Like the tigers used for photos in tourist destinations across the globe, lions belong in the wild. Their natural habitat, where they can live free lives and express their natural behaviour, is quite different from their lives in the entertainment industry. Unfortunately their suffering is often unknown and they continue to be exploited for photo opportunities.
In response to the images of Cara Delevingne with the lion cub, World Animal Protection wildlife expert Dr Neil D'Cruze said:
"Lion cubs are not photo props. Their health and well-being should not be compromised. They belong in the wild, not draped over a celebrity just to sell a designer watch.
When you look behind the scenes, advertisements like these support an industry that relies on animal cruelty.
Our concern is that such high profile adverts will legitimize these cruel encounters with wild animals.
I am sure that both advertisers and consumers alike would think twice about the commercial use of wild animals if they were aware of the suffering involved behind the scenes."
We are campaigning to let the world know about the cruelty tourists unwittingly support when posing for photos with tigers on holiday. Help us educate tourists before they book.
