The Emaciated Lion Staggers
Criticism Continues Toward the Middle Eastern Zoo
A lion reduced to just bones was revealed at a zoo in China, sparking outrage among netizens.
On the 19th (local time), foreign media such as the British Daily Mail and The Sun reported on a male lion named 'Alla' at the Jinxiuhu Safari Park in Nanjing, China, which appears to have been filmed there.
In the released video, Alla's ribs were clearly visible, and he staggered down the stairs as if he might collapse at any moment. Known as the "King of the Jungle," lions are characterized by their magnificent manes spreading in all directions, but Alla's mane was sparse and lacked luster.
As the video spread through the Chinese video platform Douyin, criticism toward the zoo poured in. Netizens responded with comments such as "The lion looks like it is in pain. If you can't take proper care, send it to another zoo," "Why should the lion suffer in the zoo?" and "I've never seen such a skinny lion before. It's heartbreaking."
As the controversy grew, the zoo issued an explanation. A zoo official stated, "Alla is 25 years old, which is over 80 in human years," and added, "Since he cannot chew food well, we provide a special diet consisting of liquid protein and small pieces of meat." They continued, "He is being cared for by veterinarians and keepers."
Previously, in 2018, a lion with half of its tail cut off was found at a zoo in Shanxi Province, China, causing controversy. At that time, a zoo official explained, "The lion put its tail in water and slept in cold weather, causing it to freeze and self-amputate," and added, "Staff treated the lion with medication after noticing the tail was severed." However, among netizens, there was speculation that it might have been a symptom of malnutrition due to poor zoo management.
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