South Africa is an incredibly biodiverse country, with long, lush coastlines and an expansive, dry interior. Around 7% of the world’s total birds, mammals and reptiles live here, including iconic species such as giraffes, African elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and zebras.
Unfortunately, many of these animals face threats from human conflict, climate change, trophy hunting and habitat loss. And South African law does little to protect animals. The country’s Animals Protection Act has remained largely unchanged since 1962. Today, millions of animals in South Africa are held captive for tourism, raised in cruel conditions for food, left to survive on the streets and subjected to testing in labs.
Humane World for Animals is working hard to help. We advocate for better standards for farmed animal welfare while also encouraging people to eat more plant-based foods. We find creative, humane and non-lethal solutions to human-wildlife conflicts and promote ethical tourism. We’re increasing access to care for street dogs, working to end cosmetics animal testing and helping other animals in crisis.
Press Releases
Leozette Roode
BRUSSELS—Habitat loss, competition for natural resources, human-wildlife conflict, the climate crisis, poaching, and trophy hunting all threaten the survival of elephants worldwide. All three existing
CAPE TOWN, South Africa—The South African Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has published draft regulations on the live export of animals by sea, inviting public comment
CAPE TOWN—The South African Predator Association (SAPA) together, with 10 individual lion farmers and ‘canned’ hunting operators, filed a court application seeking to renew a controversial lion bone