CHANDIGARH—Despite much hue and cry over protecting lion from extinction, the king of jungle is approaching extinction. It raises a question mark on—why we celebrate World Lion Day? Cecil the lion was killed by an US dentist for a few pounds was one of thousands of lions whose welfare and protection is under threat from unethical tourism practices across the world, states a study done by the World Animal Protection released today in New Delhi.
It is further stated that a number of tourists unwittingly are creating a demand which is beyond the horrors of hunting wild animals to a lifetime of misery from the moment these are born. It usual to take wild animal from his natural habitat and bred in captivity and used as tourist entertainment industry. Cubs of wild animals are taken away from their mothers and forced to endure cruel and intensive training to be used as photo props for various purposes. Lions are also sold as disposable commodities and pass through hunting ground
. These animals are not only live in unacceptable captive conditions but also endure cruelty at the hands of man. During training period these animals go through stressful breaking in process. Overworked animals are prone to illness and injury and may also become aggressive often requiring forceful or severe handling by people to bring these under control.
It is also stated that much of this abuse takes place behind the scenes and tourists are often unaware of how tired or stressed the animals really are. Sadly the trade is growing globally without monitoring. Cruel wildlife tourism attractions are rife across South East Asia and spreading quickly to Africa. The tourist demands for wild life experiences are driving the cruel animal tourism industry.
The World Animal Protection also fears for the fate of adult animals that are no longer of use as these become too large and dangerous for direct contact with tourists. Unlike other captive conservation programmes, commercial parks do not help to boost wild population numbers and so the animals can never be safely released into the wild.
Gajender Sharma, Country Director, World Animal Protection India says,”It is entirely credible that the lion cubs from your holiday ‘Selfie’ may become the same animals that are later shot by trophy hunters.