Lion Breeding Programme

Rear Lion Cubs

As a breeding centre we have regular litters of cubs. Working as a volunteer you will have the opportunity to hand rear lion cubs of different ages. Working with white lions is a unique experience. Cuddle the cubs until they fall asleep on your lap. Days on ‘Cub duty’ may include mixing various feed mixtures and preparing meat for the various age groups.

Volunteer at

Lion Breeding

Project

Working as a volunteer you will be involved in many oher aspects of conservation and lion care. The breeding centre does not always have new born baby lions available.  Please check with us if that is the main purpose of your visit.

Lion Numbers are declining at a

tremendous rate

As Africa becomes increasingly urbanized and more savannah is converted to farm land, lions risk being pushed out of even more of their habitats. About 75 percent of Africa's savannahs and much of the lion population once estimated to live there have disappeared in the last 50 years, a study found.  The new analysis suggests the continent’s lion population has declined from 100,000 to roughly 32,000 over 50 years.  Internationally, lions are listed as ‘Vulnerable’ by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature - one rung below an official Endangered listing. There is no question that the big cats are in decline. Numbers have plummeted as Africa’s human population has expanded into lion habitat, reduced the numbers of game animals that lions need to live, and killed lions in order to protect livestock and human lives. In addition, in recent years a black market for lion bones and other parts has sprung up in China and other Asian countries, where they serve as a more available and less expensive substitute ingredient in folk-remedy recipes that have traditionally called for tiger bones and organs.

The challenges lions face

The challenges lions face fall into three categories: • the encroachment of humans into the lions' habitat • illegal hunting, snaring and poaching • disease outbreaks New conservation ideas are needed if the lion is to survive.  Local communities need to be engaged in protecting them and the environment within which it can thrive.  Also, a method of lion reintroduction into areas where wild populations are most diminished need to be found.