I hate to tell you but they are already doing that. The countries that have these magnificent animals do not have the resources to protect them especially when you have backward nations like China and Japan, etc paying large sums of money for hides and items they think will make them heal faster or be more virulent. an example is Japan butchering the whales using the excuse that it is for research, which is BS and everyone knows it. Our Problem is we are stupid enough to allow this to happen. Once these great creatures are gone they will be seen no more. You want to stop it, then bring in UN troops, and shoot anyone that is caught poaching. The answer is severe, but then again the outcome of doing nothing is even more severe.

I would hardly describe the most technologically advanced country in the world as "backward", but as long as it continues to be profitable there will continue to be whalers regardless of where they originate.

OK, so how do we stop humans apparent indiscriminate reproduction? Apparently we're not smart enough to do it our own. When governments like China force it we think they're animals. How about levying very high taxes on every kid past the second one? How is that going to work in impoverished countries where people have nothing to tax? Forced sterilization? Voluntary sterilization and you pay a huge tax if you don't get sterilized after the second child?

Are there any easy answers?

What if aliens are circling the planet observing us. What must they think of us?

Yes, and the fact that Japan is one of the world's more advanced countries makes their whale hunting even more egregious. They should know better and be setting an example for the rest of Asia.

The only way the lion population would ever survive is if they could eat people to keep the population down.

When the AVERAGE number of children born to a woman in many African countries is between 4 and 6 no amount of land will be enough for just the people to survive in just a couple of generations much less leave any for animals.

People scream about global warming but way before the costal cities are under water you will have hoards of starving people invading to get food

Every picture I have seen with African people in it has numerous children under age 10. Can we ever convince them that it is no longer "macho" (or whatever African term equates to macho) to continue breeding until you die? Other species share this planet, and are entitled to live out their lives. The killing of lions - sometimes with a very vicious poison - is disgraceful.

John - way before the coastal cities are under water you will have hoards of starving people invading to get food.

Mexicans are already fishing illegally in U.S. waters because they say their fish are all gone.

Markl323, your arrogance is astounding. Go count your money again... because that is truly all you are worth.

Every package of aid that is handed out needs to come with the requirement to use birth control.

It seems horrible to say...I know it is...but it almost seems ironic that we in the west are bombarded with images and promos of starving children and that thousands of children die every day...yet we are still over-populating the earth. It's almost like we have a choice; save the animals or save ourselves. I hate to say it, but if we save ourselves, we're almost certain to save a spot in the future for the total decimation of this planet.

I would gladly swerve out of the way to avoid hitting an animal, even if it meant nailing a person in the process. This planet is quickly going down the @!$%#ter anyway. Either we need to start spreading outwards in the solar system or we need a pandemic to wipe a large portion of people out. Otherwise we're just going to keep demolishing the place we live.

#1.11 Jomo: Your comments are so irresponsible, it's sickening. I hope you are banned from this forum for sheer stupidity, troll.

#1.12 Ojibobo: Right on.

Well Jomo, as to your generous offer in the final line of your inane rant, I'll have to say "No thanks, but I appreciate the offer". Secondly, you're missing the point.... Once the Lions are gone, they are gone forever.....(At least until we can really get that Jurassic Park thing off the ground) It ain't like we are EVER gonna run out of Africans.... Besides, if Ol' Evil Whitey runs out of lions to hunt, do you REALLY want to see what they'll turn to next??? Be careful what you wish for!!

"What is man without the beasts? If all the beasts were gone, man would die from a great loneliness of the spirit. For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man.” - Chief Seattle, 1854

Lions are dying, SO WHAT! There are human beings in that area of the world that are dying and sometimes at the paws & teeth of these vicious beast.

Please tell us you haven't reproduced.

<sigh>

Don

I don't know if you have seen it but what you describe is the scene in "Soylent Green" when the old man is being put to sleep. Somehow, I don't see you being too far off.

Mommeeee, what was nature?

We've extinguished our own North American roaming herds in the last 200 years. Why not the rest of the world. Suppose anyone cared we slaughtered our own native bison herds to near extinction? Who cried out then? Did anyone care when the last roosting/nesting area of the passenger pigeon was pillaged for market? Need I go on or do you get the point?

Our species will continue to plunder everything as we breed ourselves into extinction. A sad picture. What invading Europeans did to America, human over-breeding populations will do to ALL areas of this earth. Like it or not the BIG problem is too many people. Reducing birth rates will help many of these problems.

