American Airlines and United Airlines have just joined Delta Air Lines in banning the transport of big game hunting trophies. Yesterday, Delta Air Lines issued the following statement: “Effective immediately, Delta will officially ban shipment of all lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and buffalo trophies worldwide as freight. Prior to this ban, Delta’s strict acceptance policy called for absolute compliance with all government regulations regarding protected species. Delta will also review acceptance policies of other hunting trophies with appropriate government agencies and other organizations supporting legal shipments.”
A few hours later, American and United both announced that they are no longer going to transport big game hunting trophies either.
Effective immediately, we will no longer transport buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion or rhino trophies.
— American Airlines (@AmericanAir) August 4, 2015
A United spokesman told Bloomberg News: “We felt it made sense to do so,” Charles Hobart, a United spokesman, said Monday in disclosing the carrier’s decision to prohibit transportation of elephants, rhinoceroses, leopards and water buffalo as well as lions.”
Neither airline mentioned Cecil the Lion who was killed last month in Zimbabwe by Minnesota dentist Walter Palmer but not doubt the outcry over it has resulted in these changes.
The three major U.S. carriers aren’t the only ones to ban the transport of big game hunting trophies. The others are British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Emirates, Etihad, Iberia, Lufthansa, Qantas, Qatar and Singapore Airlines.
-New York Times: After Killing of Cecil the Lion, Delta Joins Airline Ban on Game Trophies
I’ve been fortunate to go on a number of safaris and they are life changing (see posts below). I just can’t imagine why someone would kill a lion (or any animal) unless it was for food or safety.
SAFARIS IN EAST AFRICA
–In Search of the Big Five on a Micato Safari in the Masai Mara
–First Look at Richard Branson’s Mahali Mzuri Kenya Safari Camp
–Serengeti Balloon Safari
–12 Reasons to Choose Micato Safaris for Your Next African Safari
–11 Reasons to Stay at the Four Seasons Serengeti Lodge in Tanzania
SOUTH AFRICA
–South Africa Safari
INDIA
–Central India Tiger Safari
It’s about time a sensible step was taken to make it more difficult for self-absorbed, short-sighted hunters to go on their killing sprees. Animals are not here for us to senselessly kill in order to satisfy a warped sense of superiority or a misguided thrill. Kudos to these airlines for this commendable action.
And about time too!