Captive tiger breeding breeds suffering. Thailand must enforce a ban

Tigers worldwide, and particularly in Thailand, are being bred to fuel the cruel wildlife tourism and traditional medicine industries. 

At wildlife tourist attractions in Thailand, tigers are often used as photo props for tourist selfies.  

Tigers are also suffering on a staggering scale to meet the demand for traditional medicine. There are long-standing beliefs that tiger body parts can cure everything from cancer to virility issues, when the reality is that scientifically-proven, cruelty-free alternatives are readily available.  

The two trades are connected, with ongoing investigations suggesting that many tigers in tourism end up being killed for use in traditional medicine.  

We’re urging Thai authorities to enforce a ban on captive breeding by 2020. Without captive breeding, fewer tigers will become part of these two trades, and ultimately fewer tigers will suffer.  

Tigers are wildlife – they belong in the wild. But the reality is cubs bred in captivity will never get to live in their natural environment.  

Selfies mean suffering

From the moment they’re born, captive-bred cubs at tourist attractions endure immense cruelty. They live in horrific conditions. They’re kept in barren enclosures, with limited access to fresh food and water.  

Captive tigers in tourism are cruelly trained, chained, and forced to frequently interact with visitors. Loud noises and constant camera flashes surround them.  

Artificial environments like this are a world away from the wild, where tigers should be. 

You can help

While a ban on captive breeding from Thai authorities would be a significant step towards ending the suffering of tigers, we can all do our part for tigers. 

Remember, if a tiger is performing tricks or is allowing you to take a selfie with them at an attraction, they have suffered abuse. Be a responsible tourist and walk away. 

Tigers are wildlife – not entertainers or medicine.  

Let’s end the cycle of suffering and make this the last generation of tigers bred into a lifetime of abuse.

Tigers are wildlife – they belong in the wild.