African Pride

Interaction, Education and Conservation

By: Jessica White Photos: Bushtracks Africa / Andrew Muswala Photography

Historically, lions have been regarded as a symbol of strength and rank as one of the fiercest of all wild creatures. This is an animal of such stature and power, with such a domineering presence, that it is commonly known as “King of the Beasts.” It takes approximately 110 days to bring a lion into this world. It took just one decade for the population of these iconic creatures to plummet from 50,000 to 15,000. Per the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the rate of depletion is as rapid as 42%.

At the turn of the 19th century, the earth’s savannas teemed with a charismatic mega-herbivore, the rhinoceros. Their rough skin, impressive horn and commanding presence is reminiscent of the Jurassic era. Today, there are barely 28,000 rhinos surviving in the wild. In 2008, poachers robbed the earth of 5,940 African Rhino. This dramatically escalating epidemic is driven by the belief that medicine from the horn of this endangered species can cure a wide range of ailments, from hangovers to cancer. The demand has placed a massive burden on the fragile rhino population. White rhinos were pushed to the brink of extinction before a century of conservation efforts brought them back into the Near Threatened classification. Without the dedication of conservation programmes, Africa is in danger of losing two members of her Big Five family. In an effort to underscore the severity of the problem, the conservation group Lion Encounter grants guests the unique opportunity to interact with two of Africa’s most extraordinary and exemplary ani-

mals. Accompanied by a professional, passionate research team, guests can revel in this rare experience while gaining valuable knowledge about the importance of protecting local wildlife . These programmes are instrumental in generating awareness about the importance of conservation and this has earned them the support of the eco-aware organisation Bushtracks Africa. Dan Matthews, Volunteer Project Manager and keen conservationist, believes that lion are “an iconic species worldwide, and an integral part of Africa’s ecosystems. This, coupled with their tourism benefits, makes them an extremely special animal.” Matthews asserts that, from personal experience and observations, there is a very good chance that lions can be released into the wild from a captive source. Kutanga, Kariba and Kwali are three

“These animals symbolise Africa’s strength and beauty, as well as the unity between humans and wildlife. They deserve our respect and protection.”

lionesses that Matthews has had the privilege of watching grow into efficient hunters for the pure and simple fact that “lions will always be lions.” These females raise their own offspring to be respectable hunters in a cohesive pride independent of human interference.

Interaction with the animals in their natural environment can alter individual attitudes towards conservation, which is one of the reasons animal interaction programmes exist. While many people are aware of the poaching problem and sympathise with the plight of the lion and rhino, being in the presence of these two magnificently powerful and peaceful creatures adds a new dimension to one’s perspective. The complexity of our ecosystems requires humans and animals to live in harmony with one another; wiping out either species will create a detrimental domino effect that will damage important ecological relationships. The grazing habits of rhino have helped to shape the African landscape, which benefits other grazers and maintains a healthy balance in the ecosystem. The predatory nature of lions helps regulate the number of dominant herbivore species. This generation is responsible for ensuring that lion and rhino do not only appear in bedtime stories, company logos and picture books. These animals symbolise Africa’s strength and beauty, as well as the unity between humans and wildlife. They deserve our respect and protection.