Lion at the Local Pet Store in Erbil— lived here 2 years

A lion at a pet store in Erbil, Iraq? Yes, really The wild reality of exotic pet culture in Iraqi Kurdistan and what it says about life in the region.

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Lion at the Local Pet Store in Erbil
Updated Nov 2025
Lion at the Local Pet Store in Erbil— lived here 2 years

A lion at a pet store in Erbil, Iraq? Yes, really The wild reality of exotic pet culture in Iraqi Kurdistan and what it says about life in the region.

Contains affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.

On a random Tuesday afternoon, I needed to pick up some cat litter from the local pet store…

It’s just a regular pet store that I’ve visited numerous times. I walked in, looked around and found some cat food and cat litter. As I browsed the aisles, I noticed a few toys that caught my eye, perfect for my cat’s playful nature. After making my selections, I couldn’t help but think about my upcoming trip and how I’d need to find the best hotels in Erbil for my stay. It’s always nice to have a cozy place to return to after a day of exploration.

When I turned around, I kind of froze because I looked right into the eyes of a small lion!

There was a LION just walking around in the pet store, and it was only five meters away from me, which is just insane!

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There were a few people in the store, and some were petting the lion. I couldn’t believe my eyes, it’s so dangerous. Even a trained young lion can be dangerous.

The guy who worked there asked if I wanted to take a picture, uhm no thanks! I paid for the cat litter and got the hell out of there!

Chris Oberman — Moving Jack

Hi! I'm Chris. I lived in Iraqi Kurdistan for 2 years (2022–2024), giving me unique insights into one of the world's most misunderstood regions. I hiked the mountains, made local friends, and learned the culture from the inside.

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