Cambodian PM orders return of defanged lion to Chinese owner

Qi Xiao (far left), the owner of a defanged lion, looks at the big cat upon its controversial return to his home in Phnom Penh, on Monday (July 5, 2021). - AFP

PHNOM PENH, July 5 (AFP): A defanged and declawed lion trafficked to an upscale neighbourhood of the Cambodian capital was on Monday returned to its owner following the unlikely intervention of Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The 18-month-old cub, weighing 70 kilogrammes (154 pounds), had been imported from overseas, officials said. It was raised by its owner, a Chinese national, who named it Hima.