Delta Air Lines Bans the Transport of Big Game Hunting Trophies

Delta Air Lines just 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.”

There is no doubt this is happening because of the backlash over the death of Cecil the Lion who was killed last month in Zimbabwe by a Minnesota dentist Walter Palmer.

Delta is the only American airline that has nonstop flights to South Africa so this ban is going to put up a roadblock for American hunters hoping to bring home animal trophies.

Delta isn’t the only one that bans the transport of big game hunting trophies. The others are British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Emirates, Etihad, Iberia, Lufthansa, Qantas, Qatar and Singapore Airlines.

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

H/T Takepart.com