In the light of the news that Delta Airlines has joined the growing list of airlines banning hunting trophies, two other major American airlines have also agreed to ban the transport of Africa’s Big Five onboard their vessels.
Following international outcry against trophy hunting since it emerged that Hwange National Park‘s famous lion, Cecil, was killed by an American dentist, United Airlines and American Airlines have been quick to follow suit by halting shipments of endangered species killed by hunters.
Under pressure from animal lovers, activists and a petition signed by more than 300,000 supporters, the three American airlines are setting an example in the aviation industry, and it is hoped that their actions will resonate with trophy hunters.
Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, said in a statement that “no airline should provide a get-away vehicle for the theft of Africa’s wildlife by these killers.”
Although American Airlines and United Airlines fly to fewer sub-Saharan cities than Delta Airlines, American Airlines tweeted that: “Effective immediately, we will no longer transport buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion or rhino trophies.”
To comment on this story: Download our app here - it's a troll-free safe place 🙂.
HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF AFRICA GEOGRAPHIC:
- Travel with us. Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early / late and a few kilometres off course and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity? Browse our famous packages for experience-based safaris, search for our current special offers and check out our camps & lodges for the best prices.
- Subscribe to our FREE newsletter / download our FREE app to enjoy the following benefits.
