Lion With Mullet Forces Zoo To Deny Joe Exotic Haircut: ‘It’s Nature’s Magic’

Leos can have bad hair days too.

Hot and humid weather in southwest China is making the hair of Hang Hang, the lion recently photographed at Guangzhou Zoo with a mane that looked more limp than usual, cramp.

Zookeepers tried to strengthen the lion’s curls, but Hang Hang couldn’t help but fidget with his new doo – he licked his paws and patted them to tame the frizz.

Now, photos of the oddly coiffed big cat have caused static on social media, with many comparing its mane to a “Tiger King” Joe Exotic-esque mullet. According to the Viral Press, Hang Hang’s flattened bangs were spotted on May 29 by zoo visitors, who later shared pictures online.

Some visitors complained that staff botched its exotic looks, but staff claimed, “It was nature’s magic.”

“The hairstyle was pure magic of nature,” a zoo spokesman told Viral Press. “We wouldn’t dare cut the lion’s hair. Because of the high humidity in Guangzhou, he looked like a blonde supermodel with bangs.”

Hang Hang has since attracted an increasing number of onlookers hoping to spot the lion’s unique style.

“He’s the most beautiful boy here now and more and more people are coming to see him,” his handler also told the Viral Press.

Experts say this year has been one of the hottest in China as temperatures averaged nearly 36 degrees Celsius in May.