Katy Perry's Lion Selfies 'Cruel,' Says Animal Protection Organization

One of the world's longest-running animal protection nonprofits is taking a stand against Katy Perry and her recent romp with lion cubs at a wildlife sanctuary in Mexico.

Cassandra Koenen, the Global Head of Exotic Pets at World Animal Protection, tells The Blast that the controversial sanctuary 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."

Katy Perry is one of several celebrities who've snapped selfies with baby big cats at the so-called sanctuary. Kendall Jenner, Demi Lovato and Khloé Kardashian all featured photos with the animals.

"Our love for selfies has changed the lives of wild animals forever – the explosive trend on social media is driving the suffering and exploitation of some of the world’s most iconic animals," Koenen explained. "So it’s heart breaking to see yet another celebrity posing with a wild animal and further fueling this suffering."

For more about the World Animal Protection, click here.

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