A man’s visit to a zoo in Port Harcourt took an unexpected turn after he discovered what appeared to be a moulded lion statue inside one of the animal enclosures instead of a live lion.
In a video circulating on social media, the visibly surprised visitor filmed the caged exhibit, expressing disbelief after realising the “lion” on display was not a living animal but a sculpture.
The clip has since gone viral, sparking a wave of humorous reactions online. Many Nigerians joked about the unusual sight, while others questioned the condition of some public zoos and the welfare of the animals they are expected to house.
Some social media users also used the moment to call for improved funding and better maintenance of wildlife parks, arguing that zoos should prioritise conservation, education and proper care of live animals rather than relying on static displays.
While the circumstances surrounding the exhibit remain unclear, the viral video has reignited conversations about the state of zoological parks in Nigeria and the need to preserve wildlife through adequately managed facilities.
The management of the zoo has yet to publicly comment on the viral footage.
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