UA RU EN

Orban's Zebras and Ivanishvili's Sharks: How Exotic Animals Became Symbols of Power

Екзотичні істоти як уособлення влади: слони Орбана та акули Іванішвілі. Photo: glavcom.ua
World politicians are increasingly deciding to add exotic animals to their image. From zebras at the estate of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to the sharks of Georgian oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili and ostriches of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych - such collections become a focus of public attention.


One example is Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who lives next to palm gardens with exotic animals that provoke outrage among the public. There is also a story with sharks, penguins, and other animals in Bidzina Ivanishvili's collection and ostriches at Viktor Yanukovych's estate.



Exotic animals that become attributes of power for world politicians attract public attention and spark discussions on ethics and attitudes towards animals. They not only become part of the image but also the subject of social debates. This is a vivid example of how an image can be constructed using exotic animals, but it also raises questions about the responsibility for their care and treatment.