Female White Lion
We paid our R70 entrance fee and walked the short distance to the enclosures to see the lions. Our visit lasted about 30 minutes, and the above aside, I can’t say that it was worth the entrance fee – and can safely say that we won’t feel the need to visit again.
Just to clarify, I fully support rehabilitation and conservation projects – even those that preserve animals who could never be reintroduced into the wild. However, I found no information on Cape Town Lion Park’s website, besides for a reference to “education” to indicate that they were involved in conservation.
- Female White Lion
I think, the same counts for the Joburg Lion Park which, by the way, also accommodate white lions. I also had the feeling that this park lays its focus clearly on commercial aspects rather than conservation.
I worked as a tourist guide for 8 years and there are unfortunately a whole lot of places that have been established to make money out of (mostly) tourists that call them selves names such as “Outreach program”, “Private Game Reserve”, “Sanctuary” etc etc. They are all actually just a Zoo.
Shoulda spent the R70 to enter tygerberg zoo instead…
We visited South Africa in February and Cape Town in particular. We were advised to visit Drakenstein Lion Park near Paarl. It was a fascinating experience – they specialise in rescuing captive lions and bringing them back to health. All the enclosures were large with shade provided by tree’s or man-made structures. Definately a place to visit if you are interested in Lion conservation. The guides are very experienced and knowledgable.
Ah, yes Ali – I’m sure I’ve been there also. Was that the park that you drive through? I recall there being plenty of trees – which is far better than large sterile cages. I don’t mind the commercial aspect really as long as the animals are kept in more natural environments… the medium-size square cages doesn’t sit well with me.
Alex – too true.
Rid1, you’re actually right. I’ve heard that the Tygerberg Zoo rescues mistreated animals that can’t be reintroduced into the wild. I believe, as always, they desperately need funding.
Thanks Andy, it’s good to know. I’ll make an effort to visit and see what they’re about.
Of course, Paul. The park has a lot of trees. The problem in the lion area is that one doesn’t have enough space to drive through. Too much people use to block the ways with running motors very close to the animals. Therefore, I prefer the Rhino & Lion Park where there’s a bigger distance between lions and cars.
Yeah, you’re right Ali.
Hi Paul,
You should definitely visit Drakenstein Lion Park. What Paul Hart and his team are doing for the lions that they are accommodating is truly admirable.
The Cape Town Lion Park has actually gone through a lot of trouble trying to surf on the reputation of Drakenstein Lion Park, creating confusion down to the point of someone mixing the two up on Google maps …
While Cape Town Lion Park near Stellenbosch relates to wildlife protection and care like Adolf Hitler to human rights (ever wondered whose lions are on display … until of age to go back to the farm …?), Drakenstein on the other hand is worth every penny spent. Each animal that has found sanctuary in Drakenstein comes with a sad story of abuse. Some of them only realised that they were actually lions upon arrival at Drakenstein.
Thanks for the info Rudi – as I mentioned to Andy, I’ll be sure to visit Drakenstein.
You’re welcome!
White Lion Breeding Is Not Conservation!
As a ‘man made’ animal they are not a conservation issue. There is no official studbook for White Lions and talks of re-introduction are as dangerous as they are pointless.
The white lion is occasionally found in wildlife reserves in South Africa and is a rare color mutation of the Kruger subspecies of lion (Panthera leo krugeri). It has been perpetuated by selective breeding in zoos around the world. White lions are not a separate subspecies and they have never been common in the wild. Regarded as divine by locals, white lions first came to public attention in the 1970s in Chris McBride’s book The White Lions of Timbavati. The greatest population of white lions are in zoos where they are DELIBERATELY bred for colour.
White Lions, like White Tigers are becoming increasingly popular in Zoos. There is even talk of ‘returning’ them to the wild. This borders on the ridiculous because like the White Tiger they are a manufactured animal… something created by man. White Tiger Breeding Is Not Conservation and neither is breeding of the White Lion.
The White Lion is NOT a rare, endangered species.
The White Lion is a meal ticket for people who seek to try and use an animal that is just a little different for their own motives. It is a return to the circus freak show.
Serious zoos (good zoos) should really address the facts and not jump on the mis-propaganda bandwagon.
Luckily the Cape Town Lion Park seems to be closed! Great! Bee
I wonder what happened to the Lions BeeTee. :-/
Would be absolutely great news that this infamous place was closed!
As for the lions, I have no illusisons. For the ownere, the lions were something to make money with, one way or another. Unless they were somehow rescued, I guess they are somewhere at a canned lion hunting farm, if not already shot … Would love to learn I’m dead wrong on this one though.