Lions
Prayer Circles
A Call to Pray for Lions
It is a spiritual truth that if one does not value something, one loses it.
How much do we value lions? Are the lions of Africa leaving us? It is almost inconceivable to imagine Africa without lions. Whether you have been to Africa or not, the lions that live there are our heritage, humanity’s heritage. You may ask, “why are we helping just lions?” The answer is because it is a thing that touched our hearts and inspired us on our trip (to South Africa). And because we feel called.
In compassion,
How Are Lions Under Threat?
Lion populations are declining rapidly. The African Lions’ home range has decreased by 75% in the last 50 years and the population of these majestic animals has declined by an estimated 42% in just 2 decades. It is sobering fact that over 65% of the lion population in South Africa are held in captive breeding facilities, rather than living a natural, free-roaming life. The South African wild lion population, mainly living in protected reserves, accounts for around 35% of all lions worldwide.
Lions have joined other iconic African animals on the list of species that are threatened by the illegal wildlife trade. As Tiger populations have become more fiercely protected, the trade has turned to lions to satisfy the demand for felid “products”. Poachers are now using poisoned carcasses, with a shocking impact on the wider ecosystem. Scavengers, such as jackals, hyaena, vultures are dying along with the lions.
Many organisations such as The Global White Lion Protection Trust and The Endangered Wildlife Trust are championing preservation of habitat, protection from poaching and the illegal wildlife trade and providing grassroots education to promote understanding and minimise human-animal conflict.
Join us in our prayers to protect the dignity and survival of these sacred beings.
