The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has taken steps toward ending captive lion breeding in South Africa, marking a major shift in the country’s approach to wildlife conservation and animal welfare.
Minister Dr Dion George confirmed on Tuesday that the department is finalising the Prohibition Notice that will officially ban the establishment of new commercial captive lion breeding facilities across the country.
“This marks a turning point in our approach to wildlife conservation,” said George.
“We are committed to enforcing clear, effective, and legally robust measures that protect South Africa’s natural heritage.”
Legal backbone of the ban
The new policy forms part of strengthened regulations under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA), 2004 and is guided by the Ministerial Task Team Report and the Policy Position on the sustainable use of elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinoceroses.
The Prohibition Notice aligns with international conservation norms and public demands to end the unethical breeding and exploitation of lions for profit – particularly in canned hunting and the bone trade.
Following its tabling in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on 10 June 2025, the mandatory 30-day consideration period has now elapsed, clearing the way for official promulgation by the Executive Authority.
Provincial rollout and enforcement
The department is now engaging with provincial Members of the Executive Council (MECs) under Section 87A (3) of NEM:BA to coordinate implementation and enforcement at local levels.
Further updates are expected during stakeholder engagements, including the upcoming G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group meeting taking place in the Kruger National Park.
Broader reforms ahead
The ban also forms part of broader efforts to overhaul the Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) Regulations, with a sharper focus on animal well-being, biodiversity protection, and practical enforcement.
“We are building a regulatory foundation that prioritises animal well-being. The department remains fully committed to finalising and implementing these reforms without delay,” George stated.
A global signal
The move is being seen as a clear message to the global conservation community: South Africa is working to phase out unethical wildlife exploitation and reposition itself as a leader in sustainable, ethical biodiversity management.
The final Prohibition Notice is expected to be gazetted in the coming weeks.
Once enforced, it will prevent the opening of any new captive lion breeding facilities, although existing operations may still fall under separate review and transitional frameworks.
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