On a happier note: Life will continue on this planet even if only roaches, rats and bacteria.

#1.19 Hope - On a happier note: Life will continue on this planet even if only roaches, rats and bacteria.

But the planet, God bless Her soul - is crying over how her children have exploited Her gifts.

Soylent Green Euthanasia Scene/Ending (favorite scene) - YouTube

It is Coming to a World Theatre Near YOU!!

Enjoy this sneak preview.

African Lions, the new North America Wolf.

Such disgusting animals Humans are.

Unless ALL peoples of this earth will understand HOW important all life on this earth is, this is going to continue. How very sad. We are the stewards of this earth, we should know better. But all we to is eff it up. I am crying for those who cannot speak.

#1.23 justhefax, "Bless the beasts and the children. They have no voice, they have no choice."

Africans killing/eating lions, driving them to extinction is the direct result of oppressions and exploitations by Whites.

white people should watch some real documentaries for a change, especially those tree-huggers. and I mean some real documentaries, not those "oh lets save some cute whales...it makes me feel sooo much better than everyone else!!!" kinda documentaries.

White folks giving others moral lessons? who would take you seriously? SERIOUSLY?

Get over the whole race thing. This isn't about color - it's about the fact that mankind is breeding out of control. We just need a really good plague to wipe out about 6 billion of us. Then maybe the rest of the animal population can begin to recover. If no plague, then I guess eventually we will have to start eating each other because we will have destroyed all other life forms...disgusting.

The Lion population is dwindling because Deers and Antelopes are using pretty good Night Vision to spot the lions

I keep waiting for Carl to notice that those two banjo picking yahoos do not have NVGs.

Love that commercial. Hey Carl, ever thought of going Vegan?

I saw that lion in a gun shop yesterday. He was buying flash-bang grenades!!!!

Shar, I've been to several zoos, and pretty much all of them have lions, and elephants too. That isn't the point. The problem is loss of their natural habitat, rendering them extinct in the WILD. And that problem is only going to get worse as more humans are born. No offense, but how do you propose we should address the problem of human overpopulation? Because no effort to save wild creatures will have any effect whatsoever if we don't start controlling our own numbers.

The over-population problem not only affects the worlds wildlife populations but also the climate change issues which we are wittnessing. Unfortunately, the world has no leaders that are willing to stand up and say that which needs to be said. This is not a political (left vs. right) issue. This is an issue which all humans, and this beautiful planet must face up to. We must take steps to limit the use of our limited resources such that the planet has time to replenish itself.

In addition, if the animals die out in the wild then the populations in captivity will also be effected. There are only so many gene pools in captive lions. After a very short period of time there is inbreeding and you'll see genetic diseases decimating the captive population. The ONLY alternative is to make it an international CRIME to poach and I agree that the poachers should face some serious punishment. Maybe not kill them, but make it IMPOSSIBLE for them to ever poach again by taking their hands or their eyes.

Ahh... How do you comment... Love the lion hate the people.. yet its the people that call for conservation. It is us who set up conservation areas, parks, even controlled hunts, but (from most of the post) People are the wicked, evil blight upon the "beautiful blue marble". Africa has a problem and it's not too few lions. I tell you what. Spend energy doing something for the people and the Lions and any other creature there will be saved:

Fifteen CountriesThere are currently fifteen African countries involved in war, or are experiencing post-war conflict and tension. In West Africa, the countries include Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Togo. In East Africa, the countries include Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda. In Central Africa, the countries include Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda. In North Africa, the country is Algeria and in South Africa, the countries include Angola and Zimbabwe.

The Base of the Wars At the base of these wars is the rich natural resources each of these poor countries hold of timber, oil or diamonds, compounded in many cases by the foreign extractive industries presence, their opaque, unreported payments to the governments and the governments' opaque, unreported use of the money to create and fund wars. The wars serve the purpose of creating a distraction, as the countries and their fleeing, displaced citizens are robbed of their countries' natural resources, easily converted to cash, for the personal use and fortunes of ruling parties. Tribal conflict is deliberately antagonized, so it can be blamed for the conflict.

http://www.africasunnews.com/wars.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/06/world/africa/in-south-sudan-massacre-of-3000-is-reported.html?_r=2&ref=global-home

Focus on the people and there plight and you will save the lion... if you focus on the lion, rhino, elephant then we will lose the people AND the lion, rhino, elephant.

