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Indian Express
17 hours ago
- Indian Express
Visitors at China zoo pull tiger hair for ‘good luck', spark outrage
A group of visitors at a zoo in Liaoning province, northeastern China, has drawn criticism after a video showed them pulling out hair from a resting tiger through a metal fence, reported South China Morning Post (SCMP). The incident occurred on June 8 in a special viewing area where big cats typically lie atop a steel tunnel. The video, which has since gone viral, captures a woman urging others to 'pull more' because tiger hair is believed to 'keep evil away and protect the home.' Several others followed suit, with some tying the tufts of tiger fur to their handbags. One man posed proudly with the hair, calling it the 'best souvenir — and free.' In traditional Chinese culture, tiger hair is thought to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. However, many social media users were quick to condemn the act. The video has received over 700,000 views online, with commenters calling the tourists 'selfish and ignorant.' According to mainland outlet Dianshi News (via SCMP), zoo staff said they have repeatedly tried to stop visitors from touching the animals but haven't been successful. An animal keeper noted that touching or provoking animals is strictly prohibited and can cause distress. Experts have warned that such behavior is dangerous. Pulling a tiger's hair can not only cause pain to the tiger but also provoke aggression, putting both the animal and humans at risk. So far, it's unclear if the individuals involved will face any punishment. Zhu Wei, a law expert at the China University of Political Science and Law, told SCMP that zoo visitors can face civil penalties for harming animals, including fines, warnings, or even detention under Chinese law. Online, many called for stronger physical barriers and stricter enforcement to prevent similar incidents. One social media user commented: 'Animals and tourists should be equals in a zoo. It is the zoo's duty to keep the animals safe.' Others echoed similar sentiments. This is not an isolated incident. In May, a photographer at a scenic spot in Xinjiang was filmed throwing stones at a swan to keep it awake for better photos. (With inputs from South China Morning Post)
Hindustan Times
18 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
‘Let's pluck more': Chinese zoo visitors blasted for yanking hair off resting tiger
A group of zoo visitors in China has come under fire after a video of them yanking hair from a tiger went viral, drawing sharp criticism online. According to the South China Morning Post, the incident occurred at a zoo in Liaoning province, located in northeastern China. The now widely circulated video, filmed on June 8, shows several people reaching through a metal fence to pull hair from a resting tiger's belly and tail. The tiger was lying atop a steel viewing tunnel, a designated zone where the big cats often relax. Also read: China's nature reserve opens ₹6,000/day jobs for 'savages' to dance around, eat raw food, entertain tourists In the footage, a woman is heard saying, 'Let's pull more! Tiger hair keeps evil away and protects the home.' Another tourist holds up a small bunch of tiger fur, posing for a photo, and declares, 'Best souvenir and it is free.' Others are seen tying bits of the tiger's hair to their handbags. The group's behaviour triggered backlash, especially given the cultural context. In traditional Chinese beliefs, the tiger is seen as the 'king of beasts', symbolising bravery and power. In ancient times, the animal was linked to military generals and gods of war. Some still believe that tiger hair brings good luck, wards off bad spirits, and ensures protection during travel. The zoo's staff strongly condemned the actions. An animal keeper told mainland outlet Dianshi News: 'Touching animals is strictly prohibited at the zoo. We have been trying to stop these tourists, but it has not worked.' Officials added that pulling the animal's hair can cause stress and may lead to aggressive reactions. However, it remains unclear whether the individuals involved will face any consequences. Also read: Man breaks down after London's 'hottest curry', Indian restaurant owner steps in to help him
