservation, and instead exist solely for profit-driven exploitation.

The move to prohibit new breeding facilities is seen as a step toward the full phase-out of the industry and a transition to more sustainable, conservation-based wildlife economies.

Future Policy: TOPS and Beyond

In addition to the Prohibition Notice, Minister George also confirmed the forthcoming release of updates to the Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) Regulations, which will include new animal welfare and biodiversity safeguards.

The revised regulations are expected to close loopholes in the permitting system and establish stricter standards for all wildlife-related commercial activities, ranging from hunting to live animal transport.

“The department remains fully committed to finalising and implementing these reforms without delay, ensuring a sustainable future for South Africa’s wildlife,” George said.

From Controversy to Conservation

With the publication and enforcement of the Lion Prohibition Notice now imminent, South Africa is taking concrete steps to shift away from practices that have long been a source of global controversy.

By elevating ethical conservation, animal wellbeing, and ecological sustainability to the forefront of national policy, the country is beginning to redefine its role as a global steward of biodiversity—and setting a precedent for other wildlife-rich nations facing similar challenges.