A Libyan man has sparked widespread debate on social media after appearing with a lion on a beach in the coastal town of Tajoura, east of Tripoli, where he was filmed taking the animal into the sea for a swim.
The unusual scene, captured in a video that circulated widely online on Monday, drew astonishment and concern from viewers across Libya.
The footage showed the man walking alongside the lion on a public beach frequented by families and holidaymakers before playing with the animal on the sand and later entering the sea with it.
The lion appeared calm throughout the video, while several beachgoers and jet skis could be seen operating nearby, prompting fears over the safety of people in the area.
The incident triggered a wave of criticism on social media, with many users arguing that bringing a dangerous wild animal into a public space placed lives at risk.
Activist Sanaa Mohamed said that stricter enforcement of existing laws was needed to prevent people from keeping lions in private homes or taking them into public places.
Others questioned the role of security authorities in ensuring public safety at beaches and recreational areas.
Social media user Abdullah Al-Sharif warned of the consequences if the animal had escaped or become aggressive, saying such an incident could have resulted in a serious tragedy.
Cases involving lions and tigers appearing in public spaces have periodically surfaced in Libya in recent years, despite laws prohibiting the ownership, breeding and keeping of dangerous wild animals in homes, farms and private properties.
Libyan legislation also restricts the importation and introduction of predatory animals into the country.
The latest video has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of wildlife regulations and stronger measures to protect public safety in crowded recreational areas.