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National Geographic pledge to stop airbrushing lions

Media News: After an online petition received over 85,000 signatures, National Geographic has promised to stop photoshopping lions in its magazine.

Chris Johns, the magazines editor-in-chief, acknowledged that the magazine had been contacted by readers who felt that the digitally enhanced photos gave an ‘unrealistic depiction of contemporary lions’.

“We understand the photo manipulation of the lions gave an unrealistic body image to our readers,” said Johns in an open letter to National Geographic readers published earlier today.

“No longer will we digitally manipulate lions in our magazine to give the impression of dappled sunlight shining through their magnificent manes, or airbrush out imperfections on their luxurious fur.”

”We pledge to no longer make their powerful legs look more muscular and defined, or their teeth look so dazzlingly white.”

“In short, from now on all lions in the National Geographic magazine will look like total shit.”

Story: Simon Swatman