Have you ever wondered if it would be possible to ride a lion like a horse? The idea may seem thrilling, yet highly dangerous. In this comprehensive article, we’ll examine if and how one could potentially ride one of nature’s most powerful predators.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: While lions can technically be ‘ridden,’ this is an extremely dangerous undertaking that should not be attempted. Male African lions can weigh over 400 pounds and have very unpredictable temperaments, making them wholly unsuitable as tamed riding animals.
The Challenges of Trying to Ride a Lion
Lions Are Wild Animals and Can’t Be Domesticated
Lions are apex predators that have not been domesticated like dogs or horses. They retain their wild instincts and can be highly unpredictable and dangerous (National Geographic). Attempting to ride a lion would be extremely risky.
Unlike domesticated animals, lions have not been selectively bred over generations to serve human needs. Riding a lion could provoke aggressive defensive behavior like biting, clawing, or sudden movements that could knock a rider off and seriously injure them.
Lions Have an Unpredictable and Dangerous Nature
Even seasoned lion experts caution against interacting too closely with lions due to their powerful, fickle disposition. Lions are stealth hunters that can explode into action without warning.
According to big cat sanctuary Keepers of the Wild, lions view direct eye contact as a challenge and sitting on a lion’s back could be seen as an act of aggression (Keepers of the Wild). This could incite an aggressive attack that could maul or kill a person before they even realized what was happening.
Lions are immensely strong, with jaws that can bite down with over 650 psi of force. Their claws can also rake and tear flesh. One swipe can critically injure a human rider.
| Bite Force (PSI) | 650+ |
| Claw Swipe Speed | 35 mph |
| Running Speed | 50 mph |
As the above comparison shows, a lion’s physical capabilities far exceed a human’s. Their strength and speed make them fundamentally unsafe animals to attempt to ride recreationally.
While lion tamers and circus performers have ridden on lions before, they undergo intense training to read lion behavior and take safety precautions. Even then, attacks sometimes happen. For an amateur, recklessly trying to ride an African lion would be extraordinarily life-threatening.
Accounts of People Riding Lions
Circus Lion Riding Acts
Lion riding has been a staple act in circuses for over a century. Famous circus entertainers like Clyde Beatty and Gunther Gebel-Williams became icons in the early 20th century for showcasing daring acts of standing on running lions and even riding them around the ring.
However, modern circuses have faced rising criticism over concerns about animal welfare and ethics.
While some classic circuses maintain lion riding acts, many have removed them or closed entirely. For example, after 146 years, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus gave its last performance in 2017 following pressures over treatment of performing animals.
Despite this trend, a number of circuses worldwide still incorporate lions in stunts and performances arguing it helps conserve the vulnerable species.
Tourist Photos and Videos with Lion Cubs
An increasing and disturbing trend is tourist attractions, particularly in Africa, offering visitors photo opportunities with lion cubs or even lion riding experiences. Tourists seeking unique selfies sometimes pay hundreds of dollars to briefly handle or sit on a cub for a picture.
However, animal welfare groups strongly caution against participating in these events and condemn them as harmful exploitation. Cubs typically come from unethical lion breeding farms focused on profit over welfare. They are removed from mothers very early in life which can cause health issues.
Additionally, direct contact spreads disease and the cubs often suffer injuries before growing too large and dangerous for tourists.
While popping up more frequently over social media, most wildlife protection agencies advise avoiding any tourist experience allowing contact with big cat species like lions. Ethical and low-impact viewing options are safari tours and volunteering with reputable sanctuaries that prioritize animal well-being.
The Ethics and Dangers of Attempting to Ride Lions
Unethical Treatment Needed to ‘Tame’ Lions
Attempting to ride lions requires unethical treatment that is harmful to these majestic creatures. Lions are not domesticated animals, so cruel training methods would be needed to ‘tame’ them enough for human interaction.
This could involve physical punishment, deprivation of food and water, and removal from their mothers at a young age. Such mistreatment goes against ethical principles of animal welfare and compassion.
As intelligent and social beings, lions deserve to live free from human domination and exploitation.
Furthermore, the rough training required often leads to lifelong physical and psychological trauma. Whips, tight collars, beatings – this kind of persistent abuse takes a severe toll. It crushes a lion’s natural wild spirit, often leaving them depressed and desperate to avoid further mistreatment.
Breaking a lion’s will with pain and fear just for entertainment or bragging rights should be condemned.
High Chance of Severe Injury or Death
Attempting to ride a lion also poses extreme dangers to the foolhardy human. Lions are powerful predators with strong instincts to defend themselves or attack perceived threats. No amount of training can override centuries of evolutionary traits geared towards hunting large prey.
So despite appearances, a seemingly ‘tamed’ lion remains highly unpredictable and prone to suddenly maiming or killing riders.
Statistics show high rates of injury and death from big cat interactions. For example, in the past 10 years over 75 people have been killed and over 265 seriously injured by captive lions and tigers according to Big Cat Rescue.
Even seasoned animal trainers are often viciously attacked during performances and stunts. Therefore, attempting to ride a lion puts extreme life-threatening risks on the rider, with a high chance of being mauled or killed.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Try This!
Riding a lion may seem like an exciting idea, but it is extremely dangerous and should not be attempted under any circumstances. Here are some key reasons why trying to ride a lion is a terrible idea:
Lions Are Wild Animals, Not Rideable Pets
Lions are apex predators, not domesticated animals bred for human transportation. They have powerful hunting instincts and can turn aggressive in an instant, especially when provoked. Trying to ride a lion would be seen as a challenge and provoke an attack.
Lions Have Razor Sharp Claws and Teeth
A lion’s claws can grow up to 1.5 inches long. Their jaws can produce over 650 pounds per square inch of bone-crushing bite force. If a lion turns on you, their claws and teeth can inflict catastrophic injury or death within seconds.
Lions Are Much Stronger Than Humans
Lions are extremely muscular animals that weigh between 330-550 lbs on average. Their strength far exceeds a human’s. If a lion resists or turns hostile during an attempted ride, there is no way a person could overpower it.
Riding Triggers a Lion’s Prey Drive
Getting on a lion’s back triggers their prey drive by making them feel dominated. This provokes an aggressive response to reestablish dominance, like an attack. Even if a lion tolerates being ridden, they may lash out unpredictably.
No Safety Equipment Can Protect You
Unlike horseback riding, there is no saddle, bridle, or other gear that can be used safely with lions. No protective equipment exists that would shield a rider from injury in a lion attack or prevent them from being thrown.
It Requires Cruel Training Methods
The only way a lion can be conditioned to allow riding is through cruel training like beatings, starvation, or other abuse. This unethical treatment causes physical and psychological harm to the animal.
While riding a lion may seem thrilling, the risks far outweigh any potential reward. Lions are not meant to be ridden. Any attempt would be foolish and extremely unsafe for both the person and the lion. The bottom line is: don’t try this! Seek out more ethical and safer adventures instead.
Conclusion
While there are a handful of amazing photos and stories of people riding lions, this activity requires unethical treatment of wild animals. Lions subjected to captivity, physical discipline, restraints and more to become compliant for riding.
Even then, their strength and predatory nature means riding a lion poses serious dangers.
We hope this article gave you a comprehensive understanding of the realities around riding one of nature’s most incredible yet unpredictable creatures. While the idea may seem thrilling, attempting to ride a lion should absolutely be avoided.
