This archive report was first published on 17 July 2020.
Published on July 17, 2020, the Kenya Wildlife Service's (KWS) decision to stop lionesses from giving birth has sparked widespread criticism from Kenyans online.
According to KWS, the agency implanted contraceptives in a lioness at Lewa Conservancy to prevent her from conceiving, citing the need to maintain a healthy food chain balance.
Dr. M. Mutinda, a KWS veterinarian, deployed a hormonal contraceptive implant in the lioness, which will prevent conception for a year. The agency plans to implant six lionesses to reduce the predation of endangered species.
However, Kenyans on social media have disapproved of the move, suggesting alternative means of balancing the food chain, such as creating sanctuaries for endangered species or relocating the lions to areas with fewer prey.
Concerns about the dwindling lion population in Kenya are not new, with a 2019 report indicating a worrying decline in lion numbers over the past decade. KWS estimates that there are approximately 2,000 lions in the country.
Some of the reactions to KWS's decision include:
- @Lovemjulubeng suggested relocating the lions to areas with fewer prey or creating sanctuaries for endangered species.
- @Evanswesonga proposed relocating and distributing the lion population across various national parks.
- @HassanBasmer1 suggested relocating the lions to the Boni Forest, where they can thrive.
- @PatelDaku urged KWS to relocate the lions to areas where they can easily flourish.
- @AlwalaAggrey questioned the need for human intervention in the wild, suggesting that nature should be allowed to take its course.
