A bitter bond exposed by Born Free Foundation

The Born Free Foundation has launched an emotive new short to show the brutal reality of the life of a lion ‘raised for the rifle’. 

Most people are unaware of the shocking truth of life experienced by many of South Africa’s lions, with at least 70% of those born in captivity bred for tourists to hug and take photos with.

When the lions grow too big for cuddles they’re sold to trophy hunters and shot in ‘canned hunting’ facilities. At no point are they ever free to roam. 

The Bitter Bond is a two-minute animated film, created by ENGINE in collaboration with Zombie Studios and Blinkink, that aims to raise awareness of the issue of canned hunting and prompt the public to sign a petition to urge the South African government to stop the practice.

Set to the Academy Award-winning song Born Free performed by Matt Monro, the film tells the story of a lion keeper and her cub that ends in the ultimate betrayal. Showing how those who are responsible for raising and nurturing a lion are the ones ultimately responsible for – and profiting from – their death.

“The Bitter Bond tells the shocking story of the relationship between lion cubs and their handlers," said Paul Jordan, Executive Creative Director, ENGINE Creative. "The film is cleverly designed to work in two ways. Firstly, to make tourists think twice before handing over money for selfies with lion cubs. Secondly, to get everyone to sign Born Free Foundation’s petition to get the South African government to end this great betrayal and finally put a stop to canned hunting.”

The film’s unique animation style is the result of three months’ work by Zombie Studio, who combined the richness and beauty of hand-crafted sets with 3D animation for the film.

Sign the petition here: https://www.bornfree.org.uk/bi..