We seem to be forgetting that lion numbers will often increase to exceed the sensible upper threshold in a game conservancy or similarly managed area, and need to be controlled. It makes no sense whatsoever to waste conservancy or anti-poaching dollars on culling excess lions when they could attract high trophy fees from safari hunters. Too, local villagers will benefit from trophy fee dollars just as much as meat from buffalo or ele, income that would be denied to them if lions are culled rather than sold as trophies.

I also can't avoid the thought that we breed pheasants in their tens of thousands to release before paying guns.
Really, what's the difference!

Having said all that, I could never personally enjoy a canned lion hunt myself, but if the industry is sustainable and there is no cruelty involved, how is it different from other forms of animal husbandry like running cattle or operating a chicken farm for profit. At least lion hunting requires fairly large tracts of land to be maintained in a natural state, and that potentially benefits all wildlife.

Please note I didn't read the article, life's too short.
Simply responding to the worthy points posted above.