Paid 9,300 Won to Tie Mouth and Paws of Baby Tiger for a Photo... Animal Abuse Controversy at Chinese Zoo

You Can Take Commemorative Photos for About 9,300 Won Per Person
"Baby Tiger Severely Stressed" Abuse Controversy

In a Chinese zoo, controversy over animal abuse arose after it was revealed that visitors could pay to take photos with a baby tiger wearing foot covers and a muzzle.

A zoo in China sparked controversy over animal abuse by charging about 9,300 won per person to take commemorative photos with a baby tiger wearing a muzzle and paw covers.
[Image source=Weibo capture]

On the 20th, Chinese media outlets such as Xiaoshang Xinbao reported that on the 14th, a video was shared on the Chinese social networking service (SNS) Weibo showing staff at a zoo in Yibin City, Sichuan Province, placing a muzzled and foot-covered baby tiger on a visitor's lap for photo opportunities. The visitor held the struggling baby tiger and took a commemorative photo.

The zoo charged 50 yuan (approximately 9,300 won) per person for photos with the baby tiger. Visitors could also hold a baby lion for photos, which reportedly cost 20 yuan (about 3,700 won). However, local media reported that the baby tigers at the zoo were under severe stress due to daily photo sessions with the influx of tourists. As these commemorative photos spread within China, fierce criticism erupted, calling it "clear animal abuse."

In response to the controversy, a zoo official explained, "There was an event in the park where visitors could take photos with baby tigers, but it has now been modified."

A dog dyed to look like a panda was exhibited at Taizhou Zoo in Jiangsu Province, China. [Image source=Weibo capture]

Meanwhile, this is not the first time animal abuse controversies have arisen in Chinese zoos. On the 6th, the Taizhou Zoo in Jiangsu Province sparked outrage for displaying a "panda dog"?a dog dyed to look like a panda?due to the absence of pandas, leading to accusations of animal abuse.