‘Not a toy’: China circus charges US$2.8 to let children ride tiger for photos, faces legal action
- Shocking video shows youngsters sitting on back of animal while others stand nearby
- Creature’s hind legs cruelly tied down but tail and front legs still moving, posing danger
A circus that allowed children to ride on a tiger’s back for photo opportunities, charging 20 yuan (US$2.8) a picture, has sparked heated discussions among online viewers.
The cruel and potentially dangerous activity was highlighted on December 6 in a video posted online showing youngsters being lifted onto the animal at a circus in Tiandong county in southern China’s Guangxi province.
In the video, a tiger is seen lying on a metal frame with its hind legs tied down. Despite the restraint, the tiger’s front legs and its tail were moving, raising safety concerns. Sources claimed the tiger was not sedated.
A man is seated on a chair in front of the tiger with a camera and lighting, capturing the interactions between the tiger and the children while others eagerly queue for their turn.
In response to public safety concerns, the Cultural, Sports and Tourism Bureau told state broadcaster CCTV the circus had been conducting “unauthorised performances” at Hengli Square in Tiandong county.
Following an investigation, the authority issued a notice demanding the immediate cessation of performances and initiated legal action against the circus operators.
