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On this show, Lori’s first guest was Chris Lee, a South African businessman and former hunter. After learning about the killing of Cecil the lion, Chris was compelled to examine his personal history as a recreational hunter, and consequently turned in his rifle and publicly quit hunting. Chris shared his inspiring story of self-discovery and also commented on various aspects of hunting and conservation. Chris has become somewhat of an internet sensation as his facebook posts describing his thoughts and actions have received many positive comments and have been extensively shared.
Chris Lee no longer needs rifle and ammo.
Then Lori welcomed Jeff Flocken, North American Regional Director of International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to discuss threats to the Pangolin. Pangolins are medium sized, scaled mammals found in Africa and Asia. Four of the eight species of Pangolins are endangered, due to habitat loss and more importantly because of poaching. Listen in to learn all about these creatures, which are in danger of being wiped out, and the petition filed with the US government to list pangolins as endangered, a key step to saving them from extinction. Jeff and Lori also discussed international efforts to protect pangolins.
Pangolin. Photo credit: Scott Hurd
Jeffrey Flocken
Thank you SO much for this interview. Here in South Africa Chris is now seen as a real animal warrior… His stance has made a permanent impression on the pshycé of the population
We will be tuning in regularly to your program… it is a wonderful one. Thank you SO much.
We are pleased to be able to broadcast this. Welcome to the show!
Restoring hope in humanity! Thank you!
Such great news ! We need more hunters to actually THINK about what they are doing and the consequences of their actions. Bless this guy for making a brave stand!
You are right, Sue, this is genuine bravery.
Felicidades Chris………..por esa elección…………le das un ejemplo a todas las personas que tal vez quieren pero no se atreven a tomar esa decisión………………gracias por todos los animales………….
Chris Lee: Thank you for you candor and bravery in discussing your past as a hunter, and what drove you to change your mind. I only wish other trophy hunters had the self-reflection and ability to reconsider their actions. All life matters. I will share your interview. Blessings on you, sir.
Thank you , Leslie.
And thank you Peter and Dr. Lori Kirshner for tackling this subject.
We may not ever see true justice in the case of Walter Palmer killing Cecil the Lion. But Chris Lee put down his guns. That in itself showed Cecil did not die in vain.
We may never see a total end to trophy hunting, but many eyes are being opened, Solutions must be found to help African countries’ economies replace the need for this kind of revenue with enterprises not based on killing their own wildlife.
Hi Chris. I wanted to THANK YOU for the fantastic thing you did for the animals. Animals are so dependent on the kindness extended by humans yet they are so hated by mankind. Because only hatred can fuel exploitation in all its forms.
César Chávez said, in 1992, during his acceptance of a Lifetime Achievement Award:
“We need, in a special way, to work twice as hard to make all people understand that animals are fellow creatures, that we must protect them and love them as we love ourselves. And that’s the basis for peace. The basis for peace is respecting all creatures. We cannot hope to have peace until we respect everyone–respect ourselves and respect animals and all living things. We know we cannot defend and be kind to animals until we stop exploiting them – exploiting them in the name of science, exploiting animals in the name of sport, exploiting animals in the name of fashion, and yes, exploiting animals in the name of food”. Be Blessed Chris. Good wishes be yours x
Thank you Carolina!
Excellent interview, thank you Mr. Lee for sharing your honesty. Thanks to the station that made this possible. Sharing this.
Thank you, Pascal. Honesty is the right word.
I AM RATHER IMPRESSED BY CHRIS LEE!! THANKY YOU, DEAR SIR!
THANK YOU DEAR CHRIS LEE!
Thanks Chris. Excellent interview and bravo for making a difference by laying down your gun. If each of us did just one practical thing towards the preservation of our animal and plant kingdom, together we could turn the tide.
I want to tell Chris Lee how amazing it is that he realized the damage he did and how I now am so very grateful for him to tell the world this change that became who he is today. This is the kind of man that makes me proud to know exists. I can’t ever express in words how his confession makes me feel knowing now he became an animal advacate instead of animal killer, he now is: 1 less person we have to fight with while being 1 more added to our pool who fights for them. This change is desperately needed for the earths wildlife, our survivability is what will ultimately be challenged if more don’t join the rank of Chris Lee. Mr. Lee, if you have a daughter(s), I can guarantee you she will be the proudest daughter ever knowing you are a changed man, her Dad.