Lowest of the low
A SICK American businessman is offering people the chance to kill a lion – for the cut-price cost of £4,500.
He claims to have knocked threequarters off the usual price in a desperate bid to drum up new custom after Covid decimated the African hunting industry.
Those who take up the offer can also shoot a lioness for an extra £1,500. The usual cost of a lion hunt is around £18,000.
Prices have also been slashed for elephant hunts. They normally cost £38,000 but are currently being offered for £17,500.
One ad states: “Lastminute deal. Free range elephant in South Africa. Up to 30 must be taken by the end of March 2022. $23,000. Book now”.
The man behind the cruel safaris is
John Martins from Florida, a lifelong hunter who claims to have shot dead more than 40 different African animals.
Martins says: “We’d love to help your dream come true in the greatest hunting destination on earth – Africa.”
When contacted by the Sunday People, he refused to answer questions but said: “Go speak to your government on the stupid things they are doing with wildlife.”
Vet Mark Jones, of animal charity Born Free, said: “Trophy hunting is a cruel relic of a colonial era that results in intense animal suffering and disruption of wildlife populations, while contributing pitifully little to local economies or conservation.
“Offering threatened wild animals to trophy hunters at a ‘discount’ to drum up business is particularly cynical.
“If we are to end this heinous activity, we must find alternative, humane ways of managing habitats that benefit both wildlife and local communities.”