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A circus was shut down this week after videos across social media showed children dangerously sat on the back of a tiger, posing for pictures.
Children visiting the circus in China were invited to ride the animal for $2.80 per picture. After footage of the attraction surfaced online, Chinese officials shut down the circus and ignited legal action, according to local media.
Videos online depicted a circus in Tiandong County in Southern China’s Guangxi province. The videos, which were posted on December 6 on the Chinese social media app Douyin, featured a tiger with children sitting on its back as they posed for photos by a photographer. The video can be seen on Twitter through this link here.
The tiger could be seen lying down with its hind legs tied down. Its front legs however weren’t restrained and its tail was seen moving too. As per the South China Morning Post, sources reported that the tiger was not sedated.
While animals involved in circus acts and tourist activities have long been an animal welfare concern, this particular incident also sparked worry over the safety of the children.
Children could be seen in the video queuing for their turn upon the tiger, paying 20 yuan ($2.80) per photo.
The circus may face legal action
Since the video came to light, officials in China have shut down the circus, according to South China Morning Post.
The Cultural, Sports and Tourism Bureau told state broadcaster CCTV that the circus had been putting on “unauthorized performances” at Hengli Square.
Officials issued a notice demanding the end of performance by the circus and initiated legal action against the circus. Reports suggest that the circus is now closed and no longer running, but it’s unclear what has happened to the tiger.
Backlash over the video of the tiger at the circus
After the video was shared on social media, the circus was met with global outrage over the children and tiger being in such close proximity, seemingly without necessary safety precautions.
“What if the tiger injures or even eats a child?” asked one viewer.
Others also voiced concern for the well-being of the tiger. “Animals aren’t our entertainers. Leave them alone,” reads one popular tweet.
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