Giraffes killed 'for fun' by Brits on hunting holidays

PA

British tourists are paying thousands of pounds to hunt and kill giraffes on African game reserves, it has been revealed.

Some even have the heads of the animals mounted as trophies to take home with them.

A report in The Sun newspaper reveals how holidaymakers pay up to £10,000 for safari-style expeditions during they which can hunt and shoot dead giraffes for fun.

Some of the holidaymakers include families with young children, who pose proudly in front of their fresh kill.

The report claims that safari clubs and game reserves ask for a £1,500 trophy fee and £1000 a day for guides and hunters.

Although giraffes are believed to be virtually extinct in many African countries, it is still legal to hunt them in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

One owner of a South African hunting firm, who refused to be named, has defended the killings, telling the Sun:

"These are legal hunts, by professionals on private land. There will always be emotion from people who are not hunters when they see dead animals, but these are very regulated practises.

"Rhino and other animals have been saved through conservation and the most money for conservation is generated from hunting."

Speaking in the Daily Telegraph, Dr Julian Fennessey of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, said that some hunters came from Britain, as well as North America, Russia, Germany and Scandinavia.

He said: Some hunters just like to have photos taken next to the dead giraffe," he said.

"In the countries where you can hunt legally, the populations are increasing but across Africa the numbers are dropping.

He added: "If properly managed, the hunting can be sustainable."

Companies which offer game hunting to holidaymakers include African Hunting Safaris in Namibia, which states on its website: "By limiting the quantity of fair chase hunting safaris that we conduct, we consistently provide our clients with the exceptional African hunting trophies that they expect."

The website has a gallery of hunters posing with their 'prizes'.

Many wildlife and animal rights activists have condemned giraffe hunting. Joe Duckworth, from the League Against Cruel Sports, told AOL Travel: "It is immensely selfish to kill these animals. It beggars belief that some people find it acceptable to kill them and have their picture with the dead animal."

What do you think of this story? Is giraffe hunting fair game or a cruel activity that should be banned? Tell us your opinions below!

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