Pretoria – Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Dr. Dion George says rapid progress is being made toward publishing a “Prohibition Notice” that will ban new captive lion breeding facilities in South Africa.
The department said this decisive step forms part of broader efforts to phase out intensive breeding practices for commercial purposes and strengthen biodiversity laws under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA), 2004.
For years conservation and animal welfare organisations have been pressing for a ban on South Africa’s captive lion breeding industry and its associated spin-off industries.
This week on Tuesday, 15 July 2025, Minister George said his department was making “rapid progress” to ban captive lion breeding.
“This marks a turning point in our approach to wildlife conservation,” the Minister said.
“By prohibiting new captive lion breeding facilities and addressing critical animal well-being provisions in the TOPS Regulations to be published in due course, we are committed to enforcing clear, effective, and legally robust measures that protect South Africa’s natural heritage and address concerns raised by the public, conservation experts, and stakeholders.”
Minister George said the Lion Prohibition Notice implements a key recommendation from the Ministerial Task Team Report and is in line with the objectives of the policy position on the conservation and Sustainable use of elephant, lion, leopard, and rhinoceros.
The Notice prohibits the establishment of new captive lion facilities for commercial purposes, aligning with global conservation standards and ethical wildlife management practices.
Since the Notice was tabled before the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on 10 June 2025, the required 30-day consideration period has passed.
The department said it has completed critical administrative steps for promulgation by the Executive Authority.
Additionally, the department is engaging provincial Members of the Executive Council (MECs) under Section 87A(3) of NEM:BA to facilitate the implementation of this Prohibition Notice.
Minister George said he will provide further updates at stakeholder engagements, including the upcoming G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group meeting in Kruger National Park.
“We are building a regulatory foundation that prioritises animal wellbeing, biodiversity protection, and practical enforcement,” the Minister said.
“The department remains fully committed to finalising and implementing these reforms without delay, ensuring a sustainable future for South Africa’s wildlife.”
