Dying to be Free

This is Gareth Patterson’s account of his investigation into the ‘canned’ lion industry in Southern Africa, where lions are bred in captivity for the sole purpose of being hunted and killed by high-paying trophy hunters. He unveils the ugly parallels that exist between the oppression of humans in the ‘old’ South Africa and the continuing cruel exploitation of wild animals in the ‘new’ South Africa. He exposes the myths of South Africa’s conservation image and how, even at present, these myths are largely believed and unquestioned. Even now, hunting is still openly ‘sold’ to the public as an integral part of ‘conservation’ rather than for the use and profit of humans.

Patterson argues for a return to the African environmentalism with which trophy hunting and the killing of animals for sport is utterly incompatible.

Although this controversial book makes for grim reading, it is nonetheless uplifting in that it fuels hope for the end of a morally dubious industry that lives on death.

Gareth Patterson was presented with the Nick Steele Memorial Award for the Environmentalist of the Year at the SAB Environmental Media awards 2016.

Praise for Gareth Patterson:

‘Patterson soldiers on, triumphing over adversities that would have broken lesser men…like Adamson before him, he cannot bear to think of a lion that is not free.’ The Times

'Both (Adamson and Patterson) respected the lion's character, and its place in nature's hierarchy. Both wished to share their lives with this great predator. Both have had their wishes fulfilled...their extraordinary rapport with lions established a spiritual bond that continues to this day.' Virginia McKenna, award-winning actress and co-founder of the Born Free Foundation.

'Moments later Rafiki appeared, a full-grown lioness in her prime. I could hear the thud of her feet as she ran straight at Gareth, then rose on her hind legs to place her huge paws over his shoulders, while he in turn hugged her...and the big lioness grunted with pleasure at seeing her friend again.

'Twelve years ago I had watched George Adamson being greeted in exactly the same way when he introduced me to his wild pride at Kora (in Kenya). It was a sight I had never expected to see again; yet here I was in Botswana, watching the man who had so modestly assumed the Adamson mantle.' Brian Jackman, award-winning author of The Marsh Lions and Roaring at the Dawn.


Find out more about Gareth Patterson at his website: www.garethpatterson.com