ANIMAL TRAGIC

MORE than 300 large cats, including lions, tigers and leopards, are being kept as pets across the UK, many without zoo licences.

- BY NADA FARHOUD Environment Editor

A surge in ownership of exotic animals is being blamed on movies, social media and even TV adverts.

But many are turfed out after people realise their complex needs. Jamie Mintram, who founded Ark wildlife sanctuary near Boston, Lincs, warned: "We saw the trend kick off after that horrible documentary, Tiger King, in lockdown.

“The demand now is driven by posts on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. When people realise they can't get a lion or a tiger, they look for the closest thing.