A self-confessed trophy hunter who loves killing exotic animals including zebras has slammed Disney's The Lion King for turning people against hunters.
Nick Morton, 27, from Newcastle, Australia, claims no animals should be off limits and says hunting brings him closer to the natural world.
He also claims killing animals helps to control the populations of certain species.
The entrepreneur said: "It's a funny one. Some people see it as a bloodlust collection. For me, it's always about respect. It's a reminder that you've taken that animal's life and you can continue to honour it.
"A lot of negative perceptions of hunting stem from things that aren't factual – especially when it comes to what we'd call exotic animals – African animals.
"An animal in Africa is no different to an animal in Australia. Certain herds need to be culled and that's a job a hunter can do. I see a zebra as a perfectly acceptable animal to hunt.
"The numbers need to be regulated – it's no different to boar or deer but because of how we grow up with things like The Lion King, people put these animals on a pedestal.
"It makes them think that it's okay to shoot a pig but not a zebra. That doesn't seem to be a sound understanding of nature. Every animal is equal."
"It makes them think that it's okay to shoot a pig but not a zebra. That doesn't seem to be a sound understanding of nature. Every animal is equal."
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The original The Lion King film became the highest grossing animated movie of all time when it was released in June 1994. It followed the story of lion cub Simba who tries to recover the kingdom from his uncle Scar.
Nick owns the company Nexxus Bowhunting, which sells hunting supplies and accessories.
He says the business donates 3% of its profits to conservation charities, adding that his hunts are crucial for culling animal populations to preserve the species.
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He first went hunting aged 14 and said it felt "instinctual" for him.
Nick said: "We can give back financially to keep both the animals and hunting around for generations.
"It's not something I openly bring up in conversation but I definitely won't hide my passions if asked. It hasn't caused me any issues.
"I don't ram it down people's throats and instead, portray it in a tasteful manner.
"If people don't want to know about it, that's fine.
"Hunting provides an appreciation for life and the understanding that death is inevitable.
"It is grounding and humbling to understand where our food comes from.
"If I see a turtle on the road, I'm always the person to pull over and save it whilst everyone else drives past – and I'm a hunter. Crazy right?"
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