Britain’s Tiger Kings: Ross Kemp documentary enrages viewers as wild lions and tigers are kept as pets in UK

Ross Kemp’s newest documentary Britain’s Tiger Kings has enraged viewers after watching men keep lions in their back garden.

The animals, which are native of Africa, have become status symbols for pet owners and businessmen, with some taking pride in their growing collection of foreign animals.

In the first part of the documentary, Reece Oliver, who lives in a village in Nottinghamshire, owns two lions, as well as penguins living in his back garden.

Speaking to Ross, Reece said that he wanted to add a hyena to his collection, and refused to back down as his local village fight against the animals being in the area.

Ross later spoke to the locals, who said they were more concerned about the animals being kept in small captivity, when they should be running free in their native countries, or well looked after in a zoo.

Reece acknowledged the issue but, alongside his mum, refused to ever give them up – comparing them to pet dogs.

He was later seen getting into the lions’ pen after one of his cats fell gravely ill, needing emergency assistance.

In another scene, a man who raised wild animals for commercials and advertisements also unsettled viewers.

After watching the film and the captivity they are in, viewers demanded that the cats be placed somewhere with professional care for them.

There are approximately 4,000 wild animals including lions, tigers, bears, crocodiles and giant snakes in private hands in the country.

It is also completely legal, with Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 meaning Brits and have animals as long as they obtain a licence from their local authority.

As part of this, they need to demonstrate that their animals are properly contained to protect the public, and proof that it wasn’t taken from the wild.

Charities including Born Free are currently trying to put a stop to privately owned tigers and large wild animals.

Britain’s Tiger Kings is available on ITV Hub.

Got A Story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Britain’s Tiger Kings: Where is the zoo in Ross Kemp’s documentary and how to help big cats in UK?

MORE : EastEnders star Ross Kemp would be ‘over the moon’ to be offered part in Line of Duty