‘Handsome boy in the wild’: Lion with naturally curly mane stuns internet, crowned ‘the king of curls’ — watch viral video here

A dramatic photo of a wild lion with a curly mane au naturel has won hearts online, providing a glimpse into nature's surprising beauty.

Who took this amazing shot?
The photograph was captured by Kambiz Cameo Pourghanad, a professional pilot and passionate wildlife photographer. His stunning photo features a lion named Nzuri-M6, son of Olepolos and a former member of the Topi Pride in Kenya’s Masai Mara. Nzuri is one of seven sub-male lions that have since separated from their pride.

What makes this lion so unique?
Nzuri’s mane is unlike any other seen in the wild. His thick curls give him an almost styled look, resembling a professional salon finish rather than the rugged mane typical of wild lions. Experts believe this unusual appearance may be due to a mix of genetics, high humidity, and a mane that dried naturally after being soaked in rain. The combination created a wavy texture that now has the internet mesmerised.

How did people react online?
Pourghanad’s Instagram caption celebrated Nzuri’s rare beauty, predicting the lion would soon join Africa’s most admired big cats like Bon Jovi, King Moya, and Blondie. The post quickly went viral, drawing admiration from wildlife enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. Social media users flooded the comments with praise. One wrote, “His curls are so cute,” while another said, “Handsome boy! We’ve got a movie star here.” Others expressed concern for his safety, hoping he stays protected from human threats.