African Outfitter is an independent international bimonthly publication promoting
fair hunting and ethical business practices within the hunting industry.
From a hunting perspective, the preservation of biodiversity on the
African continent is the first and foremost priority. The emphasis
is however also on the sustainable utilisation of wildlife.

For the Love of Lions

This story is dedicated to the memory of Lue Scheepers.

Lue Scheepers worked as a Conservation Scientist in Katima Mulilo, where he spent the last eleven years of his life dedicated to the conservation effort of Panthera leo (lion). Lue passed away on the 1st of November 2003. This story is his.

For as long as man can remember, lions were seen as a threat to life. Hunters track them down and mercilessly kill on sight, even when the loss to man was as minimal as a single goat. This 'extermination' can't lead to the total collapse of the lion's gene pool, and ultimate survival. Genetics are nature's woven coat of armour. Billions of almost invisible, silk-like threads create this complicated, yet simple masterpiece of existence.

The role of scientists: They constantly look for clues to try and piece together the puzzle of nature's silent ailments. They are the men and women who advise the heads of government in decision-making and what endeavours to support. A duty of great importance and responsibility rests on their shoulders.

August, 1997
It all started at the Susuwe station in the Bwabwata Park … With the huge floodplains between Namibia and Angola drawing herds numbering into their hundreds, if not thousands, buffalo and elephant alike treasure the abundance of food and water. Birds of every colour would paint the sky with magic as they glide and dive, splitting the sky into seconds of purity, and rejoice – for they are alive!

The group walked in silence, eyes stabbing through the dense bush, eager to spot the danger that lured them deeper into the thickets. The vultures were diving now, falling from the air like planes shot down. A raised fist called out in silence and the group stopped. Sounds of chattering and clattering came from a mere 50 meters in front of them. As they crawled closer, the men's eyes met the sight of a big bull, dead. His one tusk served as a not so comfortable perch for a very brave vulture. The ivory was slippery with its fine grade and years of polishing. Soon they came to realize that it was old age that had drawn this giant to its eternal sleep.

The guardians of the park remained at the sight of the butchering. The vultures were excitedly jumping around in the background. Various quarrels broke out amongst the feathered coroners and their high-pitched shrieks fooled the men into believing that humans were hiding in the bush.

The lions were lying in a row, shoulder to shoulder, covered in blood. There were seven lionesses. With bulging stomachs they rolled over and slept, one after the other until the bravest of all the vultures made its move. With a thunderous growl and a mighty slap of paw, the bird was returned to the hungry flock a few meters back. Its broken wing did not prevent him from getting up, and he did so with apparent pride…

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