Disturbing excursions to kill majestic wildlife such as elephants, leopards, and zebras were available for purchase recently. Numerous hunting packages targeting defenseless animals in Africa were showcased at the 17th Great British Shooting Show held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.
Amidst displays of firearms, ammunition, and taxidermy services at the 17th Great British Shooting Show, vendors offered macabre yet lawful hunting trips.
By 11 am on Friday, the event was already bustling with attendees, predominantly middle-aged men accompanied by some children, exuding an atmosphere reminiscent of a Reform conference. Legelela Safaris, in their promotional material distributed to attendees, advertised the chance to “test your skills against the animal of your choice.”
The company offers hunting expeditions in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, with prices for hunting zebras ranging from $1,400 to $2,500 (£1,028-£1,835), while giraffes are priced at $3,000 (£2,203). Baboons are available for a mere $250 (£184), with costs for elephants and rhinos disclosed only upon request.
Engelbrecht Safaris, a South African outfit, sparked outrage in 2019 by sharing a photo on Facebook portraying a couple kissing behind the lifeless body of a lion they had hunted in the Kalahari desert. The company’s booth at the event was adorned with a Zebra skin.
This firm is among a select few that offer cheetah hunts, targeting Africa’s most endangered large cat, along with opportunities to hunt leopards. Additionally, the company provides options to hunt elephants and hippos, both of which are also endangered species.
On their website, they proudly proclaim, “Elephant hunting is often the pinnacle of a hunting career. The exhilaration of pulling the trigger on such a magnificent animal encapsulates the essence of hunting.” The company also mentions, “Family groups, women bow hunters, experienced and first-time hunters are all welcomed.”
Lalpala Safaris showcased an all-inclusive deal on a whiteboard, advertising, “Show special: Five days, 10 animals, £2,300 per hunter.”
Their website encourages hunters to bring their families along, citing past successful hunts with women and young participants. The price list includes baboons at $200 (£147), zebras at $1,200 (£881), giraffes at $4,500 (£3,304), and specialization in hunting the ‘Tiny Ten,’ which comprises various small and elusive antelope species.
Following a 3,000-signature petition in 2019, the event organizers banned trophy hunting companies from exhibiting at the show, a lineup that previously included talks by former footballer turned actor Vinnie Jones.
TV presenter Chris Tarrant, supporting the campaign to prohibit trophy hunting imports, remarked, “Valentine’s Day should celebrate love, not endorse animal cruelty.”
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