After the intervention of Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen, a pet lion confiscated by authorities in an upscale Phnom Penh district in June was returned to its owner.
The lion was taken after officials discovered TikTok videos of it prowling around a villa in April. It was then relocated to a nature reserve.
The lion's owner, Zhai Xinjiang, appealed to Cambodian authorities to have the lion returned.
"I am not troubled by the allegations that I used the animal to flaunt my wealth. I am just saddened by accusations that I mistreated the lion," Zhai told the Khmer Times. "I never removed his teeth or claws as alleged in the media and online. We loved him and he was a member of our family. We have never inflicted any harm on an animal."
Officials said the 18-month-old cub weighed 154 pounds and had been brought from overseas. It was raised by its Chinese owner, who named it Hima.
Wildlife Alliance, an animal rescue nongovernment organization that assisted in the raid last week, said that a wild animal's private dwelling was "inappropriate." A video of the lion's owner visiting Hima in the facility went viral a few days later.
By Sunday evening, the Cambodian Prime Minister had announced on his official Facebook page that Zhai may have his lion back if he "constructed it a proper cage to ensure the safety of the people in the house and neighbors." He further ordered that any fines paid by the owner be reimbursed.
In a comment on the post, the owner thanked the premier and also thanked the "Cambodian people for helping and supporting our Hima."
"Lastly, I wish that Cambodia and China stay strong friends forever," he said.
The lion had been sent to Zhai's villa Monday afternoon.
