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Lion hunt backlash + 11 walking safaris + track lowland gorillas

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From our CEO – Simon Espley

It’s been a harrowing week for my team.

Our reward for publishing facts about the trophy hunting of Blondie the Hwange lion has been a spate of malicious attacks, gaslighting and threats. These ugly missiles came from both extreme ends of the hate spectrum – pro- and anti-hunting – and often from private or fake social media accounts. All because we broke the news of Blondie’s death. We have been publishing factual articles since 1991, so we are used to the chaos when science clashes with beliefs. And yet this time, the volume and ugliness were staggering, even if from a tiny minority. On the bright side (there is always a bright side), we have exorcised our followers of these lowlifes. Believe what you want, but be nice. When in doubt, read our Rules of Engagement.

Our breaking news article was picked up by multiple international news media platforms, talking heads and tabloids, resulting in a snowball effect and amplified awareness. Unfortunately, some of these platforms resorted to factually bereft headlines and claims to gain attention. It is what it is.

Two things stood out to me during this process:

1. Anti-hunters accused us of giving tracking data from Blondie’s collar to hunters. Blondie was wearing a tracking collar sponsored by us. Blondie used to roam outside of the national park, and so was tracked by WildCRU (the Oxford University research team) to prevent human-wildlife conflict. To be clear, we do not have access to live data (and do not want it). We have received limited belated updates on the lions wearing AG-sponsored collars. And when probed for more detail on the trophy hunting of Blondie before we went live with the news, WildCRU met our requests with a deafening silence.
2. Pro-hunters accused us of claiming that the hunt was illegal, and compiled gaslighting opinion editorials based on that lie. Our actual wording was “sources say the hunt took place legally“ and nowhere in the article did we suggest otherwise. But of course, facts never get in the way of a diversionary tactic; a typical trophy hunting strategy when the spotlight shines on poor behaviour. To be clear, Blondie’s hunt was legal but deeply unethical; he was collared and was a young male with cubs. Zimbabwe’s adaptive, age-based hunting guideline recommends the hunting of lions over 6 years old, but a murky points and quota system means the hunting of lions under age 6 still takes place.

Why do we do this? Because we care. And we like to believe that you do too. And because, if we do not establish the facts and keep you informed, who will? Many of our tourism and conservation industry colleagues avoid difficult discussions like this. Thanks to the minority who do take the risk of nailing their colours to the mast – sincerely appreciated.

Most importantly, I am in awe of my team. Their hard work, passion and courage stand out in a sea of conservation mediocrity like dog’s balls on a canary.

Speaking of science and considered opinions, the Op Ed below by respected biologist and lion researcher Paul Funston will ruffle a few feathers. Well done, Paul, on daring to go against the flow with some inconvenient truths! Our second story is about walking safaris – safari soulfood. We delve into 11 epic options for those who prefer a more immersive African holiday.

Thanks for taking up precious time to read this, and for supporting our cause by choosing Africa Geographic as your safari company.

Simon Espley – CEO, Africa Geographic

Click to listen to this editorial online

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Did you know? Your African safari choice makes a difference

We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level. YOUR African safari choice does make a difference – thank you!

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Our stories this week

WALKING SAFARIS
Walking in the bushveld with an experienced guide is a great way to learn about the detail of nature. Here are 11 top walking safaris

Your conservation impact

Your AG safari just helped save Tsavo’s tuskers, South Africa’s pangolins and Africa’s birds of prey.

Thanks to your safari booking with Africa Geographic, you have made a real difference. We’ve just donated a portion of our safari earnings to some incredible conservation projects: Tsavo Trust’s big tusker project, Provet and the Limpopo Pangolin Collective, and the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Birds of Prey Programme.

When you travel with AG, you do more than explore Africa’s wild places – you help protect them. A portion of every AG safari booking goes directly to vital conservation projects like these. Because of your decision, these key species remain protected.

Ready to plan your next life-changing safari?
Let us craft your dream journey – and know that your adventure supports the creatures that need it most. Check out some of our safari ideas here.

Please continue to lend your support to these impactful organisations here: Tsavo Trust, Provet and the EWT Birds of Prey programme.

 

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WATCH:

Blondie, a well-known, young, collared pride male in Zimbabwe’s Hwange region, was recently trophy hunted after reportedly being lured with bait. His death has sparked global outrage and raised urgent questions about lion conservation. Watch the video to learn more about this unfolding story. (03:50) Click here to watch

For more videos celebrating Africa, check out our videos here

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