May 8, 2007
The African Lion’s Tale Of Woe?
What can you expect on an African lion safari? The African lion once ruled the wilds of Africa. Today, it has been humbled to the extent where it’s future is a little shaky, in fact, there is still a possibility this king of the animal kingdom may have to relinquish it’s crown because of a little thing called progress.
So what cost progress? In lion terms, it’s been heavy. If an African lion safari is something you crave then it might be a good idea to make the trip sooner rather than later.
Did You Know?
Outside Africa, Canada offers a rare insight to the mighty lion. An African Lion Safari Park is situated about 80 kilometers west of Toronto and draws thousands of visitors each year. In fact, it’s a virtual wildlife sanctuary as the lion is not the only attraction.
The Lion’s Demise
The african lion’s numbers have been a cause for great concern in recent times in fact, there has even been talk of extinction. It’s a dirty word in the world of conservation and while the lion presents as a creature of indestructible dimensions, the sad fact is, the one creature on the planet capable of wiping it out, man, has been responsible for it’s dwindling numbers.
Take for example just over 100 years ago, the African lion was around in numbers south of the Sahara desert. Today, it’s almost got to the stage where the only place you can see the king of the beasts in it’s “natural habitat” are large conservation parks. The reason; man’s yearning for progress.
Keeping The African Lion On The Planet
In some parts of Africa the sounds of the lion are no longer heard. It has succumbed to the tunes of progress and has vanished from areas where it once ruled.
Free ranging lions are now in the minority but there is a glimmer of hope in the shape of some hardy individuals hell bent on ensuring the lion’s survival. Why does it seem like such a lone battle? Amazing as it sounds, while conservation groups realize the predicament at the moment, convincing those in authority with the power and the finance to fund rescue operations has been a little retarded.
In Central and Western Africa, free ranging lion populations are critically low and it’s been a tough battle to keep the big cat’s future on the up and up.
The Best Lion Safari Destinations
Despite the gloom and doom over the lion’s preservation in Africa, there is little doubt an African lion safari is still the preferred choice for many would be adventurers.
When you visit your local zoo, which animal holds the biggest mystique? The big cat with the flowing mane always attracts a crowd. Botswana and Kenya are two excellent destinations to see the lion in all it’s glory under the strict supervision of guided tours. South Africa’s Kruger National Reserve is also a popular choice for lion lovers. And don’t forget the magnificent Serengeti!
