Lion’s ‘Bowl Cut’ Transforms into ‘Slicked-Back’ Style Overnight, Zoo Says It’s Natural
In a delightful twist of nature’s whimsy, a lion at Guangzhou Zoo has become an overnight internet sensation—not for his mighty roar, but for his ever-changing hairstyle. The male lion, affectionately named “Hang Hang,” first captured hearts with an unintentionally adorable “bowl cut” that had social media users buzzing with amusement and curiosity.
From Quirky to Regal: A Style Transformation
Just days after his initial viral moment, Hang Hang surprised visitors once again. When keepers arrived on the morning of May 30th, they discovered the lion’s fringe had naturally swept back into what many described as a more “majestic” and “slicked-back” appearance—a dramatic transformation that occurred completely without human intervention.
The Science Behind the Style
According to Huang Zhihong, Director of Science Education at Guangzhou Zoo, Hang Hang’s changing appearance is entirely natural. “The previous ‘bowl cut’ style was likely formed when Hang Hang got caught in the rain,” Huang explained. “When his mane became wet, the hairs naturally fell forward into that distinctive fringe pattern.”
As the weather changed and the lion went about his daily activities—shaking his magnificent head, rubbing against surfaces, or simply allowing time to pass—the hairs gradually returned to their more typical swept-back position.
Meet Hang Hang: The Gentleman Lion
Hang Hang is no ordinary lion. Born in 2009, this 13-year-old white lion (a rare variant of the Kruger lion known as a white African lion) came to Guangzhou Zoo from Hangzhou in 2015. His striking pale yellow-white coat results from a genetic variation that reduces pigment production.
Despite being a powerful predator, keepers describe Hang Hang as having a relatively gentle disposition—though they emphasize that he remains a wild animal who requires respectful distance and professional handling.
Why Zoo Keepers Don’t Play Barber
Some curious visitors wondered if zookeepers might be responsible for Hang Hang’s distinctive look. The answer is a definitive no. “We would never attempt to trim a lion’s mane,” Huang stated firmly. “Even routine health checks require anesthesia, which carries risks. We would certainly never administer anesthesia purely for cosmetic purposes.”
This hands-off approach ensures both animal welfare and keeper safety while allowing nature to take its course in creating these charming, temporary hairstyles.
The Public’s Adoring Response
The lion’s changing appearance has drawn delighted crowds to his enclosure. One visitor, Ms. Lin, arrived specifically to see the famous “bowl cut lion” only to discover his new look. Rather than disappointment, she expressed amusement: “Maybe he realized that hairstyle didn’t suit him!”
Social media responses have been equally enthusiastic, with comments ranging from “The hairstyle really determines his vibe” to good-natured jokes about his mate’s apparent disapproval of his previous look.
A Lesson in Natural Beauty
Hang Hang’s accidental fame serves as a beautiful reminder of nature’s unpredictability and charm. Unlike the carefully curated images we often see online, this lion’s changing appearance is completely authentic—a temporary gift from weather patterns and natural processes.
His story also highlights the incredible diversity within the animal kingdom, where even something as simple as hair texture and behavior can create moments of unexpected joy and connection between humans and wildlife.
As for what style Hang Hang might sport tomorrow? That remains nature’s delightful secret—one that keepers and visitors alike will await with anticipation and appreciation for the natural world’s spontaneous artistry.
