A probe by the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) found that three lions at the Fairy Glen Nature Reserve in Worcester were kept unlawfully and received questionable care for burns sustained during wildfires.
Also read: Three lions euthanised after suffering severe burns in Fairy Glen blaze
Warning: The following article contains graphic content.
Grace de Lange, NSPCA chief operations officer, says one male and two female lions were ‘left vulnerable to the raging wildfires, resulting in burns that inflicted brutal suffering upon them.’
To assess and assist the lions, the NSPCA dispatched a team including a renowned veterinary expert for big cats, Dr Peter Caldwell.
Dr Caldwell is one of the top carnivore veterinarians in the world. According to the statement, the NSPCA and Dr Caldwell found that the treatment plan for the animals was ‘highly questionable’.
‘Despite Fairy Glen procuring veterinary treatment for the animals, the treatment plan was highly questionable, with the lions left under conditions in which continued suffering was apparent.
‘At that stage, only one lion was treated. The situation was exacerbated by the fact that treatment for the two lionesses was only initiated on Tuesday, 30 January 2024 – four days after the lions were burnt.’
The NSPCA found that the lions sustained serious burns to their paws, eyes, mouths and chests alongside secondary infections. ‘Burn wounds were observed on the male lion’s tongue and the lions were left extremely dehydrated.
‘It was apparent that one female lion was too weak to stand up. The lions were left in confinement for six days after sustaining the burns, with the male having pressure sores from being immobile.’
According to the NSCPA, the male lion kept his hind paw in a dirty water trough in an attempt to soothe his pain, even though it could not stand or move around.
‘Dr Caldwell distressingly explained that all three lions were supposed to be in intensive care.’
The lions were subsequently euthanised after due consideration for their well-being and in light of their injuries. The NSPCA ensured the incineration and safe disposal of the carcasses to prevent the bones channelled to the black market.
Furthermore, the organisation also found that the camps in which the lions were kept were too small compared to provincial regulations, which require at least half a hectare per lion.
The camps were reportedly ‘soiled with rotting chicken carcasses, infested with maggots’, and Fairy Glen also did not have a license in terms of the Performing Animals Protection Act 24 of 1935 for the animals.
This despite in essence operating as a zoo, with animals confined and exhibited for profit, the organisation said.
It adds that the NSPCA is considering ‘its next steps to ensure that those who are responsible for the immense and continued suffering of these sentient beings are brought to book.’
The South African Predator Association (SAPA) has also withdrawn their proposed donation of three lions to Fairy Glen. In its latest statement, SAPA said the issue will be addressed during a trustees’ meeting.
‘The fire did not originate at Fairy Glen, but it resulted in significant damage to the farm, leading to the destruction of several buildings. There are currently no imminent plans to relocate any lions to Fairy Glen.’
Also read:
SAPA donates three lions to Fairy Glen Nature Reserve after wildfire loss
Picture: Fairy Glen Nature Reserve / Facebook
