Should lion cub interaction be allowed?

We asked pupils from Hyde Park High School if they think the new Lion Park in Lanseria should allow people to pet and interact with the lion cubs. This is what they had to say …

August 29, 2016

Less than a minute

Gabriel Gibbon (16): Yes, I support and agree to this. It will be hugely beneficial to be able to play and interact with wild animals brought up in a safe, nurturing and captive environment.

We asked pupils from Hyde Park High School if they think the new Lion Park in Lanseria should allow people to pet and interact with the lion cubs. This is what they had to say …

Lee Falck (18): No, the interaction between humans and cubs could interfere with their instincts and alter natural behaviours which could create complications should they [lions] be released.

Kgolagano Vena (18): No, the lions become too comfortable with human interaction, which ultimately makes them more vulnerable to poaching and would possibly interfere with their natural instincts. However, the Lion Park does provide better care for the cubs rather than if they would have to fend for themselves in their natural habitat.

Jordan Muller (18): No, I fear that the interaction between humans and the cubs, which are kept in captivity, could interfere with the natural instincts of the cubs making them unsuited to live in their natural habitat upon release (if ever released). — Jordan Muller (18):
No, I fear that the interaction between humans and the cubs, which are kept in captivity, could interfere with the natural instincts of the cubs making them unsuited to live in their natural habitat upon release (if ever released).

Rearabiloe Pitsoe (17): I don't believe petting of the animals should be allowed as it makes animals lose their wild instinct as they become domesticated. However, I do support creating awareness of lions in their natural habitat. — Rearabiloe Pitsoe (17): I don’t believe petting of the animals should be allowed as it makes animals lose their wild instinct as they become domesticated. However, I do support creating awareness of lions in their natural habitat.

Nicole Kisten (16): Yes, I think that we should be allowed to pet and interact with the lions and cubs because it is a great opportunity to interact with animals who have been brought up in a captive and safe environment. — Nicole Kisten (16):
Yes, I think that we should be allowed to pet and interact with the lions and cubs because it is a great opportunity to interact with animals who have been brought up in a captive and safe environment.

August 29, 2016

Less than a minute