It is time to put an end to shady roadside exotic animal shows – you know the ones where you can get your picture taken next to a wild animal? These exhibitors are not really educating the public nor are they working on conservation efforts.  Large carnivores place the viewing public at risk of injury or death. These exhibits only promote private ownership and a false sense of safe handling of exotic animals and the animal itself loses its dignity as an ambassador from the wild.

FunFest Productions should make an official policy to end exhibition of dangerous exotic animals at all their events --specifically, The Royal White Tigers Zoological Discovery Exhibit. “All Things Wild”, located in Chicago IL, is not accredited and has a long history of USDA violations. https://www.aza.org/current-accreditation-list/

At the 2015 Freedom Hill exhibit in Sterling Heights, MI, children were feeding meat to the tiger. “All Things Wild” was cited by the USDA three times since 2012 for not allowing sufficient distance between the tigers and patrons. According to the Michigan Large Carnivore Act patrons are not allowed to come into direct contact with the large carnivores.

Given the history of violations related to veterinary care, handling, feeding, primary enclosures (many of them repeat violations), this exhibit should not be allowed to show large carnivores anywhere in Michigan. This will not only protect the public, but also law enforcement that may need to respond to an incident. “All Things Wild” was cited three times for demonstrating the lack of knowledge and experience to care for and handle the tigers. This exhibitor presents an even greater risk to the public.

Please end all exotic animal exhibits and support local animal welfare initiatives instead.