VOICED : Zulu worshippers don fake fur to save Sou

The video discusses the threat of extinction faced by South African leopards due to cultural practices of the Nazareth Baptist Church, which uses leopard skins in ceremonies. Conservationists, led by zoologist Tristan Dickerson, are addressing this by creating realistic fake leopard skins. These are produced in China and distributed to the church to reduce reliance on poached skins. The initiative aims to respect cultural traditions while promoting legal and sustainable alternatives, thus helping to preserve both the leopards and the cultural practices.

In what ways are conservationists working with the Shembe community?

What impact do fake furs have on the preservation of Zulu traditions?