Louis Theroux’s African Hunting Holiday (2008)

Louis Theroux’s documentary, African Hunting Holiday, takes us on a journey to South Africa’s hunting scene. It’s a place where people from all over come to hunt wild animals. Now, you might think, “Isn’t that bad for the animals?” But here’s the twist: this hunting actually helps some animal populations grow.

In the show, Louis stays at a lodge where hunters go. They can choose from a list of animals to hunt, and each has a price tag. It’s like a shopping list, but for hunting. Some folks pay as little as $250 for a porcupine, while others might pay up to $100,000 for a rhino. It’s a big deal, especially for American tourists.

Louis meets different people, like Ann-Marie, who didn’t plan to hunt but ends up wanting to try it. She feels excited but also a bit worried, especially about hunting animals that look like ones we love, like zebras.

Then there are the Piets – two guys who own land where animals are raised to be hunted. They care a lot about making sure the animals don’t suffer when they’re hunted. Another man, Lolly, used to be a vet and lets hunting happen on his land. But he doesn’t hunt anymore because he doesn’t find joy in it.

The big question the documentary asks is, “Is it okay to hunt like this?” Louis tries to find out by going hunting himself. He faces a tough choice when he aims at a warthog. Will he go through with it?

This documentary shows us a different side of hunting. It’s not just about the thrill; it’s also about managing animal numbers and even helping some species survive. It makes us think about our own choices and what we believe is right or wrong.

So, what do you think? Is hunting in places like this good or bad? Louis Theroux’s documentary might not give us all the answers, but it sure gives us a lot to think about.