Unveiling the Controversial Trend of Interacting with Wild Animals at a Luxury Restaurant
A restaurant located in northern China has recently sparked intense public backlash after offering an unusual experience where customers can cuddle lion cubs as part of a luxury afternoon tea session. This practice, which combines fine dining with direct interaction with exotic animals, has drawn criticism from animal rights groups and social media users alike.
Exotic Animals Meet Fine Dining
Situated in Taiyuan City, Shanxi province, the Wanhui restaurant introduced this controversial experience in June. The package includes a four-course tea set alongside close encounters with wild animals such as deer, llamas, and turtles. For a fee of 1,078 yuan (approximately $150), guests can not only enjoy tea but also hold lion cubs and interact with other animals.
The experience has quickly gained popularity, with the restaurant reportedly selling around 20 tickets per day. Footage of guests posing with lion cubs has circulated rapidly on platforms like WeChat and Weibo, leading to widespread online outrage.
Experts Slam the Practice as Cruel and Dangerous
Animal protection organizations have strongly opposed this offering, emphasizing that using young animals for entertainment compromises their well-being and poses risks to people. Jason Baker, Senior Vice President of PETA, stated, “This is not a harmless photo-op—it’s the exploitation of a baby animal who should be with its mother.” He criticized the trend of turning animals into props for online content, saying, “These cubs are being treated as nothing more than accessories for social media.”
Peter Li, a policy specialist on China at Humane World for Animals, also condemned the practice. He warned, “Handling wild animals, even at a young age, carries real danger. A frightened or stressed lion cub can still injure someone.” He added, “Beyond safety, it’s deeply irresponsible and unethical.”
Restaurant Stands by Its Offer
In response to the backlash, a representative from the Wanhui restaurant claimed that the cubs are well looked after by trained handlers. “They are receiving professional care, and we are ensuring their safety and comfort,” the spokesperson said. However, despite this assurance, criticism continues to grow, with many questioning the legality and morality of using wildlife in commercial dining settings.
Similar Incidents Fuel Concern
This controversy comes shortly after another hotel in Chongqing faced public outrage and an official investigation for using red pandas in a “wake-up call” service—where the animals were allowed to climb onto guests’ beds in the morning. These incidents have intensified calls for stricter oversight and animal welfare regulations in China’s tourism and hospitality industries.
Activists are urging authorities to take action against the use of wildlife as entertainment. They believe that such practices not only harm the animals but also set a dangerous precedent for the treatment of wildlife in public spaces.
Conclusion
The debate surrounding the use of wild animals in commercial settings highlights the need for stronger regulations and ethical considerations. As these incidents continue to make headlines, it is essential for society to reflect on the impact of such practices and advocate for the humane treatment of all living beings.
