A Nigerian man was left in shock after visiting a zoo in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, only to discover that the 'lion' on display was not a live animal but a ceramic replica. In a video shared online, the man filmed a lion statue made of ceramic, trapped inside a cage as if it were a real lion. He confronted the zoo keeper, accusing the establishment of defrauding him and other visitors who paid to see live animals.
Video Shows Fake Lion in Cage
The video, posted on Instagram by Lindaikejiblog, shows the man pointing at the molded lion and expressing his disbelief. The cage, which should have housed a live lion, instead contained a stationary ceramic figure. The man demanded answers from the zoo management, questioning how they could charge people for such a deceptive display.
Public Reaction and Concerns
The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many Nigerians criticizing the zoo for misleading visitors. Some commenters called for regulatory action against the zoo, while others shared similar experiences at other poorly managed zoos in the country. The video has been widely shared, drawing attention to the state of animal attractions in Nigeria.
Zoo Management Yet to Respond
As of the time of this report, the zoo management has not issued an official statement regarding the incident. The man’s video has raised questions about oversight and ethical practices in Nigerian zoos. Visitors are urged to verify the authenticity of animal exhibits before paying entry fees.



