WORLD LION DAY is Sunday, August 10. It’s a day to acknowledge the threats to this majestic species, which is vital to the balance of nature in Africa.

Lions in the wild are in serious decline, classified by the IUCN as ‘largely depleted.’ A 2014 population estimate reported 23,000 individuals, but some sources are reporting numbers as low as 13,500 individuals.

Although there are varied threats to the survival of lions in the wild, there is no doubt that their use in zoos, circuses, as exotic pets, and for hunting reduces them to objects of entertainment – something to be used and disposed of rather than a species with the right to life and their part to play in the environment. They are earthlings, too.

In the wild, trophy hunters have been allowed to asset strip lions of their genetic diversity. We may never know what has already been lost from the gene pool in terms of disease resistance, longevity, physical strength, or character traits vital to their society. These magnificent animals that exemplify courage, dignity, and loyalty are slipping away.

At the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary (ADIWS) in South Africa, we provide a forever home to lions rescued from circuses, the pet trade, and other forms of entertainment. We offer them a life of respect, loving kindness, space and freedom to move, as close as possible to what nature intended. Kesari had been unable to join a family group at Pretoria Zoo and was living alone. The Zoo did not want to put him up for auction in case he arrived in the sights of a trophy hunter, so they waited two years until our friends at Captured in Africa contacted ADI and we gave him his forever home. Our largest lion resident, Kesari now spends his days lounging, roaming his 2.5 acre habitat, and joining the lion song with that incredible roar!

When David was rescued by ADI in 2014, he was afraid to leave his tiny circus cage in Peru. He was born in the cage and had never left it. Finally, he was coaxed out and taken to ADI’s Temporary Rescue Unit in Peru, where he was cared for and his confidence began to grow. We brought him to ADIWS, and he now has almost four acres where he can run and play. That nervous lion, who feared life outside a cage, is long gone. David is a symbol of strength, resilience, and the beauty of transformation.

Due to inbreeding, health problems from malnutrition, mutilation – often their toes are cut off to prevent their claws from growing (their main hunting tool), as well as the risk of cross-species infections – diseases picked up from being in close proximity to humans and other animals they would not normally meet, our lions cannot return to the wild. At ADIWS we offer them protection and care for life.

Let’s make this World Lion Day one where we amplify our efforts to end the suffering of lions in captivity – whether in zoos, circuses, or the pet trade – and protect them in the wild.

Here’s how you can make an impact::

• Help get lions out of circus cages – join our Stop Circus Suffering campaign.

• Shop our World Lion Day collection on our US store | UK store to adopt one of our beloved lions, order a beautiful lion canvas print, or purchase our “Ban Trophy Hunting” and “Empty the Cages” lion apparel.

• Donate to ADI today to help end the suffering of lions in captivity and protect their environments: Donate US $ I CA $ | Donate UK £, Euros, Rand

Help us give them the best life we can. As always, your support is appreciated.