Lion Directory

[afortich]

(04-13-2023, 05:51 AM)BA0701 Wrote:

(04-13-2023, 12:36 AM)Matias Wrote: 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.

I agree with most everything you said, but the naming of these cats also has benefits as well. People become invested in those names, they feel a connection, and wish to follow them. Through that they begin to learn so much more about the species than they might have otherwise, and they are also far more inclined to try and help them, through means like giving money to organizations trying to help these creatures, or sending an email to a politician who may be in a position to help protect them.

The people who would let a beautiful cat slip by their truck, without taking pictures of them while on safari simply because they are not the named lion they are hoping to see, should simply be seen as sad petty people. It is their loss, not the cat's, as I am sure that cat would much rather they not be there at all. If it were me, and I hope to actually take a trip to view these magnificent creatures in person, all of them, not just the cats, and I will fill memory cards up with countless images to document every creature I was fortunate enough to observe in person. So, there are some benefits to those names, and I personally believe those benefits outweigh the pettiness of a few certain individuals.

Agree with you my friend @BA0701. Those people are everywhere, all we can do is not to be like them. Reply