Photos: 'It's on my territory, I'm keeping it' – A lion wandering the streets of Yerevan

‘Dear people, yesterday I saw a free-roaming cub (lion cub) in Zeytun. What’s going on? Is there any information?’ wrote animal lover Areg Ginosyan on social media.

According to EcoNews.am, the animal is being kept in the area of a factory located at the Ulnec-D. Anhaght intersection (likely the 'Kerama Marat' factory).

A citizen named Andranik is reportedly the one ‘keeping’ the animal. We also contacted Andranik, who said, ‘What’s the problem? Let’s say it’s alive, yes, it’s with me, what’s the issue? There are many keeping like this all over Armenia; why don’t you ask all of them, huh? Yes, I’m keeping it and I’m keeping it well; I don’t understand what the issue is. What does freedom mean? It’s on my territory; it’s my factory, my territory is there, it’s 2 hectares of land.’

He refused to provide further details, saying, ‘I can’t share much. I’ve already spoken too much with you. Out of respect as a person, I am simply talking. I could completely refuse to speak. If you have something serious to discuss with me, you can meet; there’s no problem.’

Apart from numerous other concerns related to the animal’s well-being, a lion freely wandering the streets poses a public safety issue.

It should be noted that the animal likely does not currently pose a threat to members of the public, but such a situation is unacceptable. EcoNews.am calls for the attention of the Environmental and Mining Inspectorate, the Police of Armenia, and other law enforcement agencies.