Belfast Zoo's Barbary Lions Condemned as 'Gimmick'

(c) Barbarylion.com

Animal protection campaigners have dismissed Belfast Zoo's new Barbary Lion 'exhibit' as a gimmick to raise publicity and increase tourism.

Belfast Zoo recently had a grand opening of the lion house following the arrival of three Barbary Lions from Port Lympne zoo in Kent.

Originally inhabiting Northern Africa, from Morocco to Egypt, Barbary Lions have been extinct in the wild since the last one was shot dead by a hunter in the early 1920s. A small number, just a few dozen, are alive in captivity today. Eleven of these have been existing at Port Lympne Zoo in Kent.

Barbary Lions are believed to be the sub-species used in the Roman's gladiatorial contests, and were increasingly persecuted and killed as their habitats were encroached by humans.

Craig Redmond, Campaigns Officer for the Captive Animals' Protection Society
said: "The role of zoos is increasingly being questioned, not only on ethical grounds but also for conservation reasons. There is clearly no chance that Barbary Lions will ever live in their natural habitat again, which means that their existence in zoos is purely as a living museum piece.

"Captive breeding in zoos plays no significant role in conservation, particularly with species such as big cats. Even Belfast Zoo appear unconvinced that the lions could be reintroduced to their native land, and it is unlikely that the humans now populating the areas would accept the reintroduction of a large predator even if could be done."

Mr Redmond added: "Barbary Lions stand out because of their large size and big dark mane which extends underneath their body onto their belly. Could it be this unique look, and the added 'attraction' of being extinct in the wild that makes them so appealing to Belfast Zoo? Certainly, zoos and aquariums worldwide are competing to have animals that their competitors don't have."

Barbary Lion.com

Captive Animals Protection Society (CAPS)