Luk 10:30-37 KJV And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. (31) And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. (32) And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. (33) But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, (34) And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. (35) And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. (36) Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? (37) And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Lions could be a lucrative new market for the gun companies! Support your right to arm bears! And lions!

If you don't intend to eat it, don't hunt it!

Even Jeffry Dahmer followed that rule!!!!!!

JFC-3426249

Trophy hunting is the 'sport' of choice for big fat older white guys with two-digit IQ's and short dicks.

It appears that some are not aware that hunters are the most ardent protectors of wildlife.

"If you don't intend to eat it, don't hunt it!..."

I assure you that all animals killed by licensed hunters are consumed, mostly by the natives. Yes, even lions.

@spike322306, It's amazing how your imagination runs wild. The Africans are given the meat of the Wild Beast that the White Hunters KIll for sport. YEAH, JUST LIKE THE BUFFALO THAT WAS KILLED OUT WEST BY THE WHITE HUNTERS WERE GIVEN TO THE INDIANS. Most of these animals were killed and their heads, teeth or paws were taken and the flesh was left to rot in the jungle.

Jomo,

Actually READ what I posted, not what you imagined that I posted. Nothing about buffalo or history, just that the animals killed by hunters are consumed, and that hunters are ardent conservationists.

Spike... don't get worked up too much... I'm a Christian.. and I love science... They say that is impossible and not true... You said (referring to hunters) They are hunters and Conservationists.. They look at those things as antithetical and non compatible... I agree with you but many here (the left) will only hear... "hunter... Bad... your part of the problem". It's not true but that will be the message that will get across.

People, your emotions may lead you in a path which doesn't line up with reality; please hear me out. If you read the last line of the article, it stated there are "...hunters ...bringing back ... lion trophies from Africa, where some countries with healthy populations allow legal hunts". Notice, countries with healthy populations allow legal hunts. Let that sink in for a while... Have you ever wondered why there are healthy populations where there is hunting? In the real, factual world, where animals have value to the land where they live, whether financial (license fees paid by hunters) or sustenance (plainly, meat) to local population, they are valued by those who live there. You will likely not find poachers that indiscriminately mow down lion prides for their foreign "medicinal" benefits; instead, there are local human populations guarding that which brings them benefit. Those that sneer at 'trophy hunting' fail to realize the number of game that is willingly passed up, often in an entire season - yes, going home empty-handed is a very real possibility. Back to lions; I have been educated to the ethical manner in which sport, yes... sport hunters (I'm surprised you're still reading, but it may shed light on an aspect you were never aware of) will not shoot a male within a pride, because doing so automatically destroys the entire population of cubs, when other males take over and kill those that are not of their making; rather, they will go to the extra effort to find the males that have already been ousted. Whether or not you believe me, I appreciate the decency of your attention.

JFC-3426249

"it's sad.....hunting is the most rediculous thing (not even a sport.....the animal has no chance)"

Hunting is the single most effective tool to manage wildlife populations.
Those who just put down hunting have no idea how it is hunters that are the single biggest source of funding for all wildlife conservation,not just big game,or "trophy" animals. Hunters pay for licenses,tags,permits,food,fuel,lodging,and support local econmies both in the U.S. and in many African countries. Here in the U.S. hunters pay an extra 11% excise tax on our guns and ammunition that must,by law,be used for wildlife conservation.
Hunting groups/orgs. such as the National Wild Turkey Federation,Ducks Unlimited,The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation,Whitetails Forever,and many,many more national,state,and local groups have done more for wildlife conservation than ALL of the animal "rights"/animal "welfare" groups EVER have,or ever will.
Hunters are the reason that big game populations are at healthy levels in North america,and the reason that waterfowl populations are at much higher levels now than at any time in the past 100 years.

State wildlife agencies manage wildlife for healthy populations and sustainable harvests,all are funded by hunters-through sales of licenses,tags,permits and use permits for state and national forests.

So,before you go and shoot off your mouth about hunting and hunters-do some research into the actual FACTS-and you will discover that it is hunters who do the MOST for wildlife conservation,by helping one species,we help all species of animals in an ecosystem.

Hunters do NOT hunt animals to extinction-the last time that happened was when commercial market hunters hunted the passenger pigeon into extinction-since then,it is hunters who have lead the efforts for wildlife conservation,and who have funded the vast majoeirty of wuildlife conservation.

