A restaurant in China is under fire for a controversial menu offering that has sparked outrage both locally and internationally. Wanhui restaurant in Taiyuan city, located in the northern Chinese province of Shanxi, recently gained notoriety for a dining experience that includes the option to interact with live lion cubs.
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The restaurant, which opened in June, allows customers to partake in a four-course tea service where they can cuddle with lion cubs for a price of 1,078 yuan ($150). Reports suggest that around 20 tickets are sold daily for this unique experience. The unconventional dining offering garnered attention after footage of customers interacting with the lion cubs was shared on Chinese social media platforms.
WeChat and Weibo platforms, which are popular for instant messaging and blogging in China, showcased videos of patrons enjoying the company of the lion cubs. Additionally, Wanhui restaurant features other exotic animals such as llamas, turtles, and deer on its Douyin page, the Chinese equivalent of TikTok.
Although a spokesperson for the restaurant assured Reuters that the lion cubs are well cared for by a dedicated staff, social media users and local officials have condemned the practice. One official likened the treatment of the animals to being nothing more than “social media props,” highlighting concerns about their well-being and safety.
While some zoos offer dining experiences where animals can be observed from a distance, the direct interaction with the lion cubs at Wanhui restaurant has raised serious ethical questions. Critics argue that the practice prioritises profit over animal welfare and poses risks to both customers and the animals involved.
Organizations such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have spoken out against this exploitation of live animals for entertainment purposes. PETA’s Senior Vice President Jason Baker emphasised that separating lion cubs from their mothers to be handled by diners is not entertainment but exploitation, stating that these animals deserve to be treated as living beings, not mere toys.
China policy expert for Humane World for Animals, Peter Li, echoed these sentiments, stating that using wild animals as props for selfies and marketing stunts is not only cruel but also potentially dangerous. He warned of the risks involved in allowing customers to interact closely with wild animals, citing the unpredictable nature of even young lions.
The controversy surrounding Wanhui restaurant’s offering highlights broader concerns about the treatment of animals in the entertainment industry and the ethical considerations that must be taken into account. As discussions around animal welfare continue to evolve, it remains essential for businesses and individuals to prioritise compassion and respect for all living creatures.