Global March for Lions

Friday 13th really was “lucky for lions, unlucky for hunters” where the Global March for Lions in Melbourne had a brilliant turnout awaiting the anticipated announcement by Environment Minister, Greg Hunt.

For the Love of Wildlife hosted the event at Federation Square in the centre of Melbourne which was abuzz with activity. Not only could you hear the background noise of Formula One racing due to the Grand Prix but Shabba and his band entertained the crowd with African music and dancing for an hour leading into the main event and it was a beautiful clear evening.

The founder of For the Love of Wildlife, Donalea Patman (also Australian Rep for CACH) present her speech first to then cross live to Ian Michler in Cape Town where Minister Hunt announced, via the big screen a global first, that Australia would ban the import and export of lion trophies and body parts. Very emotional and heartfelt with Jason Wood MP being the fierce politician who’s tenacity and commitment saw this through to the end.

Ian had been in Australia in October the previous year to brief the Minister in Parliament alongside Economist, Roderick Campbell and Donalea to reveal the truth about the hunting industry and ask for Australia’s assistance in taking a stand against the cruel and barbaric industry of canned hunting and captive breeding.

This has been a very long campaign by many groups and individuals who have worked tirelessly to bring awareness and action in stopping this hideous industry. Very special thanks to Bev Pervan and Chris Mercer who have created a global movement with the Global March for Lions and CACH.

A very proud moment for all involved…may the domino effect take place with the rest of the world to follow suit. We know that the European Parliament will be briefed week beginning 16 March by stakeholders around the world, advising 28 countries about the cruel and barbaric practise.

If you wish to have high resolution or print quality of the following brochure just email us at fortheloveofwildlife@gmail.com

Global March for Lions 2014

Earlier this year 62 cities participated in the Global March for Lions which was organised by Chris Mercer and Bev Pervan of Campaign Against Canned Hunting, South Africa.

http://www.cannedlion.org/

Thousands across the globe gathered to march to show lions need protection. Poaching and canned hunting have had a severe effect on wild lion populations with many suggesting that they could be extinct, in the wild, within the next 15 years.

Here’s a video of the Melbourne March in which we estimate around 300 or more wonderful lionhearted people attended. The March in Melbourne began with a blessing from Tanishka to go forward with our hearts and not our anger. African drummers drummed our journey from Parliament House to City Square, with a very upbeat crowd. At City Square the speeches were started with JM opening the day, Rheya Linda (Wildlife representative of Animals Australia, Bruce Poon (Victorian Head of Animal Justice Party), our Founder, Donalea Patman and lastly, Jason Wood MP. Some wonderful talent sang us through the afternoon…a new and improvised version of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” was almost as funny as this clip!!!

The Lion Sleeps

Although it looked like rain, other than a few spots we had a wonderful event.

The day wouldn’t have been possible without the help of many volunteers and suporters. Viv and John Benton (Benton Productions), Seven Senses Consulting, Voiceovers 4 Charity, Coates Hire (Richmond) and so many, many more.

In Australia it was held in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane in March 2014. Will keep you updated as to the next Global March.

Thank you to John Sullivan for the following video: Global March Melbourne, March 2014

An interview with Chris Mercer, Director of the Campaign Against Canned Hunting (CACH) and the Global March for Lions. Video by Trevor and Susan Barrett.

Wonderful community support with Bell Real Estate, Olinda putting a massive sign up in Mount Dandenong with the generosity of Mount Dandenong Vet Clinic allowing it at the front of their clinic.