Kevin Richardson Foundation

The Kevin Richardson Foundation remains deeply rooted in its mission to protect Africa’s iconic wildlife through focused lion conservation, habitat preservation, and community development. Kevin’s vision centres on acquiring and safeguarding critical habitats for lions and other vulnerable species, while also creating sustainable employment and education opportunities that empower local communities and foster environmental stewardship.

About us >

LION CONSERVATION

Status of Lions

Over the last 80 years the wild lion population has declined from 450,000 to between 18,000 to 23,000.

This decline is primarily attributed to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and the demand for traditional medicine and illegal activities.

GET INVOLVED

Together, We Can Do More

Whether you’re making a personal donation, fundraising, or partnering with us as a business, your support protects the future of Africa’s predators.

Every contribution helps us care, advocate, and act.

The Status of Lions

22,000

Estimated number
of lions remaining
in Africa

3,490

Estimated number
of wild lions
in South Africa

8,500

Estimated number of lions living in captivity in South Africa

26

Number of countries where lions once existed but are now extinct

Tracking Our Impact

Lions Protected

Over 30 Lions
protected and monitored,
approximately 16 200
snares removed.

Habitat Restored

63,000 hectares
preserved
for wildlife.

Education

2,400 students
participated in
conservation programmes
since 2021.

Research Initiatives

18 Academic
Papers published
in Scientific
Conservation.

The Biggest Threats to Lions 

Conservation efforts must focus on protecting habitats, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and ending the exploitation of captive-bred lions. Without urgent action, the future of Africa’s most iconic predator remains in jeopardy.

Habitat
Loss

Lions have lost over 90% of their historic range in the past century, primarily due to agriculture and urban expansion.

These apex predators need vast, intact landscapes to roam, hunt, and maintain genetic diversity. As human development accelerates, these vital ecosystems are vanishing.

Human-Wildlife
Conflict

As natural prey declines due to habitat degradation and the bushmeat trade, lions are driven closer to human settlements in search of food. This leads to conflict, where lions attacking livestock are often killed —poisoned, snared, or speared.

Even protected areas aren’t immune, with poor enforcement allowing these threats to continue.

Trophy Hunting, Poaching & Retaliatory Killings

Lions are shot for sport, poached for profit, or killed in revenge—fracturing prides and destabilising populations.

These deaths not only fuel the illegal wildlife trade but also deepen distrust between communities and conservation efforts.

Muti & Bone
Trade

Lion bones, claws, and other body parts are increasingly trafficked for traditional medicine—both in Africa (muti) and in the Far East, where they’re falsely marketed as tiger bone substitutes.

This demand is now being met by both poached wild lions and those bred in captivity, linking the canned lion industry directly to international wildlife crime.

Our Work >

You can make a difference

Wildlife Sanctuary  >

More than just a sanctuary, this is a safe haven for 33 carnivores that cannot return to the wild and were saved by Kevin many years ago. With world-class care, enrichment, and ethical practices, the animals here live with dignity and fulfilment.

The Sanctuary is all about conservation, education, and change. Through guided tours and immersive programs, the sanctuary sheds light on the urgent threats facing Africa’s carnivores, from habitat loss to poaching and the illegal wildlife trade. Now, after 25+ years of dedication, the Sanctuary is evolving—shifting its focus toward rehabilitation and rewilding.

Amy’s Camp >

Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in the wild at the Kevin Richardson Foundation Reserve, home to the Kevin Richardson Wildlife Sanctuary.

Experience the magic of off-the-grid luxury at Amy’s Camp where nature takes centre stage. Drift off to sleep under a star-filled sky, lulled by the distant roar of lions, and wake up surrounded by Africa’s iconic Big Five in a beautifully safeguarded, eco-friendly camp. Unplug, unwind, and reconnect with the wild—your adventure awaits!

Foundation News