Wildlife

Trophy Hunting and Animal Welfare

Trophy hunting raises profound welfare questions about the killing of individual animals for sport; debates about conservation benefits are ongoing.

Key Facts

Trophy hunting generates over $200 million annually in sub-Saharan Africa
Lions shot as trophies are often lured from protected areas using bait
Wounded animals frequently escape and die slowly over hours or days
Non-consumptive wildlife tourism generates more revenue per animal in most regions

Welfare Considerations

Trophy hunting causes obvious welfare harm to the killed animal and potentially to dependent offspring and social group members. Lions killed by trophy hunters often leave dependent cubs that subsequently die of starvation. Wounding rates in bow hunting and poorly executed shots cause additional suffering. Welfare-positive alternatives include photographic tourism.

What You Can Do

Oppose trophy hunting permit systems for endangered species
Support non-consumptive wildlife tourism as an economic alternative
Advocate for import bans on trophy specimens
Donate to community-based conservation programs replacing hunting with tourism