Lion taming
Lion taming is the taming and training of lions, either for protection, or more commonly, entertainment, particularly in the circus.
About Lion taming
The term often applies to the taming and display of other big cats—such as tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, and cougars. People often use lion taming as a metaphor for a dangerous activity, due to the obvious risks of toying with powerful, instinctive carnivores.
Lion taming occurs in zoos across the world, to enable the keepers to carry out medical procedures and feedings.
The Captive Animals Protection Society maintains that animal welfare cannot be guaranteed in circuses.
Note that taming an individual lion is not the same as domestication of a species.
Lion tamers
George Wombwell (1777–1850), founder of Wombwell's Traveling Menagerie, raised many animals himself, including the first lion bred in captivity in Britain. He was buried in Highgate Cemetery, under a statue of his lion Nero.
Isaac A. Van Amburgh (1811–1865), American animal trainer who developed the first trained wild animal act in modern times. He was known for acts of daring, such as placing his head inside the jaws of a wild cat, and became known as “The Lion King.”.
