Save Big Cats Sold to Canned Hunting Operations

Posted by Courtney Heitter 
 
Target: Janice and Rusty Gibbs, owners of Seaview Predator Park

Goal: Protect the lions and tigers of Seaview Predator Park from canned hunting operations
The Seaview Predator Park in South Africa has become a sanctuary for endangered African big cats. However, some very disturbing happenings have recently come to light: The park has allegedly sold lions and tigers to canned hunting farms as well as to farms that harvest and sell big cat bones. The lions and tigers that reside at Seaview Predator Park must be protected from extinction, not sold to kill organizations for profit.

Seaview Predator Park’s goal is to save native and non-native African species from extinction through public education and tours of its grounds. Visiting people are encouraged to stroll through the park and admire the many animals that live there. It even hosts an opportunity to come face-to-face with lions and tigers during an animal encounter. Seaview Predator Park has successfully bred countless lions and tigers. Unfortunately, it seems that a number of these majestic beasts have been sold for canned hunting and for the harvest of their bones.

The owners of the reserve, Janice and Rusty Gibbs, sold 22 lions to Tam Safaris hunting reserve, which is known for its big game and exotic animal hunts. Tam Safaris boasts over 4o different species living on a 60,000 acre plot of land, put there specifically for people who pay money to hunt and kill them. When approached about this terrible decision, Seaview Predator Park stated that all of the people who have bought lions or tigers from them were made to sign a form that ensured the animals were not to be used in canned hunting operations.

The Gibbs may have good intentions for the animals in their care. However, the couple must follow through with the animals they’ve sold to other organizations. Urge the Gibbs to become more involved with the welfare of their animals even after they’re sold, and stop the transaction if the lives of their animals are in jeopardy.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Janice and Rusty Gibbs,

Your wild animal reserve, Seaview Predator Park, has encouraged many people to care about conservation and the success of big cat species. However, recent reports have found that Seaview has sold lions and tigers to canned hunting reserves as well as to companies that harvest and sell the bones of big cats. You claim that the whereabouts of your sold lions and tigers are unknown and you do not support the canned hunting industry. I am writing to urge you to play a more vital role in the lives of all of your animals, especially those you intend to sell.
There is documentation that proves many of your big cats have been brought to the Tam Safaris hunting reserve in Eastern Cape, South Africa. This is a canned hunting reserve that prides itself on allowing wealthy people to hunt and kill big game. This is incredibly saddening and a sickening fate for already-endangered species such as lions and tigers. You must not allow this type of transaction to happen again. You must protect the big cats in your care, not transport them to their death.
Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Click this link to sign the petition!