"Heart of a Lioness" Transcript, continued

jambob: The program repeated how human intervention has caused the destruction of so many habitats resulting in endangered species, including the lion. So when we see this incredible miracle in the animal world, and both lion and calf suffering, why don't we intervene to save their lives? Humans have caused so much destruction in nature that I do not understand how we can stand by and not save their lives. Would it have upset the balance in nature more than our program of endangerment?

Saba Douglas-Hamilton: There is a difference between trying to save animals as a whole — i.e., protecting wild habitat, biodiversity, strengthening anti-poaching efforts, shutting down trade of bones, skin or ivory, or trying to increase living space — and intervening in a case like Kamunyak's. Kamunyak was a wild lioness that did something most unusual — abnormal in fact, but essentially natural in that it was her choice and happened of its own accord. The gut response to intervene is something we all felt — park warden, filmmakers, Samburu tribes people and tourists alike — but it would have been wrong. Nature must be left to take its course, however hard it may be to swallow in human terms.

electra307: 1. Why did the lioness refuse the food she was offered? 2. Can't a lioness hunt with a cub — why did this one stop hunting? 3. Do you have any more information about this lioness?

Saba Douglas-Hamilton: 1. Kamunyak was a wild lioness and she had never been given food before. If she had not killed the meat herself, then she might not have realized it was food. Lions can fast for long periods between kills.

2. Lion cubs are trained by their mums to hide and wait until she returns from a hunt. The oryx calf kept on moving, looking for its mum because it was hungry and wanted milk. Kamunyak had to keep up with it, so never had a chance to hunt.

3. Have a look at my Web site, www.kamunyak.com.

» Continued on Page 14 «