The rich guys of Instagram show off their 'ultimate status symbols' ... big cats: How mega-wealthy Arab men are accessorising their supercars and powerboats with lions and cheetahs


Feeding time: Another mildly disturbing picture reveals that the lions are not without want when it comes to being well looked after

Open wide: Trust doesn't seem to be an issue with these lions - who are one of nature's most lethal killing machines on the savannah's and plains of Africa as (right) lion cubs tuck into food that wouldn't usually be considered to be on the diet of a big cat that roams Africa at the home of one of the rich guys with lions Instagram accounts



Affection: The trust on display between owner and pet is truly staggering as the lion allows itself to be hugged and gives a ride

Engaging in one-upmanship online, others have posted pictures of their big cats being taken for a spin in a speedboat - while others are happy to place their heads into their prized possession's mouth.

The trade in big cats in the Gulf reflects how status among the wealthy is all important, where a rare white lion will sell for around $50,000.



Jasim Ali runs the Ras Al Khaimah Wildlife Park in the United Arab Emirates and he adopts and cares for those animals that are discarded once they become too large and dangerous for their boastful owners.

Showing off: Taking to the water in their speed boat the only accessory needed is clearly a cheetah who seems very much into the ride while (right) another display of trust between a lioness and her owner Not worried about scratches then? One lioness is allowed to sit atop the owners Mercedes sports car while his friend takes refuge inside the expensive car model Bathtime: The lions of Instagram get cleaned up after a hard days play with their owner who seems unworried about being so close to the deadly predators

The owners appear to have an affectionate relationship with the giant cats although the past has taught us that it takes only one moment for these animals to switch



'If someone buys a very expensive animal, he is boasting that he has enough money to get anything he wants,' he said to CNN.



'If he has a tamed wild animal like a lion, he is trying to show off that he is brave. But this is not courage; this is animal rights abuse.'



Of course there is nothing to suggest that any of those in these pictures would openly flaunt ownership of illegal animals so publicly online.



However, the problem is such that in 2010 over 200 illegal animals were confiscated in the United Arab Emirates in 2010.



Among the animals taken into custody are white lions, tigers, panthers and cheetahs as well as hyenas

Relaxing: Another lion and his owner relax in a picture posted to the account of Humaid AlBuQaish - who regularly updates his Instagram account with pictures of his incredible big cats



