Hilary Chiew, The Star 2 Feb 10;
PETALING JAYA: Animal welfare groups have called on the public not to support the use of tigers for profit on the pretext of celebrating the approaching lunar year of the tiger.
The groups, both in Malaysia and Singapore, denounced such events as cruel to the animal and doing little for the conservation of the species.
Singapore-based Animal Concerns Research and Education Society said the use of tigers, or any other wild animal, as photography props brings with it a whole host of welfare concerns.
“Big cats used in photography sessions are often kept in extremely small cages between sessions, unable to act on their natural instincts and hardly able to move,” its director of education, Amy Corrigan, said in an e-mail yesterday.
“Cubs may be taken away from their mothers at a young age specifically to be used for photography sessions, which is distressing for both mother and cubs.
“Adult big cats have been known to be drugged and have their teeth and claws removed, which of course raise serious welfare concerns. Tigers have also been beaten to make them pose.”
She was responding to an article on tigers being featured as attractions at theme parks and private zoos.
The society urged Singaporeans travelling to Malaysia to refrain from having their photographs taken with captive tigers whether in a zoo or other establishments.
Selangor Society for the Prevention of Cruelty Against Animals said while it appreciated the Chinese custom for symbolism, it appealed to the public to put animal welfare concerns first.
“An animal is not for the entertainment of humans. It would be more meaningful if people could channel their adoration for the animal towards conservation efforts. Make a donation to tiger conservation instead.
“Malaysia is blessed with this magnificent creature, but it is facing extinction. Let’s show the world that Malaysians are a caring lot by doing the right thing this Chinese New Year,” said its chairman Christine Chin, who also warned that agitated tigers could be dangerous to the public.
A theme park and a private zoo announced last week that it would be allowing photography and petting sessions with tiger cubs between Feb 14 and Feb 24.
The Star’s citizen blog had registered a number of entries from readers who were appalled at the small enclosures that the tigers at the zoo were kept in.
