Treatment of lion at local zoo sparks online conversation; Manila Zoo introduces lion cub

Animal rights activists and animal lovers alike were abuzz online for the past week after video surfaced online showing alleged mistreatment of a lion at Baluarte Zoo in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

In a post on its Facebook page six days ago, the Animal Kingdom Foundation called out the mistreatment of the white lion named King in a recent viral video. The video shows a caretaker at the Baluarte Zoo pulling King's tail and pushing and kicking his leg while zoo patrons took photos with the animal.

The foundation appealed to the zoo's owner, former governor Chavit Singson, to ensure the welfare of the animals in the zoo. As of this writing, the post has garnered more than 1,000 comments and has been shared more than 5,000 times. Comments on the post include observations about King's condition, as well as wishes for international lion conservation groups to take part in the issue.

The Baluarte Zoo would come out with a response four days later, reiterating that they have a zero-tolerance policy for any mistreatment of animals and that they are grateful that the viral video has brought important issues to light. The zoo also shared that they are evaluating how to conduct photo opportunities with animals in the most ethical manner possible.

Two days ago, the zoo put out another statement, assuring the public that they are taking the matter very seriously and have terminated the employee captured in the viral video.

The Baluarte Zoo has restricted the comment section for both Facebook posts.

Because of the ruckus caused by the alleged mistreatment of King at the Baluarte Zoo, the Manila Zoo's own acquisition of a female lion cub named Isla has sparked discussion. In a post on the official Facebook page of the Manila Zoo, the establishment said that Isla will be kept away from the public while it is being raised by the zoo.

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However, the comments section of the post is condemning the acquisition, with people calling for Isla to be sent to a sanctuary instead and even branding Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna as an “oppressor”.

The Manila Zoo had previously been criticized for its treatment of Mali, the zoo's lone elephant than animal rights activists had sought to free back in 2012. Mali died in November last year.