Tourist perceptions, motivations and expectations when interacting with African lion (<i>Panthera leo</i>) cubs.

ABSTRACT: Tourism wildlife interactions are controversial, the debate hinging largely on the compromised welfare of the animals used. Despite this, lion cub (Panthera leo) interactions are popular, and there is a need to understand what motivates interactors to participate in the activity, their perceptions and expectations. We surveyed the attitudes of 300 visitors to three lion cub interaction facilities in South Africa. Whilst 38% of interactors were aware of the controversy around lion cub interactions, 69% desired the experience regardless. It is widely assumed that lion cub interaction opportunities are big attractions, yet 74% of respondents said that they would still have visited if lion cub interactions were not offered. Whilst 84% of interactors felt that their expectations were met

SUBMITTER: Wilson A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11655273 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature