When Lions Go on the “Buggy” Tour
Picture this: a sunny day at the Taigan Safari Park in Crimea, a bunch of tourists lounging in a little buggy, and a lion that decides to join the ride. No, it wasn’t part of the show—he walked right onto the vehicle and started nuzzling and licking everyone like a furry masseuse.
Meet Oleg Zubkov, the Park’s “Lion‑Handling” Director
- Age: 50 y/o
- Owner & operator of the biggest European lion park
- Believes in up‑close, personal encounters for the sake of human-shark (err, lion) bonding
While on a routine drive, Oleg greeted a visitor’s lion buddy with a friendly brush. But the animal, perhaps having too much confidence or a taste for adventure, wanted to sit in the front seat. Next thing you know, it’s in the back, rubbing its head against tourists and even licking faces! Oleg calmly told them, “People who want a closer film can step out.” But that rational protest wasn’t enough—everyone stayed in the buggy and filmed the show.
A Picture‑Perfect Moment
In 2016, a Russian photographer captured these lions playing with visitors, taking selfies (“wif‑e” before “we‑fie”), and even letting tourists give them kisses. The photos were meant to show how friendly these big cats can be, and Oleg hoped people would think twice before hunting endangered Siberian tigers and white lions.
More than 50 Lions, 1,500+ Zoo‑mates
Aside from the lions, the park rents a colorful menagerie – 1,500 other animals, including tigers and a whole rainbow of birds—all living under the same roof.
Not All Encounters are “Nice and Smiling”
Just 8 weeks before the buggy incident, a visitor named Olga Solomina (46) was bitten badly by a lion. She described it as a puppet‑like drag and the moment she thought she might be torn apart. Oleg claimed two things: Olga had been drinking beforehand and was rubbing the lion’s mane—a dangerous trigger. He still says she voluntarily entered the enclosure despite warnings.
Why Experts are “Paws‑itive” About Keeping It Safe
- Claudio Bertonatti, a naturalist who once worked with a zoo, warned that close contact uplifts the risk of disease transfer and potentially dangerous physical attacks.
- He questioned the logic of expecting a tiger, lion or elephant to never bite a human.
Public Outcry & Calls for “Respectful” Encounters
The park has faced criticism from online watchdogs who claim the majestic beasts are treated like mere commodities. A Facebook page called Captive Wildlife Watchdog said people are stripping the lions’ dignity for a quick tour experience.
Economic Struggles Since Crimea’s Annexation
In 2014, the park’s animals struggled because of economic chaos. Oleg told BBC that the lions ate about 500kg of meat daily, but Ukrainian banks blocked the park’s accounts, leaving the feed supply thin.
Bottom Line: Treat Lions with Care—Not as “Travel Buddies”
When a wild animal laughs in your face, it can be endearing—until it starts hissing at your dress. While the idea of brushing paws feels heartwarming, safety guidelines, animal welfare rules, and financial realities all tell a different story.
