FOUR PAWS supports DFFE’s decision to bar lion bone exports

Zero export quota for captive lion bones signals shift toward ethical wildlife policy.

Cape Town, 09 October 2025 — FOUR PAWS South Africa welcomes the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s decision to set a zero export quota for lion bones sourced from captive breeding operations for the 2025 calendar year, under the leadership of Minister Dion George. This Notice, published in Government Gazette No. 53394 on 22 September 2025, is a critical requirement for the protection of South Africa’s iconic big cats.

As a global animal welfare organisation with deep expertise in addressing issues related to international wildlife trade and the ethical care of big cats, FOUR PAWS has long campaigned for the end of the commercial captive lion industry. Our LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, located in the Free State, provides lifelong care to around 100 big cats, rescued from exploitative conditions.

“This zero export quota sends a powerful message to the world that South Africa is taking meaningful steps to end the cruel and exploitative captive lion industry,” says Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa. “But this must be the beginning of the end. We urge the Department to make this quota permanent and to commence with a national phase-out plan for all captive lion facilities.”

FOUR PAWS believes this decision will:
• Prevent captive-bred lions from entering illegal supply chains;
• Strengthen enforcement by providing clarity to importing countries;
• Signal South Africa’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and animal-welfare standards.

To build on this progress, FOUR PAWS recommends:
• Implementing the zero quota on a permanent basis, to provide policy certainty and discourage future trade;
• Publish transparent enforcement data on inspections, seizures, and prosecutions, to demonstrate effective implementation; and
• Develop and implement a national phase-out plan for the closure of captive lion facilities.

Public Comment Invitation
The Department has invited public comment on its notice of intention to set a zero export quota. Members of the public, conservationists, and animal welfare advocates are encouraged to email the Director-General to show the Department that they support the zero export quota. The public may do so by emailing cites@dffe.gov.za with subject ‘Notice of Intention to Set a Zero Export Quota for Trade in Lion Bones Sourced from Captive Breeding Operations in South Africa for the 2025 Calendar Year, by 22 October 2025.

Call to Action
FOUR PAWS calls on all communities to stand united against the exploitation of lions. Let your voice be heard. Support the zero export quota and demand policy reform to protect our wildlife heritage.

For more information, please visit our website at www.four-paws.org.za

Author: Deidre Daniels.