News1 reported on February 15 that an Africa-based travel agency specializing in safari tours criticized the image through its social media account. The post showed Noh Hong-chul posing behind a sleeping lion, accompanied by a caption questioning the animal’s condition.
The travel agency said the lion was not merely asleep but sedated.
“Does this lion seem normal to you? Even if we try to present him as a fairytale ‘sleeping lion,’ this lion is under the influence of drugs,” the post read. The report also states that tranquilizers or sedatives are often administered to lions in such tourist settings, making them lethargic and unresponsive. He said behaviors such as walking drowsily next to humans, allowing physical contact or not resisting touch are signs of chemical sedation.
The post also referenced the 2015 documentary Lions of bloodwhich highlighted practices in parts of Africa where lions are drugged under the guise of conservation, research or caring for orphans. The documentary claimed that some animals suffered organ damage, premature death and inbreeding to continually produce cubs for tourism businesses.
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, several users defended the broadcaster, claiming that perhaps he was not aware of the alleged sedation. “He probably didn’t know the lion had been drugged” some wrote. “It does not appear that he knowingly participated in animal abuse.”
Noh Hong-chul has not yet released an official statement regarding the controversy. The incident has reignited discussions about ethical wildlife tourism and the responsibility of public figures when sharing travel content involving animals.
Sources: side
