Chris Packham is seeking answers following the importation of a trophy from a rare rhinoceros that was hunted for sport into the UK. The Winterwatch host criticized government officials after recent data disclosed the arrival of a trophy from a Critically Endangered Black Rhinoceros in the country. Despite only 3,142 black rhinos remaining globally, as reported by the conservation organization IUCN, these imports were allowed.

Statistics from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species revealed that in addition to rhino trophies, British hunters also brought back elephant tusks from a highly endangered herd in Zambia, as well as trophies of leopards. A notable mention was the hunting of ‘canned’ lions, which are semi-tame animals bred in captivity and shot in enclosed fields, along with a wild lion in Zimbabwe, reminiscent of the 2015 incident involving American dentist Walter Palmer and Cecil the lion.

The most recent available figures from 2024 indicated around 50 trophies of CITES-listed animals entered the UK during that period, a decrease from nearly 190 in 2023. British hunters traveled extensively, including to Canada and Eastern Europe, to obtain trophies of bears, alongside other animals like Hippopotamuses, Zebras, Wolves, and a Baboon.

Expressing his concerns, Chris Packham emphasized the need for immediate action, condemning trophy hunting as immoral and exacerbating the plight of endangered species. He called for a halt on trophy imports, labeling the activity as deplorable and underscoring the urgency to end it permanently.

The Mirror has been a vocal advocate for banning trophy hunting imports, with Defra minister Mary Creagh reaffirming the government’s dedication to implementing such a ban. Labour MP Irene Campbell echoed these sentiments, asserting the necessity to end the cruel practice of trophy hunting for the pleasure of tourists, aligning with the Labour manifesto’s pledge to prohibit hunting trophy imports.

The Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting is urging Defra Minister Emma Reynolds MP to uphold the government’s manifesto promise by enforcing a ban on hunting trophies. Campaign founder Eduardo Goncalves highlighted the discrepancy between the government’s criticism of the Conservatives on trophy imports and Labour’s approval of such imports since taking office.

In response, a Defra spokesperson reiterated the commitment outlined in the manifesto to ban the importation of hunting trophies from endangered species, emphasizing the government’s ongoing engagement with stakeholders to ensure a robust ban is put in place promptly.