On December 10, authorities in Gauteng incinerated the remains of 42 captive-bred lions, symbolizing efforts to end South Africa's controversial lion breeding industry. The event highlighted years of progress toward reform, now threatened by a recent ministerial change that aligns the new leadership with breeders. Witnesses, including activists and a former bone dealer, expressed resolve to continue the fight despite political setbacks.
In a stark display on Wednesday, December 10, at 10am, an incinerator in Gauteng reduced nearly half a tonne of lion bones to ash. The remains belonged to 42 lions, encased in plastic bags that melted in the intense flames. Observers, including government officials, NGO representatives, bone dealer Kobus Steyn, and Lord Michael Ashcroft, watched as ribs, leg bones, and skulls blackened, underscoring the cruelty of the captive lion breeding sector.
This symbolic burn came amid an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 lions still held in fenced facilities across South Africa for petting, canned hunts, and bone trade. The event marked a poignant moment in a multi-year campaign to phase out the industry, initiated after a 2019 high court ruling declared prior lion bone export quotas unlawful for ignoring animal welfare.
Lord Ashcroft, a key campaign supporter whose book Unfair Game influenced policy, condemned the trade: “This is a trade that needs to and has to be banned. This is awful. Such cruelty too. And what’s it all about? Profit motive by a few unscrupulous operators who farm captive-bred lions.” He pledged to seek international pressure to accelerate the ban.
Kobus Steyn, who had stored the bones for seven years hoping for profit, described the moral burden: “I’ve seen where they come from. I’ve seen some of them alive. So that’s where the emotion comes from.” At 62, he viewed his voluntary exit from the trade as inevitable, predicting others would follow due to economic and ethical pressures.
Ian Michler of Blood Lions called the burn a reminder of lions' sentience and the need for basic welfare, crediting NGOs, officials, and public pressure for progress. He warned that removing reform-minded Minister Barbara Creecy and installing an industry-aligned successor would not halt the momentum.
Kam Chetty, recently dismissed from leading the task team, outlined the reforms: a 2019-2021 expert panel recommended phasing out the industry for its lack of conservation value and ethical risks. Creecy's strategy included voluntary exits, a white paper on animal wellbeing, and prohibitions. Four provinces had approved zero breeding, with others nearing agreement, alongside blocks on lion movements and noncompliant farms.
Despite the new minister's cancellation of the task team, witnesses affirmed their commitment, emphasizing that lions' value lies in life, not bones. The burn rallied a broad coalition against political headwinds.
