In a startling case from Tiandong county, Guangxi province, a circus recently ignited intense online debate and public outrage. The circus offered a controversial attraction where children were allowed to ride on a tiger’s back for photo opportunities, at a cost of 20 yuan per picture. A video circulating online since December 6 captures this disturbing scene, showing the tiger restrained on a metal frame while its front legs and tail remain unrestrained, posing a clear risk to safety. The video also indicates that the tiger was not under sedation during this interaction.
In the footage, a photographer can be seen positioned in front of the tiger, taking photos of the children placed on its back. This peculiar setup has provoked a wave of concern and criticism online. Viewers have expressed fears for the children’s safety, questioning the implications if the tiger were to react aggressively. “What if the tiger injures or eats a child?” one commenter pondered, reflecting widespread anxiety about the potential dangers of such close human-animal interactions.
Beyond safety concerns, the incident has also highlighted the ethical treatment of animals in entertainment. Many online voices have condemned the circus for its treatment of the tiger, noting the humiliation and subjugation of a majestic animal for commercial gain. “This tiger must have endured much to submit to such treatment,” noted one concerned individual. Another lamented the tiger’s transformation from a revered ‘king of beasts’ to a mere prop for human amusement.
The circus’s actions have not gone unnoticed by local authorities. Following an investigation, the Cultural, Sports, and Tourism Bureau of Tiandong county labeled the performances as unauthorized and has since taken legal action against the circus, demanding an immediate halt to its activities.
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of animal exploitation in entertainment. In April 2020, a zoo in Yunnan province introduced a “tiger-fishing” attraction, where visitors, including children, dangled meat over adult tigers from an unprotected platform. Such events underscore the need for stricter regulations and greater public awareness regarding the ethical treatment of animals and the potential risks of human-animal interactions in entertainment settings. The circus in Tiandong county serves as a stark reminder of these ongoing challenges.
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