Theme Park Tiger Attack: PETA Calls For Exhibit’s Closure
Update: Dreamworld has announced it will end interactive shows and other human interaction with tigers following the incident in September.
Still, tigers should not be living exhibits. Zoos are hardly educational—the caged, lonely animals they house are so far removed from their natural context that they have little opportunity to follow their instincts, and we can protect endangered species by supporting habitat conservation, not animal prisons.
4 September 2024:
An animal handler was attacked by a tiger at a Queensland theme park where nine big cats are held in captivity. Our thoughts are with the worker and her family, but this incident is yet another reminder that wild animals don’t belong in cages and should never be used for entertainment.
PETA is calling on the theme park, Dreamworld, to shut down its tiger-feeding exhibit and relocate the tigers, who merely exhibited their natural behaviour, to a sanctuary. PETA stands ready and willing to assist in facilitating the transfer of animals to sanctuaries and urges everyone to avoid facilities that keep living, feeling beings captive.
What’s Wrong With Zoos?
Zoos can create a misleading perception that wild animals such as tigers are merely playful domestic kittens who can be exploited for amusement. However, captivity does not erase their natural instincts. Around the globe, captive big cats frequently attack humans, often as a result of the immense stress, anxiety, and agitation these animals endure daily.
In captivity, tigers are often subjected to severely distressing environments and deprived of the opportunity to engage in activities that are essential to their well-being. It’s all but impossible for wild animals to thrive in such artificial and stressful environments.
What You Can Do
As long as people pay to see captive animals, sentient beings will continue to suffer and incidents like this will take place. Encourage your family, friends, and colleagues – especially those with young children – to opt for animal-free entertainment for their next outing.
