Animal "encounters" dangerous to the public, bad for animals
This week a private zoo in Pasco County called Dade City's Wild Things received a lot of media attention for "pool parties" featuring tiger cubs. (Last week, ARFF persuaded Florida's state wildlife agency to stop, at least temporarily, similar enounters featuring alligators.) At Dade City's Wild Things, baby tigers, monkeys and other animals are shoved into the arms of one paying customer after another for photographs and swimming sessions.
In addition to being exploitive and cruel, the money-making scheme encourages Dade City's Wild Things to continue to breed tigers. The State of Florida allows public contact with tiger cubs under 40 pounds (roughly 12 weeks of age). Once the animals outgrow their usefullness, they are often dumped in tiny, barren cages where they are left to languish. And then Dade City's Wild Things introduces the next group of cute tiger cubs . . . .
You Can Help
Help us stop this cycle of abuse.
1. Please contact Florida's state wildlife agency and urge them to stop contact between tiger or lion cubs and the public.
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Email:
Online comment form
Sample text (it's best to use your own words):
I was horrified to see a story this week on Good Morning America about the Dade City's Wild Things zoo that showed a tiger cub in obvious stress as he was forced to swim with guests and a reporter in a swimming pool! Public contact with lion and tiger cubs in Florida needs to stop. The FWC is in charge of protecting public safety and animal welfare. Please stop this dangerous and abusive exhibit!
2. Please ask your representative in Congress to support and co-sponsor the Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act (H.R. 4122), an important bill that would prohibit the possession and breeding of big cats except by accredited zoos and legitimate sanctuaries. (Florida U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Kathy Castor are already co-sponsors.)
• Find your U.S. Representative
here (enter your zip code in the top right corner).Sample text:
Dear Representative _____:
I am writing to urge you to sponsor H.R. 4122, the Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act. This important legislation would prevent unqualified individuals and facilities from keeping and breeding lions, tigers and other big cats.Please share with ARFF any responses that you receive.