South Korean entertainer No Hong-chul has joined a growing scandal over drugged lions used in wildlife encounters after sharing his disturbing experience from an African safari.
Shocking Instagram Revelation
On January 15, No Hong-chul posted on Instagram about an interaction with a lion during a trip advertised as an “Ethical Wildlife Encounters” program. He described the animal as remarkably tame, noting its collar, gentle behavior around children, and even a close-up with its cubs. “Even if it’s just a little rough, it was still so friendly,” he shared in the caption.
However, No captured additional images showing the lion being darted with a tranquilizer gun, handlers preparing sedatives, and the animal being loaded into a vehicle shortly after the encounter.
Follow-Up Post Sparks Outrage
By January 30, No Hong-chul updated his followers, mentioning the lion’s rough tongue and playful demeanor during the session. Online viewers quickly pointed out inconsistencies, with many commenting that the images did not appear AI-generated.
The facility responded on social media, insisting the encounter was genuine and the lion legally captured for breeding purposes. “This lion is real. We captured it legally as part of our program,” the statement read.
Official Confirmation of Sedation
Authorities investigated and confirmed the use of tranquilizers and sedatives on the lion. “Observe the lion’s eyes and breathing. It wasn’t overly sedated,” officials noted.
Broader Context: Canned Hunting Concerns
This incident highlights ongoing issues in South Africa’s wildlife tourism sector. A 2015 documentary, Blood Lions, exposed rampant practices involving captive lions for hunting, breeding, and interactions. These operations often lead to “canned hunting,” where fenced-in animals face unethical exploitation.
No Hong-chul reported the facility to wildlife protection agencies, citing premature release of cubs and inadequate care standards like improper feeding and health checks.
Escalating Exchange
On January 16, the facility hit back, claiming No was unqualified to judge. “They don’t speak excessively,” the response stated.
In reply, No Hong-chul declared, “They are also victims like me.” He explained believing the lion was intentionally subdued to seem docile, masking its wild nature.
“Today, I received a direct response from No Hong-chul. He twisted our ethical efforts into something negative,” the facility added. No countered that operations must prioritize animal welfare over profit, emphasizing, “Criticism is necessary because both the animals and operators can become victims.”
Experts stress that true wildlife programs prioritize conservation, humane handling, and ethical standards, urging tourists to verify operators amid rising concerns in the industry.
