Unanticipated cheetah appearance during Middle Eastern sheikhs' banquet: Observe the subsequent events unfold

The Table of Wild Delights

A recently viral video on Instagram left everyone speechless, and not just because of the tempting feast it showcased. The scene: a group of sheikhs, ensconced in an opulent setting, enjoying a lavish spread, when suddenly, a cheetah makes an unexpected entrance.

Dated: Apr 09, 2025, 4:14 PM IST

By: Vaishali Shastri

Social media is constantly abuzz with content, but this particular video is causing quite a stir. The video opens with a glimpse of a grandiose table laden with delectable dishes, as a group of sheikhs sit regally by. But then, the unexpected happens. A cheetah, alerted by the aroma, saunters over and begins to sniff the repast.

A Post by: @uae_lionking

Internet's Mixed Responses to Cheetah's Dining Debut

The sheikhs seem momentarily startled but quickly compose themselves, seemingly accustomed to such events. Some flash smiles, while others document the scene with their phones.

This clip is spreading like wildfire, eliciting a range of reactions from fans. Some praise it as a display of extraordinary wealth, arguing that the sheikhs' pastimes are no less extravagant than anyone else's. Others criticize it for being reckless. The video has sparked heated discussions online, highlighting both the sheikhs' affluence and their relationships with wild animals.

The Encounter: Cheetah Meets Gourmet

The tradition of Middle Eastern sheikhs keeping, interacting, and showcasing exotic wild animals, such as cheetahs, is deeply rooted in historical and cultural practices dating back to ancient times[1]. Nobles have long been associated with hunting and petting exotic animals as a demonstration of power and status.

In the video, the cheetah delicately picks at the food, displaying an ease and familiarity that suggests a relationship between it and its human companions. This practice, however, is subject to debate and criticism due to concerns about animal welfare and conservation[3].

A Longstanding Tradition

The tradition of maintaining exotic animals as pets or displaying them at banquets has deep historical roots in the Middle East. In centuries past, hunting with trained animals was popular among Arab nobles for entertainment and sport[2]. Consequently, the practice of keeping wild animals, such as cheetahs, as pets or for display is an extension of this historical fascination with wildlife.

modern-day Viewpoints

As attitudes towards animal welfare and conservation evolve, the practice of keeping cheetahs and other wild animals as pets is becoming increasingly rare and discouraged[4]. Many countries in the Middle East are working tirelessly to protect and reintroduce endangered species, such as the Arabian oryx[5], into the wild.

In conclusion, while there is a historical precedent for Middle Eastern sheikhs interacting with wild animals, modern practices, such as keeping cheetahs as pets or showcasing them at feasts, are more about displaying wealth and power than deeply ingrained cultural traditions. With growing awareness and concerns about animal welfare, such practices are falling out of fashion.

Amidst the ongoing spectacle of Bollywood and cricket, a video featuring sheikhs in India has taken social media by storm, showcasing a cheetah's unexpected encounter with a grand feast in 2025.
The video, initially posted by @uae_lionking, presents a table full of dishes, sheikhs adorned in regality, and a cheetah displaying unlikely camaraderie, all captured in a viral clip.
As the video continues to circulate, the Internet is filled with mixed reactions – some findings it as an extravagant display of wealth, while others criticize it as reckless and indifferent to animal welfare.
Meanwhile, popular discussions on social media delve into the historical practices and modern viewpoints regarding the sheikhs' relationships with exotic, and endangered, animals like the cheetah.
Although the tradition of Middle Eastern sheikhs interacting with wild animals is steeped in ancient history, awareness around animal welfare and conservation highlights the need for this tradition to gradually fade in today's world.