Going to your local zoo can be a rewarding experience. Being able to see wild animals up close and witnessing them is action eye-opening and educational. Some zoo’s offer the best programs for their animals to interact with the visitors. However, some zoos don’t quite meet the bar of expectation. Wild animals need proper care and attention; otherwise, they will be extremely unhappy. Unfortunately, that’s the situation with a tiger in Beijing’s zoo.
Distressed Tiger In Beijing’s Zoo
Wild animals in zoos will begin to show obvious signs of distress when their needs aren’t being met. A video that was posted last year shows a Bengal tiger pacing in a circle relentlessly for hours. Onlookers were perplexed and concerned for the well-being of this poor creature. However, it seemed pretty obvious that there was not enough space for this poor Beijing zoo tiger. It needs to play, socialize, and have the proper room to run around. These are crucial pieces for the happiness of a big Bengal tiger.
It didn’t take long for this video to go viral, with over 10 million views. People commented that the tiger in Beijing’s zoo was showing signs of distress and depression. Not to mention that the tiger’s living situation is something left to be desired. A response from the zoo stated that the video was taken before they removed the tiger from this habitat. Claiming that the Bengal tiger was relocated.
“We have taken the animal to receive behavior training. We also brought more food and toys for the tiger. It’s like “psychological counseling.” Explained one of the zookeepers. However, it’s more than just giving the animal more toys and food. This animal needs friends and a family to feel loved. Unfortunately, this tiger in Bejing’s zoo isn’t the only one suffering from neglect and poor practices. (1)
Beijing Zoo Tiger In Sad Conditions
Another viral video posted about this zoo in Beijing shows visitors ‘playing’ with tigers using fishing poles. Being claimed as an ‘interactive program’ for visitors as well as the tigers. However, the activity was quickly removed by the zoo. Claiming that the tigers had never attacked a visitor in over 10 years. Regardless, this program doesn’t really enrich the animals and doesn’t provide any long term joy. Even if no one was attacked, there are better methods and programs zoos can do for their wildcats.
Extensive research has been conducted on how to keep wild animals, like tigers, happy. It takes more than just some people using fishing poles to get these big cats active. They need much more stimulation to achieve that aspect of ‘hunting’ and ‘playing.’ Especially for the elder cats and animals that need this kind of stimulation. The conditions for the tigers in Beijing’s Zoo are abysmal compared to others.
Take Oregon’s zoo, for example, with the way they treat their Amur tigers. Mikhail is a 17-year-old Amur tiger and the oldest Amur tiger in the world.
“Mik’s definitely getting up there in years. Just like house cats, tigers sleep the majority of the day,” Explains zookeeper Celess Zinda. “But especially now that he’s older, it’s important for Mik to get enough activity and movement to keep his joints limber — and the way we make sure that happens is through play.” (2)
Taking Care Of Your Tigers
The truth of the matter is that you can’t just throw a tiger in a small secluded area and expect it to be ok. These are natural-born hunters that you’re taking care of. They need daily attention, daily routines, and love. Especially if a zoo intends on keeping them for an extended period of time. The older tigers get, the more stimulation they need to stay healthy and active.
“The life expectancy for Amur tigers in the wild is around 10 to 15 years, and Mik’s turning 18 this year, so he’s considered very elderly. But thankfully, he’s still active and playful. Our keepers work hard to make sure he stays healthy and engaged, and this game is just another example of that.” Zinda further explains the amount of effort it takes to keep this elder tiger happy. (2)
Even though it’s enjoyable to go to the zoo and see all the wild animals, there’s so much more involved with their handling. Something to keep in mind is that these animals are, in fact, wild and should be treated with respect. They aren’t just little trophies you can put on display and let them collect dust over time. The tiger in Beijing’s zoo needs so much more for it to be happy, and it’s desperately displaying that in its behavior.
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Sources:
- “Heart-breaking video shows a ‘depressed’ tiger walking in circles endlessly at a Beijing zoo after ‘being confined to a tiny enclosure’. ” Daily Mail. Emilia Jiang. April 21, 2020.
- ” Mik’s kicks: Soccer game has aging tiger acting like kitten.” Oregon Zoo. February 12, 2016.