In the latest controversial incident following the selling of tiger urine in a zoo, the Nanyang Wildlife Park in Henan Province, China, was recently exposed for selling “tiger fur” for 30 yuan (Chinese currency) per piece, claiming it could ward off disasters and evil spirits. After being exposed by netizens, the park quickly halted the sales.
According to a video posted by a netizen on February 11th, a stall near the tiger cages at the Nanyang Wildlife World was selling tiger fur for 30 yuan per piece. In the video, a female vendor claimed that hanging the fur on the headboard could ward off disasters and evil spirits, emphasizing that it was genuine tiger fur.
The video sparked discussions online, with many netizens expressing outrage, saying, “Who plucks tiger fur, we must protect animals! Poor tigers.” “How can people be so superstitious without any basis?” “Last time I saw tiger urine being sold.” “It’s really a chaotic situation.” “Which is more bizarre, selling tiger fur or tiger urine?”
In response to the incident on February 12th, officials from the zoo stated that selling animal fur was not allowed, clarifying that an advertisement board placed near the tiger cages was the personal initiative of a temporary cleaner hired for the Lunar New Year, and action had been taken to remove the sign, dismiss the cleaner, and add them to a blacklist for future employment.
On February 13th, the Nanyang Vocational Education Park Internet Publicity Center issued a statement revealing that the seller of the tiger fur was the cleaning lady named Guo (female, 59 years old), who had hidden the fur for sale near the tiger enclosures. Investigations into the individuals involved were ongoing.
However, some netizens remain skeptical of the official explanation. “Blaming the temporary worker again?” “I don’t believe the cleaning lady acted on her own.” “She may be a temporary worker, but the sign was custom made.”
This is not the first time the sale of “animal-derived products” in zoos has stirred controversy. In January this year, the Bifengxia Wildlife Park in Ya’an, Sichuan Province, China, was reported to have sold tiger urine for 50 yuan per bottle, claiming it had beneficial effects for conditions like rheumatism, arthritis, injuries, and muscle soreness. The sales were also swiftly halted under public pressure.
Overall, the incidents of zoos selling animal-derived products have drawn public attention and debate, raising concerns about the ethical and legal implications of such practices.