The Bitter Bond

Born Free wanted the world to know that most lions in South Africa aren’t born free. They’re raised in captivity, exploited for profit, then sold to hunters. The Bitter Bond is an animated story of a lion keeper and her cub that ends in the ultimate betrayal. The film gathered over 13 million views, 300,000 shares (including by Ellen DeGeneres) and over 275,000 petition signatures. But best of all, the South African Tourist Board has changed its policy. It no longer recommends any activity where there is human interaction with predators. No cuddling. No photos. No hunting.