Letters To Lions


When National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence, Beverly and Dereck Joubert, asked NG KIDS readers around the world to help them with their conservation project to help lions, they had an amazing response!

Sixty years ago, there were more than 450,000 lions in Africa – but sadly, because of a loss of habitat, poaching, the use of pesticides and disease, there are now only 20,000 of the beautiful big cats left in the wild.

The Jouberts, who live in Botswana, Africa, asked NG Kids readers to write letters to the endangered lions, to be delivered to African leaders, to let them know how important lions are to the world’s children. Check out some of the letters they received...


Please stop killing lions. Stop poaching lions. I love lions. Lions are beautiful. I adore lions, I have seen one before. I have been to Africa. Please stop killing the lions because I love them.
Noah, 6

Dear African leaders,
My name is Amber. I am 10 and absolutely passionate about animals. It saddens my heart that animals everywhere are suffering because of peoples’ selfish greed. My favourite animals are lions because they are such majestic, wonderful, fascinating creatures. I have heard recently that lions are becoming endangered. I fear that if nothing is done lions will be gone forever but there is a way to save the lions. By putting a stop to poaching and logging. I’m only 11 so I can’t do much, which is why I’m pleading to you to help save the lions. All living creatures should live in peace and not be bothered or messed with because every creature deserves peace, respect and happiness.
Amber, 11


I love lions, please don’t kill them because they are special to me. I love lions. I will be you friend if you help me to save the lions and tell the  people who are killing them.
Lola, 6

To Lions,
Save our lions! Forests where lions and other endangered inhabitants live are being cut down for building buildings and other things. It is very bad for our lions, since they’re being hunted for their fur and because sometimes dangerous to humans. Already 3/5 lions are extinct and the other two endangered. None due to the spread of disease.
Maya, 9

Please stop killing the lions. I care about the lions. I wish you weren’t killing the lions because they are so cute. I will send you money, I will come and see you when I am older. They are gentle if you don’t go too close.
Ella, 6

Click here to find out more about lions and click here to try our big cat quiz!