A controversial trophy hunter, Larysa Switlyk, has sparked outrage by offering discounted hunts for endangered leopards in Namibia. The price for a leopard hunt has been reduced from £24,300 to £17,000, attracting attention from both supporters and detractors of trophy hunting. Advertisements promoting this offer have been disseminated widely, featuring distressing images of hunters posing with the carcasses of leopards they have killed.
Switlyk, a prominent figure in the trophy hunting community, operates through her company, Unleashed Global Adventures. The package includes not only the opportunity to hunt leopards but also professional guidance in tracking, accommodation in a safari lodge, meals, and flights from Johannesburg to Namibia.
Opposition to Switlyk’s activities has intensified, with anti-trophy hunting advocates calling for her to be banned from entering the UK. Eduardo Goncalves, founder of the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting, remarked, “Leopards are among the world’s most endangered species, according to CITES. It is shocking that this notorious huntress should be selling bargain-basement deals to shoot them for fun.”
Switlyk’s hunting agenda extends beyond Namibia. Her company also markets hunts for the so-called Big Five, which includes lions, elephants, and rhinos. In addition, she has faced criticism for her hunting activities in Scotland, where she has offered hunts for wild goats and deer.
Her past actions have led to significant backlash. In 2018, she was criticized by the RSPCA for shooting wild animals in Norfolk while leading an all-female hunting party. Images of her with freshly shot animals caused public outrage, leading the RSPCA to state, “The killing of an animal cannot be classed as ‘sport’ of any kind.”
In the same year, Switlyk faced legal scrutiny in Scotland due to firearms offenses related to hunting on a remote island. Despite this, she has remained unapologetic, continuing to promote her hunting adventures on social media. Recently, she shared a post indicating her intention to engage in further hunts, stating, “Nothing better than disconnecting from this social media-driven world and connecting back with nature.”
The ongoing debate over trophy hunting, particularly involving endangered species, raises ethical questions about wildlife conservation and animal rights. As the conversation continues, figures like Switlyk will likely remain at the center of this contentious issue, drawing both fervent support and vehement opposition.
