Accordingly, no permits will be issued for the establishment of new captive lion facilities, captive breeding of lions will not be permitted in the province, and the importation of captive lions from other provinces will be phased out.
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The MTPA is working with captive lion facility owners in the province to bring the industry to an orderly conclusion. During this transition period, the MTPA will ensure that all captive lion facilities in Mpumalanga continue to comply with existing legislative and regulatory requirements.
The MTPA will continue to work with former representatives of the ministerial task team (MTT) and other stakeholders to implement a captive lion sterilisation programme and will facilitate access to MTT-accredited training for MTPA officials, relevant provincial authorities, facility staff, and conservation and animal welfare organisations within the province.
MTPA spokesperson Simphiwe Shungube says the MTPA remains committed to a future where Mpumalanga leads by example in ethical, conservation-driven tourism and sustainable practices.
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“By responsibly phasing out the captive lion industry, the province is safeguarding animal welfare and biodiversity while creating new opportunities for sustainable economic growth, job creation, and international recognition.
“Through collaboration, innovation, and steadfast adherence to national conservation policies, Mpumalanga will continue to strengthen South Africa’s reputation as a world-class wildlife destination, demonstrating that economic development and ethical wildlife stewardship can, and must, go hand in hand to ensure the sustainability of the country’s biodiversity heritage,” he says.
