The hidden costs of the lion cub trend in Thailand: exploitation and ethics at stake

The growing trend of owning lion cubs in Thailand has become a disturbing status symbol, fueled by social media. Behind the glamour lies animal suffering and a thriving but unethical business.

In Thailand, a new and unsettling trend has emerged: owning a lion cub has become the ultimate status symbol, especially among wealthy youngsters and social media enthusiasts on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Behind the glossy images of these adorable cubs being cuddled at exclusive parties, however, lies a disturbing reality of animal suffering and dubious legality.

To meet the growing demand, many cubs are taken from their mothers just days after birth. This practice deprives the cubs of essential care and allows the mother to go into heat again more quickly. These animals are then raised in artificial environments, often confined to cement cages, without access to natural light and with minimal stimulation. The living conditions are subpar, with poor hygiene and chronic malnutrition leading to frequent infections and other health problems.

A thriving business has developed around this phenomenon, with private breeders selling or renting out lion cubs for photo shoots or events. Prices range from $5,000 to $15,000 (around €4,500 to €13,500), and the cubs are marketed as luxury accessories. Some are even “rented” for birthday parties or social media content, fueling an ever-expanding market.

When the cubs grow up, they become a burden

As these lion cubs grow older, they often become unmanageable for their owners, transforming into potential dangers. Many are returned to the breeders, who either sell them again or use them for breeding purposes, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation. Experts argue that while this business model is economically profitable, it is ethically devastating and problematic from a veterinary standpoint.

Weak legal regulations leave room for exploitation

Although Thailand’s regulations were strengthened in 2019, there are still significant gaps. Breeding practices remain poorly regulated, and many animals are not properly registered. Additionally, hybrids such as ligers—crossbreeds between lions and tigers—are not covered by existing laws, leaving plenty of room for operators in the industry to exploit these loopholes.

Animal rights groups are calling for a total ban on the private ownership and breeding of lions, as well as the elimination of bars with exotic animals and “cute” photo opportunities with cubs. Behind the seemingly innocent image of a lion cub being cuddled for a like on social media, there exists a system where digital exhibitionism comes at a steep price, especially for the animals involved.