Lion Directory

[Matias]

Interesting how naming lions makes them celebrities.

Recent deaths of “notorious” lions from natural causes increasingly viewed with great regret and sadness, bringing perceptions of familiarity and closeness and even a sense of ownership – a dubious effect. When creating celebrities for the individual there is an imbalance like the others and, many times, a disrespect for the other species. When a famous lion is injured, there is a clamor for intervention, even if the injuries are of natural causes, since its celebrity status requires greater care and attention. Easy to see this on social media.

In order to see these celebrities, a multitude of tourists disregard a multitude of animals that do not deserve a photograph for not being a famous individual. How many tourists at Sabi Sands or Serengeti keep asking their guide if this or that lion is the famous one…. If the guide declines, the tourist is discouraged to photograph him, as sub-celebrities are of no interest. To what extent can naming animals improve or worsen the conservation status of a species? Does this human behavior favor or not the species? What do lion conservation professionals think of this appeal?

Now, it's not enough to see strong, vigorous lions and other beautiful felines – it has to be that famous specimen that everyone is talking about on social media. Reply