Cecil the lion – let’s never let this happen again
News
Five years ago today Cecil the lion was tragically shot with a crossbow by a trophy hunter. He was found wounded hours later, where he was then finally killed.
Trophy hunting is one of the cruellest forms of wildlife abuse and can often cause prolonged suffering for the hunted animals and leave juvenile animals alone, unable to survive.
An animal should never have to suffer for a so-called bloodsport most people would be horrified by.
As well as causing immense individual animal suffering, the trophy hunting industry is wracked by corruption, the ecology in hunting areas in many countries is collapsing, and the bulk of the money generated never reaches local communities or conservation projects.
Image: a still from our 2019 film raising awareness of animal cruelty. This is a computer-generated artwork, no animals were harmed. The hunters are actors.Links to traditional Asian medicine
As well as the trophies, big cats are also valuable for their bones, blood and other body parts which are exported to be used in traditional Asian medicine products.
These products include wines, capsules, gels and balms believed to cure ailments ranging from arthritis to meningitis.
Trophy hunting is cruel and unnecessary
Wildlife trade
Global wildlife trade is an inhumane industry that cruelly exploits our planet’s wildlife for financial gain.
Our work
We're working in Australia and around the world to end the needless suffering of animals by inspiring people to change animals’ lives for the better.