Restaurant in China flooded with criticism over lion cub “cuddles” at tea

The venue, located in Taiyuan, claims the cubs are “well cared for” but footage of young lions being passed between diners like photo props has prompted widespread criticism. Local authorities are now investigating whether any wildlife protection laws have been broken.

The stunt has sparked concern not only for the animals’ welfare, but also for public safety. Lion cubs might look cute, but they’re still wild animals - not pets or playthings.

Katheryn Wise, World Animal Protection, UK Wildlife Manager, said:

It is shocking that wild animals are being used in this way. It is dangerous for customers and cruel to the animals. Wild animals belong in the wild and certainly not in a restaurant to entertain guests. It is unlikely that the restaurant will keep full-grown lions, so you have to wonder where these cubs will end up.

Sadly, this isn’t an isolated incident. From tiger selfies in roadside zoos to elephants being ridden and bathed by tourists, the use of wild animals for entertainment continues propped up by demand for Instagrammable moments and novelty experiences.

But behind the photos is a much darker reality. Animals are bred into captivity, taken from their mothers, and passed from hand to hand until they’re no longer “useful.”

Wild animals are not entertainers

No matter how well-trained the staff claim to be, no restaurant is an appropriate place for a lion cub. Wild animals deserve to live wild lives - not to be handled by strangers for the sake of profit, Instagram or tourism.

We’re urging tourists, travellers and venues to stop fuelling this industry. If you see wild animals being used for entertainment, walk away — and speak up.

Animals aren’t entertainment. They’re not selfie material. And they certainly don’t belong in a tea room.