Threats Keep "Lion Tacos" off Ariz. Eatery's Menu

TUCSON, Ariz. (CBS/KOLD/AP) Arizona restaurant Boca Tacos and Tequila has decided to scrap plans to offer African lion meat in its tacos.

Owner Bryan Mazon said Monday that his Tucson eatery has received "many threats" against the restaurant, family members, customers and vendors since he announced last week that he was taking prepaid orders for the exotic tacos.

Mazon told CBS affiliate KOLD that personal information, including his home address, number and pictures of his family, were posted on Facebook. He also claims there were threats to burn his house down.

Boca had planned to start serving the lion tacos Feb. 16 at a cost of $8.75 each.

Mazon told KOLD that he was surprised by the violent uproar, but feels it doesn't represent the Tucson community as a whole.

"Tucson doesn't really need to have any more negative attention brought to the community, so besides all the threats and everything, you know, it was probably the best thing for me to do," Mazon told the station.

Mazon says his restaurant had received orders for Lion tacos from people around the world.

The eatery already has served up python, alligator, elk, kangaroo, rattlesnake, oysters, turtle, duck and frog legs in its tacos.

Mazon says he'll continue to bring unique menu items to the Tucson community and his customers, but not at the expense of safety.

"All that, you know, it wasn't worth it for me," Mazon told KOLD.