SOUTH AFRICA -- At one of the breeding centers in Africa, lion cubs were seen too sickly to even walk. Majority of the lions that were bred in captivity were neglected and have gone bald because of a skin infection caused by mites. The inspectors who were tasked to raid the farm found roughly 100 lions, leopards, and Caracals in overcrowded living conditions. Sadly, the animals were deprived of one of their most basic needs -- water and were kept in filthy enclosures where parasites spread easily.
The photos of lions show many lions, leapards and caracals have gone bald, which meant they have lost their skin's form of protection both from the heat and cold. The two cubs whose images have gone viral online were identified to be suffering from neurological conditions that's why they were not able to walk. They were immediately confiscated and taken to the specialists to receive proper treatment.
These animals were orginally kept in captivity in hopes to revive from becoming extinct due to hunters and poachers. Many of these animals are slaughtered for their bones. Although the practice is illegal, the industry has become rather a lucrative one. The species of tigers, lions and leopards have long been considered as endangered species and saving them meant more than just letting future generations witness their growth. Rather, it is about keeping a balance in biodiversity.
The officials concerned of animal welfare have charged the center-in-charge with violations pertaining to those stated in the animal-protection law. The big cats were kept in custody for the consumption of the public. People would go to the center and pay to be able to feed, pet and even take selfies with these supposedly wild animals.
In a report released through the Independent last year, some of these farms have turned the practice into a business, selling these wild animals into the very reason for their deaths.
"Several issues have been identified concerning the welfare of these animals bred in captivity. Inadequate shelter, lack of provision of water and the filthy parasitic conditions of their camps were just a few of those mentioned in the complaint," said Douglas Wolhuter, a senior inspector from NSPCA.
"Twenty-seven of the lions were identified to be suffering from mange. The caracals were considered obese and are unable to take care of themselves for proper grooming and good health," he added. "The cubs are exploited their whole lives, first as props by paying tourists, then later as part of 'walking with lion' safaris. Once too big and dangerous for this, they are killed for their bones which are exported to Asia for traditional medicines or sold to be killed by trophy hunters largely from the United States in 'canned' hunts in which hand-reared lions are shot in a fenced area."
