Exclusive Investigation Uncovers Hunting Holiday Sales at British Event
An exclusive visit to the 17th Great British Shooting Show at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre has revealed disturbing details about the promotion of hunting holidays targeting majestic and endangered animals. Mirror journalist Nada Farhoud documented what she described as "sickening" offerings at the event, which attracted thousands of attendees last week.
Packages to Slaughter Endangered Species Openly Marketed
Among the displays of firearms, ammunition, and taxidermy services, numerous companies were selling legal but controversial hunting trips to African destinations. These packages offered opportunities to kill elephants, leopards, zebras, giraffes, and other vulnerable species. The show was packed with visitors, predominantly middle-aged men, though some families with children were also present.
Legelela Safaris distributed leaflets inviting customers to "test your wits against the animal of your choice" through hunts in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Their price list included zebras from $1,400-$2,500 (£1,028-£1,835) and giraffes at $3,000 (£2,203), with baboons available for just $250 (£184). Prices for elephants and rhinos were quoted only upon request.
Notorious Firms Promoting Endangered Animal Hunts
Engelbrecht Safaris, a South African company that previously caused outrage in 2019 for posting a photo of a couple kissing behind a slain lion carcass, was present with a stall draped in zebra skin. This firm is among the few that sell cheetah hunts—targeting Africa's most endangered big cat—along with opportunities to kill leopards, elephants, and hippos.
On their website, Engelbrecht Safaris boasts: "Elephant hunting is often the peak moment in a hunting career. The rush of squeezing the trigger on such an amazing animal is really what hunting is all about." The company explicitly welcomes "family groups, women bow hunters, experienced and first time hunters."
Affordable Packages and Family-Friendly Marketing
Lalpala Safaris advertised an all-inclusive "show special" package: five days, ten animals for £2,300 per hunter. Their website encourages hunters to bring families, noting they've guided "memorable hunts for women and young hunters." Their price list includes baboons at $200 (£147), zebras at $1,200 (£881), and giraffes at $4,500 (£3,304). They also specialize in the "Tiny Ten"—a collection of small, elusive antelope species.
Public Outrage and Previous Bans
In 2019, a petition with 3,000 signatures forced organizers to ban trophy hunting firms from exhibiting at the show. However, this year marked a surprising reversal, with these companies returning to the event. TV presenter Chris Tarrant, who supports the Mirror's campaign to ban trophy hunting imports, condemned the show, stating: "Valentine's Day is about love, not promoting animal cruelty."
Tarrant added: "It's very disturbing that children are exposed to images and videos of animals dying horrible, painful deaths whilst some idiot grins moronically with pleasure. The government needs to step up to the plate, ban trophy hunting and prohibit shows like this."
Psychological Harm to Children Highlighted
Psychologist Professor Geoffrey Beattie from Edge Hill University warned that exposing children to images of trophy-hunted animals can be "psychologically harmful." He explained: "When an adult presents images of a dead animal as a source of pride, the child may learn that domination, killing, and public display of suffering are acceptable."
Organizers and the NEC faced criticism for allowing children as young as three to attend. Arthur Thomas, FOUR PAWS UK Public Affairs Advisor, expressed dismay: "It is incomprehensible that trophy hunting outfitters are still exhibiting in the UK. The NEC publicly stated there was no place for them in 2019, but seven years later, there appears to have been a baffling U-turn."
Government Response and Campaigner Criticism
Eduardo Goncalves, founder of the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting, criticized the government for allowing these companies to operate freely. He said: "It makes an utter mockery of its manifesto promises on trophy hunting. These businesses are implicated in killing endangered animals for fun—including with bows and arrows, which cause horrifying injuries."
Goncalves added: "Any child seeing mutilated animals on display is likely to be deeply traumatized. The government says it wants to protect children from violent images, so why allow promotion of 'snuff porn' without a health warning?"
A Defra spokesperson responded: "The government has committed to introduce a ban on the import of hunting trophies from species of conservation concern. We are carefully considering all available options, but our priority remains progressing legislation as soon as Parliamentary time allows."
Political and Public Backlash
Labour MP Ruth Jones called trophy hunting "morally indefensible" and urged the Prime Minister to include a ban on trophy hunting imports in the next King's Speech. She stated: "Events that promote this cruelty are deeply out of step with public opinion. The NEC should have considered its role in legitimizing this practice."
The Birmingham event mirrors the controversial Safari Club International Convention in Las Vegas, the world's largest marketplace for big game hunting trips. As public opposition grows, campaigners continue to pressure authorities to take decisive action against the promotion of trophy hunting in the UK.
