Captive lion population triples in Thailand, fueled by tourist selfies and pet trade
Researchers warn that unchecked breeding, social media hype, and a booming exotic pet trade are creating a welfare crisis in Thailand’s captive lion industry.
Lion on a breeding farm, Thailand. Photo: WFFT/Amy Jones
The population of captive lions in Thailand has more than tripled in just six years, new research has shown.
The report, by Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) and the Oxford Wildlife Trade Research Group, found that the number of lions in captivity has grown from just over 131 lions in 2018 to more than 444 in 2024.
Between 2018 and 2024, researchers visited public zoos across Thailand to document the number of lions and lion hybrids in captivity. Alongside these field visits, they monitored social media platforms to identify animals kept in private homes and on lion farms. Together, these methods allowed them to track the growth of Thailand’s captive lion population over time and expose the scale of its legal but poorly regulated lion trade.
The findings, published in Discover Conservation, have led to renewed international calls for action to end the exploitation of big cats.
Lions are listed as ‘vulnerable’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and are not native to Thailand. Although they were classified as protected non-native wildlife in 2022, the report finds that the legislation has done little to slow captive breeding.
The rise in captive lions across Thailand is partly driven by their popularity with tourists and the profitability of hands-on visitor experiences, researchers say. Zoos and private facilities meet the demand for bottle-feeding cubs, taking selfies, and other interactions, often promoting these encounters on social media. These posts attract more visitors and are also fueling the country’s growing exotic pet trade, particularly among the wealthy elite.
“Many people are drawn to the idea of owning a lion without fully understanding the ethical, financial and safety implications,” said Tom Taylor, operations chief at WFFT and co-author of the report. “We hope this report encourages the public to think about where these animals come from, the conditions they are kept in, and what happens when they grow too large and dangerous to handle.”
Lion on a breeding farm, Thailand. Photo: WFFT/Amy Jones
Over 90 percent of Thailand’s captive lions are kept in private zoos and breeding farms, according to the report. The number of lion-holding facilities has surged from 31 in 2018 to 82 in 2024, with some housing more than 50 animals each. Taylor warns of “serious animal welfare challenges,” stating that “some of these facilities keep lions in cramped and barren enclosures without sunlight, on concrete substrate, and poor-quality food, resulting in a life of misery.”
Private homes housing lions increased from a minimum of two in 2018 to 28 in 2024.
Nearly half of the estimated 101 lion cubs born each year in Thailand are white lions, animals selectively bred for their appearance and falsely portrayed as rare or endangered. Often seen as status symbols among the wealthy, white lions are prone to developmental defects, weakened immune systems, and other health issues as a result of inbreeding.
On average, 101 lion cubs are born each year in Thailand, nearly half of them white lions. A one-month-old white cub can sell for as much as $15,618 - more than double the price of a tawny cub, which can fetch up to $7,500. Researchers estimate the value of cub sales alone to be worth nearly $1 million annually.
White lion cubs. Photo: WFFT
Lions are frequently moved across borders for unclear purposes, raising alarm over links to the illegal wildlife trade. “We have received credible reports from traders indicating that lions in Thailand are being illegally exported, both as live animals and dead for their body parts,” said Taylor.
The report warns that Thailand’s captive lion population will continue to surge without urgent legislative changes. Researchers are calling for legal reforms, such as banning private ownership, restricting animal-visitor interactions, and tougher licensing requirements, to protect both animal welfare and public safety.
WFFT is Thailand’s leading wildlife sanctuary, home to hundreds of rescued animals including big cats. They are seeking support to help build a new wildlife hospital to provide vital care for animals in urgent need, from emergency treatment to long-term recovery. Learn more here.
We Have A Favor To Ask…
Species Unite amplifies well-researched solutions to some of the most abusive animal industries operating today.
At this crucial moment, with worldwide momentum for change building, it’s vital we share these animal-free solutions with the world - and we need your help.
We’re a nonprofit, and so to keep sharing these solutions, we’re relying on you - with your support, we can continue our essential work in growing a powerful community of animal advocates this year.
