A resurfaced video of NBA YoungBoy interacting with a white tiger cub is reigniting debate nearly a decade after authorities seized the animal from the rapper’s custody.
The clip, which began circulating widely on X this week, shows YoungBoy — born Kentrell Gaulden — handling the cub, named Nola, in footage originally posted around 2017 and 2018. The viral post pairs those older clips with recent commentary from a wildlife sanctuary director alleging the animal suffered severe neglect before being rescued.
In December 2017, Louisiana wildlife officials confiscated Nola, citing illegal possession and welfare concerns. At the time, YoungBoy was 18. Reports from local outlets stated that the cub was found malnourished and suffering from health issues, including parasites and paw injuries believed to be caused by prolonged exposure to hard surfaces. No formal animal cruelty charges were filed against the rapper; authorities focused on the lack of proper permits required to own a big cat.
Nola was later transferred to Lions, Tigers & Bears, a federally accredited sanctuary, where she remains today.
The controversy resurfaced after sanctuary director Bobbi Brink detailed Nola’s condition upon arrival in a recent fundraising appeal, describing the cub as underweight, lethargic and in need of urgent medical care. Brink also referenced social media videos from the time, alleging improper handling.
Now approximately nine years old, Nola is said to be thriving at the sanctuary. The organization frequently shares updates about her progress as part of its broader advocacy against private ownership of exotic animals. White tigers — a rare color variation of Bengal tigers — are often bred in captivity, a practice that animal welfare groups have criticized due to associated health risks.
Some fans have come to YoungBoy’s defense, questioning the timing and framing of the renewed allegations and pointing out that no abuse charges were ever filed. Others have criticized the rapper and called for greater accountability, arguing that exotic animal ownership among celebrities perpetuates harmful trends.
The debate taps into a longer history of entertainers publicly keeping big cats as status symbols — a practice that has faced increased scrutiny in recent years amid tighter regulations and changing public attitudes.
As of this writing, there have been no new legal developments connected to the 2017 seizure. Nola continues to live at Lions, Tigers & Bears, where staff say she has made a full recovery.
