Theme Park Tiger Attack: PETA Calls For Exhibit’s Closure
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.
In 2022, a PETA volunteer dressed as a tiger cub delivered fortune cookies to the theme park containing the message that “tigers are not theme park attractions” for Chinese New Year to welcome in the Year of the Tiger.
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.
Credit: Xy Latu/InstagramIn 2017, a worker at Dreamworld was filmed pulling a tiger by the tail.
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.
