A restaurant in China’s northern Shanxi province has come under fire for offering customers the chance to cuddle lion cubs as part of an upscale afternoon tea experience.

 

 

 

The Wanhui restaurant in Taiyuan city, which opened in June, promotes encounters with a range of animals including lion cubs, llamas, turtles, and deer on its Douyin (China’s TikTok equivalent) page. For 1,078 yuan (about $150), patrons can enjoy a four-course afternoon set and the opportunity to cradle the cubs like babies, according to the state-run Shanghai Daily.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Images and videos of guests hugging the young lions have gone viral on WeChat and Weibo, drawing widespread criticism. Many online commenters condemned the practice as dangerous and cruel.

 

 

“This is just for the rich to play,” wrote one user on Weibo. “Ordinary people can’t even afford to drink.” Another urged authorities to intervene, saying, “The relevant departments should take care of it.”

 

 

 

Animal welfare advocates and local media have also raised alarms about the legality and ethics of using wild animals for entertainment.

 

 

 

The controversy comes on the heels of another incident in June, when a hotel in Chongqing was investigated for allowing red pandas to climb into guests’ beds as part of a novelty “wake-up service.”

 

 

 

 

Reuters was unable to reach Wanhui for comment. Meanwhile, the story continues to fuel debate in China about the exploitation of wildlife for profit under the guise of luxury experiences.