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A resort in Jiangsu, China has been allegedly offering a unique form of morning entertainment for its guests
According to China Press and Asia Business Daily, the unorthodox service at the Niujiao Village Countryside Resort involves a lion cub waking up guests in the morning.
The service, which reportedly costs 628 yuan (RM364), is available from 8am to 10am, and is limited to 20 rooms a day.
Each session with the animal lasts 20 minutes, and a handler accompanies the cub at all times.
Videos have circulated on China's Weibo platform, in which lion cubs can be seen being led into resort rooms on leashes and interacting with children.
A child petting a lion cub in their bedroom.
Image via Asia Business DailyResort guests must book the wake-up call in advance
The service has been fully booked till 24 November, an unidentified employee at the resort claimed.
The employee also reminded guests to pay attention to safety.
As part of the booking procedure, guests must allegedly sign a contract that is a "precautionary measure against potential risks".
An official from the Suqian District Culture and Tourism Bureau purportedly said the procedure for managing animals did not fall under their responsibility.
"The procedures for managing animals at the resort do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism."
A screenshot from Douyin allegedly shows a lion cub led on a leash.
Image via Douyin
However, questions remain about the practices behind the "cute" facade
It is unclear where the resort sources its lions or what conditions the animals are kept in when not used for the wake-up call service.
Whether the cubs' handlers have training qualifications is also unknown.
Research from Cambridge University and the National Library of Medicine shows that removing cubs from their mothers early causes harmful development, and cubs used for petting and interaction often face poor welfare and husbandry practices.
The practice also fuels the trade in exotic wildlife and other forms of exploitation.
There is no concrete evidence that the resort mistreats its lion cubs, but these concerns remain noteworthy.
Previously, a hotel in Chongqing, China sparked controversy when it offered a similar morning call service with red pandas
According to CNA, the service, which charged between 2,000 to 3,000 yuan (RM1160 to RM1740), became viral on social media, but also raised concerns about the safety and welfare of the animals used.
The hotel allegedly received an order from the Chongqing Forestry Bureau to cease all contact between guests and wild animals.
The Douyin post showing the lion cub may be viewed here.