ORB 1943

JFC-3426249

"Trophy hunting is the 'sport' of choice for big fat older white guys with two-digit IQ's and short dicks"

WOW,prejudice much?

Talk about two digit IQ's-obviously that is what YOU have-

Do some actual research-the "trophy hunters" who go to Africa support entire regions with the money they spend to hunt there,game is managed there following the North American model of wildlife management-which is to manage game species so that there are healthy populations which support a SUSTAINABLE harvest.
When these hunters go to Africa,they game they harvest feeds entire villages,they support local schools and hospitals with the money they pay their LOCAL guides and trackers,plus the support staff at the hunting camp-the cooks,housekeeping staff,maintenance staff etc.

If you were not brainwashed by groups like PETA,HSUS,The Center for Biologic Diversity,Wild Earth Guardians,Defenders of Wildlife-a group that has earned the nickname "Destroyers of Wildlife" with their insane polices-and the rest of the anti-hunting zealots who have no clue how animals live in the real world,and most of who's members and staff have never spent a night in the backcountry anywhere- then YOU would actually comprehend that it IS HUNTERS and HUNTING that are the reason that wildlife populations are at healthy levels in the vast majority of the U.S.

HUNTERS funded the system of national wildlife refuges in the U.S., HUNTERS (and fishermen/women) fund the fish and game agencies of every U.S. state,HUNTERS fund a large portion of the USFWS budget.

I hunt-I EAT the meat from the game I harvest-it's much healthier than the BS sold as meat in U.S. grocery stores-meat from wild game has less fat,more protien,no hormones,no antibiotics,no chemical additives of any kind-whats in the meat you eat?

Right, and we all know what a terrific job they've done at it so far!

It may be happening in Africa, but it's everyone's planet. If the local governments are too corrupt, shortsighted or dysfunctional to steward their own environments, then it's absolutely incumbent upon more effective agencies to step in and pick up the slack wherever they can.

We, as a species will end up paying the price for Africa's rampant brutality, greed and ineptitude.

The other problem that isn't addressed, is the governments are so corrupt. Even sending supplies, the people are taxed, or the supplies are stolen and don't get to the final destination. The overpopulation of the world is proven with a direct correlation with the greenhouse effect!

Well unfortunately it is not our right to violate their sovereignty. We can't pick and choose to follow international law when it is convenient for us. Everyone knows the U.S. likes democracy, except when it doesn't work out in our favor.

These dying animal populations are the world's problem - not one country, not one region. I know it's hard for many people to accept this, but we all live on this planet together whether we're in Africa, China, Brazil, America - we are all on planet Earth. Thinking that everything can really be handled on a country by country basis just won't cut it on a lot of issues that affect the whole planet. When this planet is over populated to the point that the resources of the world won't support humanity anymore, the amount of dollars in your bank account isn't going to matter.

Serenity

"Small pockets of habitats lead to in-breeding and disease. Also, trophy hunters are targeting mature large males thereby narrowing the available genetic pool. As one comment said, they will become extinct soon."

There are VAST tracts of land set aside in many African countries for wildlife.
Trophy hunters in Africa must,by law,use local guides/outfitters-these people make their living off of guiding hunters on successful hunts,they manage game populations-they do NOT harm the population of the species they hunt-the guides/outfitters manage the game populations for SUSTAINABLE harvest by hunters-that means only animals that have been able to breed for several years are harvested,thereby insuring that the genes are passed on.

It's not that difficult-if you actually knew anything about hunting , hunters, game management,and wildlife conservation-then you would understand that the hunters actually HELP the population of the species they are hunting-they take older animals that are past their prime breeding age-the younger animals that are in their prime breeding years are not harvested,only mature animals are harvested.

Think about it-if there is not a stable population of game animals,which can support a sustainable harvest-then the guides/outfitters go out of buisness.That is why they pay close attention to the local populations,and base the harvest of animals accordingly.

Blame the west...........Africa was doing just great until the civilized countries thought it was a shame that these folks had to live the way they do. We forced our religion, our medicine and culture on them and walla, all of a sudden they are reproducing like rabbits, the survival rates are high and now there isn't enough land to substain the population. There is no longer a balance and wildlife is the casualty.

"...Africa was doing just great..."

Doing fine? I suggest doing some reading. A biography of Henry Morton Stanley would be a good start.

