Artist John Banovich Helps Focus Attention on Lions

Acclaimed wildlife artist John Banovich is dedicated to both his art he specializes in large oil canvases of Africa's wildlife and to preserving wild animals and the wild places they need to survive.

"Lions are iconic animals, symbolizing so much to so many people around the world," says John. "Both past and present civilizations have immortalized the spirit of the lion and it has become a symbol of admirable traits we humans embrace."

Twenty years ago, there were 100,000 lions in Africa. Today their numbers have plummeted to an estimated 23,000, a 75% loss in just two decades. Expanding human settlements are confining Africa's lions to smaller and more fragmented habitats where they often run up against local people and their livestock. Shooting and poisoning lions as livestock pests is one of the most serious threats to lions today.

To raise public awareness about the plight of Africa's lions and generate new fundraising opportunities for their protection, John has partnered with AWF to create the PRIDE Initiative. PRIDE stands for Protection, Research, Implementation, Development, and Education, all areas where AWF has proven abilities and demonstrated strength. From research that tracks lions with radio collars, to efforts that help landowners find new ways to keep lions away from their livestock, AWF is working on every aspect of the PRIDE Initiative.

"Today we are living during an extraordinary time," says John, "poised between the old world and the new. Decisions we make today will seal the fate of wildlife for generations to come." John Banovich has decided to take action to protect Africa's lions. Visit www.lionsforever.com to find out how you can help as well.