Martin Lacey jr. - A pride of lions


Throughout history, lions have always had high status. They inspired artists, whilst for rulers – such as the Egyptian Pharaoes, and the Doges of Venice, right through to Elizabeth II, Queen of England – they were a symbol of power and might. They have even become embedded in our language. We talk of the “lion’s share” and the “courage of a lion”. Nevertheless lions are now an endangered species. The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resoures) stated in 2008 that just 16,000 to 30,000 lions remain living in the wild. This means that in the last 20 years the natural lion populations has declined by between 30% and 50%. Many have been lost to hunting while the changes required by local agriculture are also destroying their natural habitats. The lions Alexander and Martin Lacey are showing, aren’t wild animals. On the contrary, all Lacey lions were born in specialist breeding facilities, the majority of them bred by the Lacey family who are proud to have now brought up 10 generations of lions. Yet as much as the Lacey lions are familiar with human contact, one should never forget that these big cats retain their natural instincts and needs. One need not fear them, but should always respect them.

Throughout history, lions have always had high status. They inspired artists, whilst for rulers – such as the Egyptian Pharaoes, and the Doges of Venice, right through to Elizabeth II, Queen of England – they were a symbol of power and might. They have even become embedded in our language. We talk of the “lion’s share” and the “courage of a lion”.

Nevertheless lions are now an endangered species. The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resoures) stated in 2008 that just 16,000 to 30,000 lions remain living in the wild. This means that in the last 20 years the natural lion populations has declined by between 30% and 50%. Many have been lost to hunting while the changes required by local agriculture are also destroying their natural habitats.

The lions Alexander and Martin Lacey are showing, aren’t wild animals. On the contrary, all Lacey lions were born in specialist breeding facilities, the majority of them bred by the Lacey family who are proud to have now brought up 10 generations of lions. Yet as much as the Lacey lions are familiar with human contact, one should never forget that these big cats retain their natural instincts and needs. One need not fear them, but should always respect them.