Group of lions and tigers

New Documentary Sheds Light on the Dire State of Big Cats Around the World

FOUR PAWS calls for renewed global efforts to protect their future existence

11/21/2024

BOSTON – NOVEMBER 25 2024 – In collaboration with Terra Mater Studios and Four Corners Films & Photography, FOUR PAWS presents ‘Dethroned’, an award-winning documentary that sheds light on and invites viewers to examine their relationship with big cats. ‘Dethroned’ follows photojournalist and long-time FOUR PAWS collaborator Aaron Gekoski as he embarks on a cross-country journey to capture the majestic icons of nature. The film raises a powerful question: What happens to humanity when we destroy what is sacred? In the face of the rising global commercial big cat trade, FOUR PAWS, the global animal welfare organization, is urging governments in South Africa, Europe, and worldwide to implement a ban on the commercial trade of big cats and their parts before they cease to exist outside of captivity once and for all.

‘Dethroned’ reveals the dire state of big cats around the world – from the jungles of Peru, where jaguars face increasing threats from poaching and illegal trading, to the lavish estates of wealthy individuals in Pakistan, who acquire big cats for social media fame, and private zoos and breeding farms in Thailand, where dozens of tigers are crammed into small cages and abused as tourist attractions.

“’Dethroned’ is not just a documentary; it’s an opportunity for all of us to redefine our relationship with big cats and take a stand against the exploitation of these majestic creatures. It encourages us to  recognise them as living beings, not commodities, and work together to ensure their survival for future generations. If the status quo continues, endangered big cat species will only exist behind bars in the future,”

-Vanessa Amoroso, Head of Wild Animals in Trade at FOUR PAWS who is featured in ‘Dethroned’

“FOUR PAWS continues the fight for better protection of big cats, but we cannot do it alone. We need the support and action of governments and the awareness of the public to better the lives of big cats who are innocent victims of the cruel commercial and illegal trade,” added Amoroso.

“This is the first in-depth documentary looking at all the different big cat species, and the multitude of threats they face. We were shooting for 18 months and following the story wherever it took us, which ended up being all over the world. This was a hardcore and sometimes dangerous investigation, and an investigation into what happens when we destroy something sacred,” said internationally- acclaimed environmental photojournalist Aaron Gekoski.

The commercial trade of big cats is legal in most parts of the world, most notably in South Africa, Europe, the U.S. and Asia. That means the laws allow for live big cats to be bred in captivity, used for tourist attractions, kept as pets and their parts exported, especially to Asian countries, where the demand is high. This demand for big cats and their parts used in traditional medicines and as so-called luxury items perpetuate the illegal wildlife trade, the fourth biggest criminal activity in the world, and must be urgently addressed. In the past decade, South Africa has emerged as the largest exporter of big cats and their body parts globally, with thousands of animals and their parts being trafficked to destinations such as China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand.

There are approximately 10,000 captive lions in South Africa, and more than 600 tigers, a non-native species to the country. FOUR PAWS believes that if the vicious cycle of big cat exploitation is stopped in South Africa, it will create a ripple effect that enhances the protection of all big cat species worldwide.

"The scope of the big cat trade is internationally significant, and the exploitation of big cats is a highly lucrative billion-dollar business. Countries like Vietnam, where tigers are native, import live animals because they have already become extinct in the wild locally. Participating in direct interactions, tourist attractions, or consuming products made from big cats fuels this cruel industry and adds to the suffering of the animals. We urge the South African government to follow through with its plan to end the captive lion breeding industry that were announced in 2021 and include all big cat species in the process,” said Amoroso.

Read more about the work of FOUR PAWS to end the commercial big cat trade here

FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organization for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need, and protects them. Founded in 1988 in Vienna by Heli Dungler and friends, the organization advocates for a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy, and understanding. FOUR PAWS’ sustainable campaigns and projects focus on companion animals including stray dogs and cats, farm animals and wild animals – such as bears, big cats, and orangutans – kept in inappropriate conditions as well as in disaster and conflict zones. With offices in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Kosovo, the Netherlands, Switzerland, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine, the UK, the USA and Vietnam, as well as sanctuaries for rescued animals in eleven countries, FOUR PAWS provides rapid help and long-term solutions. www.fourpawsusa.org 

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