A zoo in China has put out a public service announcement after visitors were spotted pulling out a tiger’s fur in a semi-open enclosure.
The tiger has been considered a lucky symbol in Chinese culture for thousands of years, representing power and strength, but some visitors at a Liaoning zoo took the motif too far.
A video uploaded to Chinese social media on June 8 showed a few patrons pulling the fur from a tiger’s belly and tail, which sat on top of a metal cage that they could put their fingers through to touch the animal.
Tigers once roamed across China, but urban development has pushed the animals out of their former territory.
Guests at China zoo spark outrage for pulling out tigers’ fur
As reported by the South China Morning Post, a tourist in the video could be heard encouraging people to pull more fur from the tiger.
“Let’s pull more! Tiger hair keeps evil away and protects the home,” they shouted.
Another posed with the tiger while holding up some of its fur, saying, “Best souvenir, and it is free.”
Animal keepers and staff at the zoo spoke with Chinese media outlet Dianshi News after the video went viral, urging patrons not to harm the tigers during their visits.
“Touching animals is strictly prohibited at the zoo. We have been trying to stop these tourists, but it has not worked,” one worker warned.
SCMPIn the immersive enclosure, tigers can sit on top of a metal cage, where guests can walk inside to get up close and personal with the animals.
They explained that pulling the tigers’ hair can distress the animals and even provoke them to lash out, potentially hurting guests.
“We hope visitors can improve their behavior and make an effort to protect the animals,” another said.
An expert at the China University of Political Science and Law spoke with the SCMP and explained that harming zoo animals could result in civil penalties, as well as warnings, fines, and even detention.
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