There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
(02-05-2022, 08:51 PM)Hello Wrote: Not all reserves are semi-wild, there are some reserves in South Africa where lions are also fed additionally. For instance, take a look at lions from Aquila and Gondwana reserve.
*This image is copyright of its original author
Aquila game reserve
*This image is copyright of its original author
Gondwana reserve
These lions don't even look close to their wild counterparts as they have little amount of fat on them. The heavy manes on theses lions are entirely dependent on the climate.
Generally reserves have sometimes captive ones and wild ones. Reserve generally have nothing to do with captive animals and they shouldnt be linked to that. But some offer hunting and so on (Selati Game Reserve). Just because a lion is overweight it doesnt mean he is captive but the assumption is reasonable of course.
The second lion doesnt look fat and looks quite normal but he is gorged
Private hunting reserves really shouldn’t be considered truly wild. They are more of a hybrid between captive and wild.
No wild reserve has captive cats nor do they offer baits or control breedings and offspring. *unless a study is being done* Truly wild cats live a very different lifestyle. For instance, Smutts captured 300+ Lions, the largest ever weighed was 225kg but now you see claims of 280kg plus Lions in the same parks? Nothings changed, in fact there is less natural prey and land now compared to then. Unfortunately most of these parks survive off of Hunters dollars and the best way to get their money is to claim you have the largest lions. In modern days, the scientific community is the only reliable option while years past when hunting was much more limited to certain individuals, hunting weights were a better option.