Pretoria: The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has initiated a process to phase out harmful captive lion breeding practices, strengthening animal welfare through updated regulations as part of South Africa’s wildlife protection efforts.

According to South African Government News Agency, the department has made significant strides toward issuing a Prohibition Notice aimed at banning the establishment of new captive lion breeding facilities in the country. This move is part of a broader strategy to phase out intensive breeding for commercial gain and to enhance the nation’s biodiversity laws under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA), 2004.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr. Dion George, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “This marks a turning point in our approach to wildlife conservation.” By prohibiting new captive lion breeding facilities and addressing animal welfare provisions in the forthcoming Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) Regulations, the ministry aims to implement measures that protect South Africa’s natural heritage and respond to concerns from the public and conservation experts.

The Lion Prohibition Notice aligns with a key recommendation from the Ministerial Task Team Report and the objectives of the Policy Position on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Elephant, Lion, Leopard, and Rhinoceros. The Notice, which prohibits new captive lion facilities for commercial purposes, aligns with global conservation standards and ethical wildlife management practices.

Since its presentation to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on June 10, 2025, the necessary 30-day consideration period has concluded. The department has completed critical administrative steps needed for the Notice’s promulgation by the Executive Authority.

In addition to these efforts, the department is working with provincial Members of the Executive Council (MECs) under Section 87A (3) of NEM:BA to facilitate the implementation of this Prohibition Notice. Minister George is also expected to provide further updates during stakeholder engagements, including the upcoming G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group meeting in Kruger National Park.