Mesa restaurant to serve real lion burgers, but not everyone is wild about the idea

MESA, AZ - At Il Vinaio Restaurant in downtown Mesa, they like to experiment.

"We're stepping outside the box, trying something new," chef Jason Bacon said.

This Wednesday and Thursday, the kitchen will put something on the menu so wild, you can only find it in zoos and in Africa.

"I've never cooked lion before," Bacon said. "This will be the first time trying lion."

"These are real African lions," said owner Cameron Selogie. "They are not from the wild, they are actually lions raised on a United States farm."

For $21 a plate, the restaurant will serve the lion in one-third pound burgers along with special fries and corn.

Selogie said he started planning the special lion meal a few months ago and is doing it now in celebration of the World Cup in South Africa.

However, not everyone is excited about the idea.

"I think it's appalling," said animal activist Susan Cooper. "I didn't even know you could eat a lion. It's just wrong."

The lions are raised on a farm in Illinios. They are regulated by the USDA.

Selogie said he has received about a dozen e-mails and phone calls each since he announced it Thursday.

What do you think about eating lion? Let us know and leave a comment.