NANYUKI, KENYA – In a press conference held at one of the conservancies in Northern Kenya, billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates announced his latest project: turning lions into vegetarians.
Gates, who has been vocal about the environmental and health benefits of plant-based diets, said he was inspired by the success of lab-grown meat and plant-based burgers. He said he wanted to apply the same technology to the world’s most iconic carnivores, starting with the African lions.
“Lions are majestic creatures, but they are also responsible for a lot of greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and human-wildlife conflict,” Gates said. “By altering their genes and feeding them synthetic meat, we can make them more eco-friendly, peaceful, and healthy.”
Gates said he had partnered with several biotech companies and conservation organizations to launch the project, which he dubbed “Beyond Roar”. He said he had already secured the cooperation of several lion prides in the conservancy, who were willing to participate in the experiment.
“We have implanted microchips in their brains that stimulate their reward centers when they eat plant-based food, and suppress their appetite for meat,” Gates explained. “We have also installed solar-powered dispensers that provide them with nutritious and tasty synthetic meat, made from soy, peas, and algae.”
Gates said he hoped to see the results of the project in a few months, and that he expected the lions to become fully vegetarian by the end of the year. He said he planned to expand the project to other carnivorous animals, such as tigers, bears, and wolves.
Gates said he was confident that his project would not have any negative consequences for the lions or the ecosystem. He said he had consulted with experts and ethicists, who assured him that the project was humane and beneficial.
Saving the Planet
“This is not about playing God, this is about saving the planet,” Gates said. “We are not changing the lions’ nature, we are enhancing it. We are giving them a chance to live in harmony with their environment and with us.”
Gates said he hoped his project would inspire other people to adopt plant-based diets, and to support his other initiatives, such as combating malaria, improving sanitation, and developing vaccines.
“I believe that we can create a better world for everyone, human and animal alike,” Gates said. “And I believe that vegetarian lions are the first step towards that vision.”
