Love Knows No Bounds: Defending the Decision to Keep Lions for Love and Preservation

Ales Basista has been raising lions for two years since he rescued a lion cub from a circus and, with the help of a hospital, nursed it back to health
In the world of wildlife conservation, decisions are often met with scrutiny and debate, especially when they involve the captivity of majestic creatures like lions. One such contentious topic is the decision to keep lions in captivity for love and preservation purposes. While many argue that wild animals should remain in their natural habitats, there are valid reasons why some organizations and individuals choose to keep these animals under human care.
Playful: The big cats are really just that - big cats, and relish playing in the garden with their owners
Lions, once abundant across Africa and parts of Asia, are now facing a severe decline in their populations due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. Keeping lions in captivity can serve as a safeguard against extinction by maintaining a genetically diverse population and providing a safe environment for breeding.
All grown up: The lions are now fully grown, and have formed their own mini-pride - but this comes with its ups and downs
Zoos and wildlife sanctuaries play a crucial role in educating the public about the importance of conservation and the threats facing lions in the wild. By allowing people to observe these magnificent animals up close, we can foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of their behavior, biology, and ecological significance.
Purr-fect: The lions, such as Alex (pictured) are friendly and would never attack their owners, but they do sometimes accidentally scratch them
Captivity can also provide opportunities for scientific research aimed at understanding lion physiology, behavior, and health. Furthermore, rescued or rehabilitated lions that are unable to survive in the wild due to injuries or other factors can find a second chance at life in well-managed sanctuaries.
Huge: The lions have outgrown their earlier and more cub-like beginnings, but still remain just as playful and enjoy socialising with Mr Basista and his family
While the decision to keep lions in captivity is often criticized as unethical, it’s essential to consider the welfare of individual animals. Responsible institutions prioritize the well-being of their animals, ensuring they receive proper care, enrichment, and medical attention. These organizations often collaborate with conservation experts to develop best practices that minimize stress and promote the physical and psychological health of captive lions.
Dangerous: Sometimes the lions, during play-fighting, common among adult lions, cause their owners to suffer scratches or slight injuries
Mr Basista's daughter Sarka with lioness Mijanka. She explains that their relationship has changed since the lions' childhood from friend to sometime competitor
Earlier days: Mr Basista with one of the lions during their adolescence - they have since grown to their full weight and height
Tiny: One of the lions as a cub, playing with a pet parrot in the garden - the lions have grown up around their human owners and so are very social with them
When they were cubs, owning both Alex and Mijanka was like owning a pair of slightly larger housecats - but now they are fully grown, it is very different
Both lions are from different areas of the world - Alex (pictured) is a male Barbary lion weighs 250 kg
Together both Alex and Mijanka eat more than 200 kg of meat a month - the equivalent of almost an entire cow
Occasionally the lions will play fight together, and while sometimes Mr Basista will join in, he has to occasionally step back as the lions might get carried away
Mr Batista believes his raising on the lions is about preserving the species - which could be in danger of becoming endangered, for future generations
Mr Basista said: 'A lot of people don't agree with people keeping lions in private hands but I think it's important to protect the genetic code of these animals'
Mr Basista first rescued lion Alex when he was a cub at only seven months old, from a circus. He claims that Alex would have likely died if it weren't for his and the hospital's care
Mijanka joined Alex in the mini-pride months after, and they formed a tiny family of eventually massive pets
Moving from outside in the garden, to inside their house in the Czech Republic is a slightly different transition, considering they are fully grown lions
Alex the lion, now fully grown, can be seen with a proper mane around his neck, which denotes his maturity and dominance
Mr Basista claims that the people who criticize the lions have the wrong idea about lions, and think they're only killers
When they were little, Mr Basista's daughter would play with the lions and sleep in bed with the female one - but now she's older this has gotten harder as the female lion sees her as a threat
In conclusion, the decision to keep lions in captivity for love and preservation is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires careful consideration of both ethical and practical concerns. While there are valid arguments against captivity, such as the preservation of natural habitats and the freedom of wild animals, there are also compelling reasons to support well-managed conservation programs that prioritize the welfare and survival of endangered species like lions. Ultimately, our shared goal should be to protect these magnificent creatures for future generations to admire and appreciate in their natural habitats and well-maintained sanctuaries alike.