Teatime Adventures: Lion Cub Cuddles Spark Debate in China
A restaurant in Shanxi, China offers an afternoon tea experience featuring lion cub cuddles, sparking online criticism and concerns for animal welfare. Customers pay approximately $150 for the unique experience, but the practice raises legal and ethical questions, leading to public outcry and calls for government intervention.

A unique teatime attraction in China's Shanxi province has captured online attention and sparked controversy. A restaurant offers a four-course afternoon set where guests can cuddle lion cubs, llamas, and other animals. This unusual feature has led to widespread criticism and concern for the animals' welfare.
Located in Taiyuan city, the Wanhui restaurant allows patrons to engage with various exotic animals, including deer and turtles, as part of its Douyin-profiled offerings. For 1,078 yuan ($150), customers get the chance to hold lion cubs in their arms, drawing both fascination and ire from social media users.
The legality and ethics of such an attraction have been questioned, with critics arguing it promotes unsafe and inhumane conditions for both animals and participants. This incident follows another involving red pandas at a Chongqing hotel, further highlighting the need for scrutiny over animal welfare practices in China.
(With inputs from agencies.)