Chris Angel Murphy

Selogie says that he’s offering the lion burgers as a tribute to the World Cup, which is being played in South Africa, where lions can only be seen in game preserves and private parks due to their being almost hunted into extinction in the wild. In fact, one species native to South Africa, the black-maned Cape Lion, became extinct in 1860.

But, stresses Il Vinaio owner Selogie, his lion meat was purchased via humane means. From the Arizona Republic:

The restaurant ordered five pounds of the African lion meat from a USDA regulated free-range farm in Illinois, which Selogie said he researched to make sure they were humane. After some positive feedback and more reservations were made, however, they ordered five more pounds.

Selogie estimates that only 15 of the burgers will be served each night.

Do these lions die of old age before their meat is processed? Otherwise, they’re still killing cats to make burgers; a stereotype that Korean restaurants have been trying to shake for decades.

Needless to say, protests have been planned. And I can’t imagine that this guy is amused, either.

“I’m thoroughly disgusted to say the least,” said Susan Cooper, an animal activist. “I’ve gotten information around to the animal community and everyone is thoroughly disgusted too.”

It would be almost worth it, however, to finally hear someone ask, “And how would you like your lion cooked?”, and not have it be about the NFL North standings.

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Lion burger World Cup tribute in Arizona stirs ire [Yahoo Sports]

Mesa restaurant’s lion burgers draw protests [Arizona Republic]