Thai wildlife officials have made a dramatic seizure of a young lion cub from a social media influencer whose posts with the exotic animal sparked widespread public outrage and investigation.
The Instagram Posts That Caused an Uproar
The controversy began when the influencer, known online as 'Nhi Sa', shared numerous photographs and videos featuring the lion cub on social media platforms. The content showed the young animal in various domestic settings, including being walked on a leash and interacting with other pets.
These posts quickly went viral, attracting both fascination and condemnation from followers and wildlife conservation advocates. Many expressed concern about the welfare of the cub and the legality of keeping such a dangerous wild animal as a pet.
Swift Action by Authorities
Following the social media storm, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation launched an immediate investigation. Officials traced the influencer to her residence in Kanchanaburi province, approximately 120 kilometres west of Bangkok.
During a raid on the property, authorities discovered the three-month-old female lion cub being kept in inadequate conditions. The animal was immediately confiscated and transported to a wildlife rescue centre for proper care and medical evaluation.
Legal Consequences and Ongoing Investigation
The influencer now faces serious legal repercussions for possessing a protected species without proper authorization. Under Thailand's Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act, keeping scheduled wildlife without a permit can result in significant fines and imprisonment.
Investigators are now working to determine how the influencer acquired the lion cub and whether she was part of a larger exotic animal trafficking network. The case has highlighted ongoing challenges in regulating the exotic pet trade in Thailand and neighbouring countries.
Broader Implications for Wildlife Conservation
This incident has reignited debates about exotic pet ownership and the role of social media in promoting potentially harmful trends. Wildlife experts emphasise that wild animals like lions belong in their natural habitats or properly regulated sanctuaries, not as status symbols for social media clout.
The seized lion cub will remain under professional care at the wildlife rescue centre while authorities continue their investigation into this troubling case of exotic animal exploitation.
