Target: Brian Nesvik, Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington D.C.
Goal: Hold the man who allegedly made his terrified child ride a growling lion fully accountable under all applicable animal-cruelty and public-safety laws.
A widely shared video reportedly depicts a man lifting his small son onto the back of a live lion so he can snap a “souvenir” photograph. The big cat, agitated, seemingly turns and growls while the little boy screams and sobs in obvious terror. Viewers can apparently hear frantic crying as the lion swings its massive head within inches of the child’s body, creating a horrifying scene that could have ended in fatal injuries for both the youngster and the animal.
Observers have expressed outrage, not only at the reported reckless endangerment of a minor but also at the apparent exploitation of a powerful predator for human entertainment. Commenters have suggested the lion might have been drugged or otherwise restrained to allow such close contact, raising additional red flags about possible violations of the Animal Welfare Act and the Captive Wildlife Safety Act. The father’s actions seemingly demonstrate disregard for established safety protocols that prohibit direct, unsafe interaction with big cats.
Incidents like this can encourage copycat stunts and fuel an industry that seemingly commodifies and abuses wildlife while putting people at risk. Unless authorities swiftly investigate and levy meaningful penalties, caretakers who profit from dangerous photo-ops—or individuals who stage them—will likely continue these cruel publicity spectacles. Sign below to demand a decisive response to protect vulnerable animals and deter future acts of reckless endangerment.
PETITION LETTER:
Director Nesvik,
A viral video has surfaced reportedly showing a man placing his crying young son onto the back of a lion for a photograph. As the child seemingly wails in fear, the lion turns, growls, and appears highly distressed. This scene suggests serious breaches of animal-handling standards and could have resulted in grave injuries to both the child and the animal.
The individual’s behavior, as reported, apparently violated multiple federal safeguards intended to prevent dangerous public contact with big cats and to protect captive wildlife from exploitation. Moreover, many viewers suspect the lion may have been sedated or improperly restrained—an additional layer of cruelty that would flout the Animal Welfare Act and related regulations.
We respectfully urge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to coordinate with relevant state and local agencies to identify the parties involved, conduct a thorough investigation, and pursue every applicable charge. Robust enforcement—ranging from fines and license revocation to criminal prosecution—will send an unmistakable message that endangering children and exploiting wildlife for social-media clout will not be tolerated.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: BadParentingTV
