On February 15, News1 reported that an Africa-based travel agency specializing in safari tours criticized the image through its social media account. The post featured Noh Hong-chul posing behind a sleeping lion, accompanied by a pointed caption questioning the animal’s condition.
The travel agency claimed the lion was not merely asleep but sedated.
“Does this lion look normal to you? Even if we try to package it as a fairytale-like ‘sleeping lion,’ this lion is under the influence of drugs,” the post read. The account further alleged that tranquilizers or sedatives are often administered to lions in such tourist settings, rendering them lethargic and unresponsive. It stated that behaviors such as walking drowsily beside humans, allowing physical contact, or failing to resist being touched are signs of chemical sedation.
The post also referenced the 2015 documentary Blood Lions, which exposed practices in parts of Africa where lions are reportedly drugged under the guise of conservation, research, or orphan care. The documentary alleged that some animals suffer organ damage, premature death, and inbreeding to continuously produce cubs for tourism activities.
After the criticism surfaced, online communities began debating Noh Hong-chul’s responsibility in the situation. Some netizens expressed outrage, commenting, “How far can human ugliness go?” and “Awareness of animal rights is still too low.” Others questioned the intent behind posting such a photo, saying it made them uncomfortable.
However, a number of users defended the broadcaster, arguing that he may not have been aware of the alleged sedation. “He probably didn’t know the lion had been drugged,” some wrote. “It doesn’t seem like he knowingly participated in animal abuse.”
As the issue spread into accusations of animal abuse, Noh Hong-chul responded directly on February 15 via Instagram. He wrote, “‘Ethical Wildlife Encounters.’ I visited after checking keywords such as Tanzanian government operation, health recovery treatment, and release back into natural habitat. I see the valuable opinions being shared. If that were truly the case, I would of course join in addressing it as well.”
According to Noh Hong-chul, the facility he visited operates under an “ethical wildlife encounter” program overseen by the Tanzanian government. The lions there were reportedly abandoned by their mothers at a young age and later transferred from other zoos. After undergoing health recovery treatment, they are said to be preparing for release back into their natural habitat.
While debate continues online, Noh Hong-chul has firmly rejected the allegations, maintaining that his visit was to a government-operated ethical wildlife program rather than a facility engaging in animal mistreatment.
Sources: sidae, Nate
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