Baluarte Zoo Criticized for Alleged Mistreatment of King the Lion
BALUARTE ZOO – The zoological park located in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, is under fire after a video of a lion named King went viral.
In the screenshots shared by the Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF), King appears visibly tired, unresponsive, and uncomfortable while on display for tourists. The AKF alleges that the lion’s caretakers mistreated him to improve his appearance for photographs. The images include evidence of a caretaker pulling King’s tail and kicking his leg, which has sparked significant public outrage.
The AKF has voiced concerns that King might have been drugged, given his passive and unusual behavior. They argue that such mistreatment is part of a broader issue where animals in captivity are exploited for tourist attractions, including wildlife selfies and photo opportunities. The foundation’s campaign against these practices highlights the abusive methods often used, such as drugging and physical harm, to make animals more photogenic.
In response to the situation, the AKF has emphasized the importance of ceasing wildlife selfies and photo ops, which they believe support and perpetuate cruel treatment. They have called on Baluarte Zoo’s operators and its owner, former Governor Chavit Singson, to improve the conditions for the animals in their care. The AKF has committed to advocating for King, although they have indicated that they are unable to rescue him directly.
Meanwhile, the Philippines has established penalties for animal cruelty under Republic Act No. 8485, known as the “Animal Welfare Act of 1998,” and its amendments under Republic Act No. 10631. Offenders may face fines ranging from PHP 1,000 to PHP 250,000, depending on the severity of the offense. For minor violations, imprisonment can range from 6 months to 2 years, while more severe cases may result in imprisonment for up to 6 years. Serious offenders may also be prohibited from owning or caring for animals in the future.
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