Cub petting has negative welfare consequences for big cats, reveals new study
A new study led by the New York University and Four Paws has revealed that cub-petting practices have negative welfare consequences for big cats.
The term cub petting refers to the using of young animals, mainly big cats like lions and tigers, as play toys and photo props for paying customers.
According to the study, cub petting normalises the touching of young lions, perpetuates captive breeding, and has dire implications for the African lion species.
Co-author of the study, Dr Becca Franks says the findings show that cub-petting facilities may cater to people with good intentions for the lions, but there are still grave welfare concerns.
"Lions who begin their lives in such facilities become part of a larger cycle of harm including the canned hunting industry, the exotic pet trade, and the black market for wildlife parts. While these activities are well-known, the exploitation of cubs at tourist attractions is less well understood.
“The study concludes that cub-petting facilities perpetuate harm to young lions, normalise the touching of lions, and propagate captive breeding. These issues have implications not only for the captive lion industry in South Africa but for the overall welfare and conservation of a species,” says Franks.
Meanwhile, the Director of Four Paws in South Africa, Fiona Miles, says the study shows unsuspecting animal lovers could contribute to the lion population's decimation by supporting the petting industry.
“Instead of visiting a cub petting facility, rather support a true big cat sanctuary that is a facility that does not breed, trade or offer interactions, but instead provides a forever home to animals that cannot be returned to the wild,” says Miles.
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