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Zoo bans animal selfies after video bares ‘abuse’
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THE Shanghai Wildlife Park has halted a profitable photo-taking program with tiger cubs after an animal keeper was accused of forcing a cub to pose with visitors and abusing the animal.
A video shot by a tourist surnamed Lin showed a male staffer placing the cub on the lap of a boy, who suddenly pushed the animal away. The cub fell to the ground.
The zoo worker was then shown apparently forcing the cub to pose with other visitors, including hitting its head to open its eyes to pose for shots, online video shows.
But Lin said he was protecting the cub, saying he had to help when the animal fell to the ground.
Lin said the video was unfair, saying zoo workers could not ignore a fallen animal, the Shanghai Morning Post reported.
Lin also said: “It is not proper to keep children in close contact with the cubs of fierce animals.”
Tourists to the park can choose to have photos taken with cubs of tigers, lions and bears for 30 yuan (US$4.30) per person each time.
The video has triggered much online criticism.
“Such a commercial practice of cashing in on animals should be banned and there should be stricter animal protection regulations in China,” one netizen said.
The Shanghai Forestry Bureau said it was investigating the incident. The park said it was also checking what happened, but denied any abuse.
“Such interactive programs are popular practice in overseas wildlife parks as well, because visitors want to get close to animals,” said a park employee surnamed Ni.
The park does not charge for photos, but does accept donations, such as to help buy milk, for which people can have their photo taken.
The national Forestry Administration issued a ban on close contact with wildlife and exploitative shows back in 2010. But the ban is not compulsory and does not mention punishment, hindering its enforcement.
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