by Ken Watkins
One more from the archives, this image of Cecil was taken on a dull and cold morning in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, 24th April 2014.
As luck would have it his wonderful mane covered the bulk of his collar.
For those who have not managed to keep up with the "web madness", I am pleased to say that the hunting ban has now been reinstated in the areas surrounding the park.
You may also be interested in the following well reasoned article by Luke Palmer from Panthera.
http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2015/08/how_to_save_the_lions_panthera_s_lion_guards_stop_poaching_trapping_and.html?utm_source=Cecil+Email+3&utm_campaign=Cecil-Lion-Email3&utm_medium=email
He also revealed in a recent discussion on CNN that there are 4 countries in Africa where Lion populations are increasing
South Africa
Namibia
Botswana
and Zimbabwe
Comments
6 commentsInteresting image, shows the lion well in a routine activity. Thanks for sharing. Good to learn the additional protected areas are back in place. I do find it interesting how many people have responded to this situation, while our own predator reintroduction programs are floundering. Little crying out for Mexican or Red wolves. Thanks again for your great coverage of African wildlife.
John,
I must admit that in this case we were lucky, I have no idea as to what caused this media frenzy, Lions are murdered everyday!
But given that it has lead to a reintroduction of restrictions, and at least $750,000 in donations to the Lion researchers, then I am very happy.
It is a pity that people do not realise that money is needed to preserve everything, but they need to take great care who they donate it too, in particular those who claim to be helping Rhinos.
For Predators it should go to Panthera, even though they have lots of funds they receive donations of $40 million earlier this year, it is far better to have one organisation doing the work rather than hundreds of them, most of whom are next to useless.
Other animals need help not just those that the general public know about!
I found this for Mexican Wolves
http://www.mexicanwolves.org/
so somebody is doing something?
Thanks for sharing this, Ken.
This story seems to have retained traction where others have failed here in the USA and, hopefully, worldwide. The so called sport of trophy hunting is an abomination that continues to befuddle me. Especially since the advent of Viagra and 500 f4s.
I can only hope that each and every one of these stories brings these practices closer to extinction than it does to the animals being pursued. The character of any individual who thinks they are a better person for putting a trophy head or other parts in their collection should be exposed for what it is. The shallow end of the gene pool.
Thanks for posting this beautiful image of Cecil. Hopefully he will remain a symbol for all the lions that need protection.
Glad to hear something positive about increasing numbers
Andrew
Thanks everybody, glad you enjoyed it and the good news
Great picture of Cecil. The visible eye shows that the lion is vigilant while taking a much needed drink.....................Jim