Restaurant in China criticised for putting baby lion cuddles on menu

Diners jump at chance to snuggle with cubs but wildlife experts accuse firm of ‘exploiting wild animals for selfies’

SearchSupport usPrint subscriptionsNewslettersDownload the appSearch jobsDigital ArchiveGuardian LicensingAbout UsThe Guardian appVideoPodcastsPicturesInside the GuardianGuardian WeeklyCrosswordsWordiplyCorrectionsTipsSearch input google-search SearchSearch jobsDigital ArchiveGuardian LicensingAbout UsEnvironmentClimate crisisWildlifeEnergyPollutionGreen light One diner boasted online: ‘I can pet a cute lion in a small shop … You don’t have to worry about safety issues!’ Photograph: Joe Giddens/PAView image in fullscreenOne diner boasted online: ‘I can pet a cute lion in a small shop … You don’t have to worry about safety issues!’ Photograph: Joe Giddens/PAChinaRestaurant in China criticised for putting baby lion cuddles on menuDiners jump at chance to snuggle with cubs but wildlife experts accuse firm of ‘exploiting wild animals for selfies’

A restaurant in northern China has been criticised by animal welfare groups for offering an unusual item on the menu: lion cub cuddles.