A video from Gujarat’s famous Sakkarbaug Zoo in Junagadh has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism after it showed visitors teasing a caged tiger for entertainment.
The video captures a group of adults and children standing near the tiger’s enclosure while one visitor repeatedly lowers a purple cloth through the metal bars to attract the animal’s attention. Many people around the enclosure can be seen watching, laughing and recording the tiger’s reaction on their mobile phones.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the behaviour of visitors inside zoos and the need to treat captive animals with care and respect.
Tiger Repeatedly Provoked Inside Enclosure
In the viral footage, the tiger notices the hanging cloth and walks towards it. The animal is seen trying to catch it with its paws while the visitor continues moving the cloth up and down.
As the tiger reacts, several people standing nearby continue filming the scene, apparently treating the incident as entertainment and creating content for social media.
The repeated attempts to attract and provoke the tiger have upset many viewers online, with several people calling the act irresponsible and insensitive towards the animal.
Zoo Authorities Begin Probe
After the video spread widely on social media, officials at Sakkarbaug Zoo started an investigation to identify the people involved. Authorities are closely examining the footage to determine who violated zoo rules by disturbing the animal. Officials have said that appropriate action will be taken against those found responsible.
The inquiry is aimed at ensuring that such incidents do not happen again and that visitors follow the rules while inside the zoo.
Concerns Over Animal Welfare
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of responsible behaviour around captive wildlife. Animal welfare experts say teasing or provoking animals inside enclosures can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety. Such actions not only disturb the animals but can also create safety risks for visitors and zoo staff.
They stress that zoo animals should be observed quietly without any attempts to disturb or provoke them.
A Historic Zoo Known for Wildlife Conservation
Established in 1863, Sakkarbaug Zoo is one of the oldest zoological parks in Asia. The zoo is well known for its conservation work, especially its efforts to protect and breed the endangered Asiatic lion.
The latest incident has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of visitor rules and greater public awareness about respecting wildlife. Many believe stronger monitoring and responsible visitor behaviour are essential to ensure the well-being of animals living in zoos.
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