Conclusive proof of the mess that humanity has made of the world is provided in this harrowing documentary, which posits that endangered species stand a better chance of survival if macho schucks with more money than brains pay for the privilege of slaughtering them. This ‘shoot to save’ policy isn't the only option, as farming wild animals in much the same way as cattle could also be part of the solution. However, advocates like Will Travers of the Born Free Foundation denounce the likes of rhino rancher John Hume and customised safari supremo Christo Gomes for embracing a tactic they label “if it pays it stays”.
"One wonders how many consciences will be pricked by being made to feel culpable for species hurtling towards extinction."
Such entrenched positions preclude easy answers when it comes to conservation and the protection of Africa's majestic creatures from poachers seeking big bucks on the black market. But the real villain of this piece is Philip Glass, a backwoods Creationist who believes that the Bible has given him the right to kill any animal he likes, while his American citizenship enables him to disregard the dictats of foreign bureaucrats. His pursuit of the Big Five critters is fuelled by a Trumpist sense of entitlement that is highly revealing in itself. But what will launch him into social media infamy alongside Cecil the lion’s killer is the way he gloats over the dying elephant he has felled and poses for photos over a lion he has shot in haste before a moratorium is imposed.
Above the diametric claims and dismaying statistics, however, eco-zoologist Craig Packer highlights the significance of habitat decimation in depleting wildlife stocks and he has no hesitation in laying the blame for this firmly at the door of consumers around the world. But one wonders how many consciences will be pricked by being made to feel culpable for species hurtling towards extinction.