For anyone who loves big cats, the thought of killing one for sport is something that never, ever crosses your mind. Sadly, we live in a world where not everyone agrees. We don’t need to go on, but chances are if you’re reading this, you agree with us–and that’s all that matters here. But recently in South Africa, a Canadian couple named Darren and Carolyn Carter, from Edmonton, Alberta took part in a guided poaching tour via Legelela Safaris. The couple who happens to run a taxidermy shop and killed a defenseless male lion, and to make matters worse, they felt the need to take a “romantic” photo of themselves kissing next to the slain lion. Yes, I was as infuriated and heartbroken as you when I read that. (And as of this article, the couple, the poaching tour company, and the original Facebook posting has been removed. Good riddance!)
Photo property of Cat Man Chris / Chris Poole ~ Lion Nero – Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary, South Africa
Daily Mail caught wind of the images, specifically the sick kissing image, and shared the news with the world this morning, the 17th of July. We’re going to share the images with you below, please brace yourself.
The images which have sickened and saddened animal lovers worldwide:
And clearly not feeling ashamed or at all sorry for their heinous act, the couple captioned the image: “Hard work in the hot Kalahari sun…well done. A monster lion.”
For the other image, standing beside a slain female lion, the deranged couple chose: “There is nothing like hunting the king of the jungle in the sands of the Kalahari.”
The sick woman smiling for the cameras. My blood is boiling just looking at this!!!
I don’t care who you are, but what they did was wrong. And publicly shaming them is not enough because it will not bring back to life these majestic creatures that were most likely bred specifically for the purpose of sport killing. According to Eduardo Goncalves, the founder of the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting, he assumes that these lions were held captive and bred for the sole purpose of being killed by hunters.
Photo property of Cat Man Chris / Chris Poole
The Carters chose not to comment, not that anyone actually cares what they have to say. When questioned by the Daily Mirror on their disgusting act, they claimed: “We aren’t interested in commenting on that at all. It’s too political.”
Photo property of Cat Man Chris / Chris Poole ~ Tristan at Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary, South Africa
Sounds to me like they aren’t apologetic one bit. And like I’ve always said, you can’t argue with stupid!
The founder and president of PETA took matters into her own hands too. To show her disapproval of what these trophy hunters did:
Darren & Carolyn Carter & the lion whose life they snuffed out for kicks in South Africa. YOU can share your thoughts with them at their taxidermy biz in Alberta: 1-780-690-6911. https://t.co/29Efl7RosJ
— Ingrid Newkirk (@IngridNewkirk) July 15, 2019
PETA officially responded to the disturbing image, renewing their cry for bans on trophy hunting worldwide: “The vast majority of people oppose trophy hunting. We must continue to make our voices heard and force businesses and lawmakers to listen.”
Photo property of Cat Man Chris / Chris Poole
Sad trophy hunting stats that must be known:
Trophy hunting occurs in at least 63 countries, over one-third of them on the African continent. Places like Zimbabwe have long been popular destinations for American hunters, who spend thousands of dollars for the chance to shoot iconic species. Around 80% of all trophy hunters worldwide are Americans. And in 2017 alone, 650,000 animal “trophies” were imported into the U.S.
We must do our part for these poor animals that do not have a voice to speak for themselves. Bringing awareness is the best way, so share this post, make your voice heard, and do your part to ban trophy hunting!
Photo: Mufasa and Soraya ~ white lion Mufasa was to be auctioned off for hunting! (See story below)
If we don’t, our children’s children may never have a chance to know the beauty of these vulnerable species that are being murdered for fun. Trophy hunting is NOT a sport. This is not hunting where you plan to eat the meat and feed your family. You are a cowardly murderer and I hope you all burn in hell. And you know what? I’m not the only one who thinks that! Have a heart and appreciate these animals, preserve and protect them, and never, ever kill them.
Photo property of Cat Man Chris / Chris Poole. Tristan and Cat Man Chris at Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary, South Africa
I mean this with all sincerity when I say that I wish I could poach the Carters, as well as other poachers, from the planet earth. Animals are beautiful and you are ugly inside to ever hurt them. Shame on all of you!
Photo property of Cat Man Chris / Chris Poole. Tau always looks like he just got back from the hair salon ~ Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary, South Africa
REMEMBER: BIG CATS DON’T MAKE GOOD PETS (OR TROPHIES!); THEY BELONG IN THE WILD!
Related Story: Majestic White Lion Denied Life of Sanctuary; Officials Want to Auction Him Off To Trophy Hunters!
Related Story: Witness Protection For 4 Big Cats FINALLY Ends After Years Of Secrecy!
Related Story: Male Lion Fears The Worst When Surrounded By 20 Hyenas–Until A Familiar Face Steps In!
The first step should be to ban the import of animal trophies onto the US. There are some restrictions on a few endangered animals but lions and other African cats are allowed, as are elephants, hippos, rhinos, crocodiles, and a host of hooved animals. Trophy import is big business and they have a strong lobby.
The only way to shoot big game is with a camera. Period. The. End.
Hunters are nothing more than murderers! I hope those losers fry in hell where they belong!