Cassandra Koenen, the Global Head of Exotic Pets at World Animal Protection, says that taking selfies with the wild animals 'is driving the suffering and exploitation of some of the world’s most iconic animals.'
- May 4, 2018
AceShowbiz - Katy Perry has come under fire for visiting a wildlife sanctuary in Mexico and posting photos of her cuddling lion cubs. Cassandra Koenen, the Global Head of Exotic Pets at World Animal Protection, tells The Blast that the "Roar" singer should have done her homework before making the trip to the sanctuary, insisting the place is not what it seems.
"Fake wildlife venues such as Black Jaguar White Tiger prop up this sordid entertainment industry," Koenen said. "Don't be duped by pseudo sanctuaries. If you can ride, hug or have a selfie with a wild animal, then it's cruel. Don't do it, no matter how many 'likes' it will get on social media."
Perry is one of several celebrities who have snapped selfies with cubs at the sanctuary. Kendall Jenner and her sister Khloe Kardashian and Demi Lovato have all posed with the little big cats.
"Our love for selfies has changed the lives of wild animals forever," Koenen adds. "The explosive trend on social media is driving the suffering and exploitation of some of the world’s most iconic animals. It's heart breaking to see yet another celebrity posing with a wild animal and further fueling this suffering."
