July 29 will be celebrated as International Tiger Day.
Ahead of International Tiger Day on July 29, an animal rights NGO today appealed to Indian tourists to not click 'tiger selfies' at entertainment venues in Thailand.
According to a report released today by international NGO World Animal Protection (WAP), 830 tigers are kept in captivity at 17 tiger entertainment venues in Thailand. It said tourists, including those from India, are able to get up close and take selfies with adult tigers at 13 such venues.
WAP said animals belong to the wild and should not be used for our entertainment.
"With more than one million Indian tourists visiting Thailand every year and wildlife entertainment venues remaining a popular destination for them: the people of India can make a significant difference for tigers, by not supporting the cruel industry," said a statement from WAP.
It urged people, whether travelling abroad or in India, to treat India's national animal with respect and compassion.
The infamous Tiger Temple of Thailand, which has been in controversy over its treatment of big cats and suspicion of wildlife trade, is in particular very popular with Indian tourists.
Recently, Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen was seen posting such tiger selfies on social media during her holiday in Thailand with her daughters.
Of the 17 tiger entertainment venues investigated in Thailand, Sriracha Tiger Zoo in Pattaya has the highest number of tigers in captivity where one tiger was so thin that its hips and ribs were visible, the report said.
"Captive tigers are particularly victims of irresponsible tourism - their suffering fuelled by the demand for selfies and photo sharing on social media. These majestic and endangered predators are bred, used and abused to create entertainment for tourists and boost the profits of wildlife attractions, travel companies and sometimes illegal traders," said the report.
Gajender K Sharma, India Country Director at World Animal Protection, called on the travel industry to stop promoting and profiting from tiger cruelty.
"The message is simple, if you can get up close, hug or have a selfie with a tiger, chances are the tiger is suffering, so don't do it," he said.