A new international poll is placing South Africa’s captive lion industry back under scrutiny.
Image used for illustrative purposes/Matias North/Unsplash
A survey commissioned by World Animal Protection in collaboration with Blood Lions reveals strong opposition to any reversal of the country’s planned phase-out of commercial captive lion breeding. The findings point to reputational risk, potential tourism losses, and growing pressure from both international visitors and local citizens.
Strong global sentiment against captive lion breeding
The poll, conducted across South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands, surveyed 2,528 respondents. It found that 77 percent support the government’s 2021 decision to phase out the commercial exploitation of captive lions.
Among key international tourism markets, sentiment is particularly clear. Around 70 percent of respondents say they would be deterred from visiting a country where lions are bred and kept in captivity for profit. A further 69 percent believe reversing the phase-out would damage South Africa’s reputation as an ethical travel destination, while 65 percent say they would consider alternative destinations if the industry continues.
There is also a strong preference for responsible tourism. About 77 percent of those surveyed say governments should prioritise wildlife-friendly tourism over industries linked to captive breeding.
Tourism economy at potential risk
The findings highlight the economic implications of these attitudes. Tourism contributes close to 9 percent of South Africa’s GDP and supports roughly 1.8 million jobs, both directly and indirectly.
In 2025, the country welcomed around 10.5 million international visitors. Of these, more than 1.2 million came from the four key markets included in the poll. If 70 percent of travellers from these regions were deterred, South Africa could see a decline of approximately 860,000 visitors.
This drop would have a knock-on effect on employment. With one tourism job supported for every 13 international arrivals, an estimated 66,000 jobs could be at risk. By comparison, the commercial captive lion industry is estimated to support between 1,568 and 2,069 jobs nationwide.
Local opinion aligns with international views
The survey also reflects strong domestic concern. Among South African respondents, 72 percent oppose prioritising exploitative wildlife industries over more sustainable tourism options. Around 66 percent consider captive lion breeding unethical, and the same proportion believe it is unacceptable to risk tourism demand for the sake of the industry.
Trust in governance also emerges as a key issue. About 63 percent of respondents say reversing the phase-out would undermine confidence in evidence-based decision-making. Meanwhile, 57 percent believe banning captive lion breeding would strengthen the country’s appeal and economic prospects.
Lion welfare is the most frequently cited reason for supporting the phase-out, with nearly half of respondents pointing to ethical concerns.
Ongoing uncertainty around implementation
Although the South African government committed to phasing out the captive lion industry in 2021, progress has been slow. Recent changes in the environmental portfolio have raised concerns that the decision could be reconsidered or delayed.
Advocacy groups argue that the stakes extend beyond animal welfare. The issue is increasingly tied to the country’s global image and its ability to attract responsible travellers.
As international tourism trends continue to shift towards ethical and conservation-focused experiences, the direction South Africa chooses may have lasting implications for both its wildlife and its economy.
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