I will be climbing Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain at 1344.57 m on 7th June in order to raise much needed funds for the Born Free Organisation.

As a child I was fascinated by Lions. This fascination has continued throughout my adult life in which I have read tirelessly about them, learning as I go.

From their title ‘King of the Jungle’ to their very majesty, these wonderous animals are a pleasure to behold. Indeed, it is incredible when you stop to think of our association with Lions. They are on the cover of our GB passports. They guard Trafalgar Square. They appear on the crest of the English Football Teams. We support the three lions and the Lionesses! Equally they appear on numerous club crests in a multitude of sports, associations, businesses and more. They are prevalent in the arts, just think film and literature. The list goes on.

It is our responsibility as humans to not drive these beautiful creatures to extinction. We must act now. Please see further below as to the gravity of the situation.

Born Free work tirelessly to preserve Lions and other endangered species. By climbing Ben Nevis (I am no mountaineer by the way) this is just a small gesture from me to try and raise funds for our beloved lions.

It does not matter what you give. I am aware of the difficulties we are all facing at the moment. Anything helps this worthy cause. Thank you.

Lions. The sad truth……..

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From 200,000 lions roaming the wild nearly 80 years ago (WWF Living Planet Report 2016), there has been a 43% decline in the last 25 years alone, with less than 22,000 remaining in the wild across the whole of Africa

An Endangered Species: Let’s Help Reverse The Process

How Many Lions Are Left In The World?

There are an estimated 22,000 lions remaining today.

• 43% decrease in 21 years

• From 200,000 to 23,000

• Confined to 8% of land they once occupied

… and this is precisely why lion conservation efforts are necessary today!

Why Are Lions Endangered & The Threats They Are Facing?

There are many reasons for the decline of the mighty lion, some of which might well surprise you!

Africa’s most iconic animal prefers open grassland savannahs as its habitat to hide from threats and its pray, making it the top predator of the continent. However, one of the biggest factors that contribute to land occupation are humans.

Human / lion conflict is immensely contributing to the decline of lion numbers (not to mention other wildlife). As we encroach further into their land, it becomes near impossible for them to survive (lions have only 8% of the land they once had 100 years ago).

A big factor is farmers, whereby farmers do everything to protect their livestock as this is their livelihood. Cattle farmers are killing lions by means of shooting, poisoning and trapping them and therefore contributing in the decline of numbers. What’s ironic about this vicious cycle is that with more land being occupied by humans, the lion has less habitat to hunt in and has to adapt to finding food, such as killing livestock.

Other Factors Contributing To The Decline Of The African Lion

• A loss of habitat: Lions have been reduced to just 8% of the land they once occupied. The reduction of their habitat also results in a decrease in prey and therefore food sources.

• The issue of human-wildlife conflict: Lions living outside of protected areas are open to less natural prey and therefore often turn to farm livestock as prey. In most African nations, a local’s livestock is their wealth and is usually their means of survival. Some act in retaliation by killing the lions, as a way of protecting their livestock.

• Diseases: In the last few years, disease has strongly contributed to problems facing the rapidly decreasing number of lions. These diseases include feline leukaemia virus, morbillivirus and bovine tuberculosis severely affecting South Africa. Other factors, including inbreeding, due to small population groups, causing genetic problems also contribute.

But I'm doing something about it! And you can help me by donating to my fundraising page today! Anything you can give really will help. And don't forget to add Giftaid if you are a tax payer - this comes at no cost to you and helps Born Free receive even more money!