How long can the programme continue producing lion cubs for eventual reintroduction into the wild?
At present, through controlled breeding, the programme produces an average of 12 lion cubs per year. We believe the African lion population is decreasing by substantially more than 12 lions per year and there are a lot of areas in Africa that have the right conditions to facilitate Stage 2 of the programme. Remember that we are not talking about one area or country here, but an entire continent. Once these magnificent predators roamed freely in many areas and their absence has left an imbalance in the ecosystem. The reintroduction programme is an attempt to restore this balance and breeding numbers can be increased when necessary.