Dale- 539662

"We forced our religion, our medicine and culture on them and walla, all of a sudden they are reproducing like rabbits, the survival rates are high and now there isn't enough land to substain the population."

The introduction of western religion occurred a couple hundred years ago,niether that,nor medicine, nor western culture changed the birth rate-the women in a lot of African countries have always had large numbers of children because some were expected to not survive.
There is more than enough land to sustain the population-the problem is lack of knowledge of modern agricultural practices,ineffiecient methods of raising animals for food,excess land clearing destroying wildlife habitat,natural resource extraction methods that pollute far too much,and leave land unsuitable for farming or raising animals.

The wildlife is doing very well in some countries,in these countries,the people have learned to manage the game populations for sustainable harvest,and stopped the practice of hunting "bush meat" for day to day survival.
Poaching is a huge problem,and is being dealt with more severely in more countries.
The countries that stopped hunting "bush meat",deal with poaching, and have hunting preserves,ranches,etc. have healthy wildlife populations-that is why some countries still allow lion hunting.
It is hunting and hunters that are keeping the wildlfie populations healthy in these countries.

Acoustictherapy

"There is no justification for the slaughter of these beautiful creatures, and one can only wonder what sort of God would let such acts continue, and even accelerate"

Notuice that the article stated that some countries that have healthy populations of lions allow hunting.

The reason that these countries do allow hunting is that the outfitters/guides who take clients on hunts manage the wildlife,and game animals in these countries.
The game is managed for a sustainable harvest,only mature animals that have had a chance to breed for several years are harvested,this allows their genes to be passed on,insuring genetic diversity in the population.
The populations are carefully monitored before,during and after each hunting season,so that a harvest number can be arrived at for the next season that will insure a healthy population.
It is hunters,and the guides/outfitters in these countries that keep the populations at healthy levels,and provide jobs to local people.

Hunting and hunters support entire regions in Africa,as they do in North America. Hunters buy many things locally,food,fuel,lodging,ammunition,clothing,etc. we help local economies,and manage wildlife /game populations to insure there will always be a healthy population,and some animals can be harvested each hunting season.

Instead of putting down hunters,why not do some actual research,and you will find that it is hunters,and hunters groups/orgs. that have done,continue to do,and always will do far,far more for wildlife conservation than ALL of the animal "rights" groups/orgs EVER have,or ever will.

Imbecile.

Or, just play Justin Beiber records over a PA system. Big cats have remarkably sophisticated musical taste.

Actually, the Gates Foundation will spend more than 1 billion in the next 8 years to increase access to contraceptives "in the developing world."

So succinctly stated. Now, what can we do about this?

My idea is that the load of humans on this planet is already too great to sustain. Birth control and reducing the population by at least 25% MIGHT give us a chance to survive here. Nothing else will. (BTW I don't have any children.)

Yeah - save the world or save the twinkie. Which to you think really caused more concern for most Americans? The writing is on the wall yet most Americans carry on business as usual.

Better learn to harvest water from your roof, plant a giant garden, and learn some survival skills.

Do you not realize that when a species become extinct the WHOLE entire ecosystem is dissrupted and how long it takes to repair? People like you only care about the human's next generation but never realize there is not going to be anymore generations if we keep killing off everything! Get educated.

When Lion cubs are away from the den and with the mother, they are with her to learn how to hunt. No need to interview, just common sense which is something you either are lacking or fail to grasp. So sad for you to live so ignorant.

What do you think the lions were doing among the cattle, looking for opponents for a brisk game of chess?

If you want to stop world hunger, stop sending them food. Don't send these people another bit folks. You want to send them something, you want to help? Send them U-hauls. Send them U-hauls, some luggage, and send them a guy that goes Hey, we've been driving out here every day with your food for the last thirty or forty years, and we were driving out here, through the desert and it occurred to us that there wouldn't be world hunger if you people lived where the food is! Get out of the desert! You live in a ******* desert! Nothing grows out here! Nothings gonna grow out here! Come here you see this huh? This is sand. You know what it's going to be in another hundred years from now? It's gonna be sand!" "Get your kids, get your ****... We'll take you to where the food is! We have deserts in America, we just don't live in them

Would it not make more sense, a la Sam Kinison, to take the lions to where the food is?

One of his most hilarious bits. He may have been abrasive, but I still miss him.