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Why Taking Selfies With Tigers is Dangerous (In 4 Videos)

In the age of social media, the quest for the perfect selfie has led to some alarming trends. One of the most concerning is posing with tigers for an adrenaline-inducing snap. From exotic vacations to wildlife sanctuaries, people are increasingly seeking out opportunities to capture themselves alongside these beautiful animals. However, this trend is not only dangerous but furthers the exploitation and endangerment of tigers.

1. Animal Abuse

Source: World Animal Protection/Youtube

While taking selfies with tigers is dangerous for human beings, this video shows just how dangerous it is for the cubs that are used. In the video, workers manipulate and handle the tiger cubs with little care, draping them over the shoulders and laps of patrons. Then, they throw them into cages and rip their bottles away from them. Behind the scenes, the cubs are kept in tiny, barren cages, separated from one another.

2. Tiger Charges Behind Glass

Source: Eyewitness News ABC7NY/Youtube

Snapping a selfie in front of an enclosure at the Dublin Zoo, this seven-year-old boy got the fright of his life. As he sat smiling the tiger ran remarkably fast and pounced. Luckily, the boy and the tiger were separated by glass. However, if that wasn’t there the news story would have a much different ending.

3. The Dark Truth of Tiger Selfies

Source: UNILAD Adventure/Youtube

According to this UNILAD Adventure video, the exploitation of big cats is propped up by the ignorance of tourists. Until tourists stop taking selfies with tigers and watching performances, then the practices will continue. The tigers used in these tourist attractions are kept in awful conditions; chained up, underfed, and left alone. In Asia, there are about 8,000 captive tigers and in the U.S. there are around 10,000.

Their lives in these attractions are awful, often taken away from their mothers just a few days after being born so that they get used to being handled by humans. They are forced to perform tricks that harm their bodies. They are handled roughly, drugged, and declawed. All will die in captivity, some after being used to produce more tigers for tourism.

4. Nagpur Man Attacked During Tiger Selfie

Source: IndiaTV/Youtube

In 2016, a man from Nagpur was critically injured in a tiger attack. The attack was prompted by him attempting to take a selfie with a tiger. His injuries are life-altering and he only survived because villagers ran to beat the tiger.

It might seem tempting to snap a selfie with a tiger if given the opportunity, but the videos above show you that it is far more dangerous than it’s worth. Beyond the immediate danger to human life, the practice perpetuates the cycle of exploitation and abuse endured by tigers, especially in roadside zoo settings. Instead, we should be channeling our appreciation for wildlife through ethical practices that keep the well-being of these animals in mind!