World-famous lion named Hang Hang that became an icon for his MULLET dies aged 17

Published: 20:25, 16 July 2026 | Updated: 20:25, 16 July 2026 A world-famous lion who became an internet icon because of his mullet has died aged 17. Guangzhou Zoo in the Chinese province of Guangdong announced that Hang Hang died peacefully on July 14. He became a favourite among visitors thanks to his distinctive mane which many claimed resembled a mullet. In 2022, Hang Hang went viral after pictures were posted online which showed him sporting the nostalgic hairstyle.   Zookeepers at the time said that the high humidity had frizzed up Hang Hang's fringe, making his golden locks appear less Lion King and more Tiger King. They added that the feline licked his paws and brushed his mane to create the unusually straightened look for the style, reminiscent of tennis player Andre Agassi in the 90s. After word of his hairstyle spread, visitors flocked to Guangzhou Zoo to catch a glimpse of Hang Hang.   Staff were previously accused of giving the lion the one-of-a-kind haircut - which they denied. Guangzhou Zoo in the Chinese province of Guangdong announced that Hang Hang died peacefully on July 14  Hang Hang became a favourite among visitors thanks to his distinctive mane which many claimed resembled a mullet  Hang Hang the lion's iconic mullet was  not dissimilar to one sported by Joe Exotic, the 'Tiger King' (pictured in 2020) However, visitors remained sceptical of the zookeepers' denial with recent guests claiming his hairstyle was 'so silly'. One wrote online: 'I went there two months ago, his hairstyle is not like this, and now his hairstyle is so silly.' Others blasted the staff for 'ruining' the lion's appearance. Hang Hang was born in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou in 2009 before he was moved to Guangzhou Zoo. African lions, like Hang Hang, live for 10 to 14 years in the wild, but those in zoos can reach 20 years or more with proper care. To commemorate the zoo's most famous inhabitant, Chinese news website Global Times reported that a bronze statue of Hang Hang has been commissioned. Paying tribute to the lion, the zoo said Hang Hang was 'gentle in nature... he enjoyed basking in the sunshine and playing in the rain, leaving visitors with many warm memories'.