A shocking video has surfaced from Dreamworld, one of Australia’s premier theme parks, sparking outrage across social media. The footage, captured by Instagram user Xy Latu, shows two tiger handlers engaging in disturbing behavior: one drags a tiger down a grassy hill by its tail, while another slaps the animal on the head twice. The 13-second clip, filmed at Dreamworld’s Tiger Island, has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with viewers condemning the handlers’ actions as cruel and unacceptable.
The video, which has garnered thousands of views, drew heated comments from animal lovers and park attendees alike. One Instagram user wrote, “This is beyond disgusting. I hope justice is served for this cruelty.” Others echoed similar sentiments, calling for accountability and an end to such practices at the popular Gold Coast attraction.
In response, Dreamworld’s General Manager for Life Sciences, Al Mucci, defended the handlers’ actions, claiming they were necessary to prevent a potentially dangerous situation. According to Mucci, the tiger, named Akasha, was displaying aggressive behavior toward a female tiger in the enclosure. The handlers intervened to separate the two animals before the situation escalated.
“The care and welfare of our tigers and all our wildlife family is paramount,” Mucci said in a statement to news.com.au. “The handler’s actions were to refocus Akasha and were explained to guests immediately after the tigers were separated. Open-hand taps to the facial area are the safest way to redirect tigers who are challenging each other, consistent with how tigers communicate in similar situations. The tiger’s tail is one of its strongest body parts, and tigers and handlers routinely engage with it during play.”
Mucci emphasized that both tigers, Akasha and Kai, are over 100kg and could have caused harm to each other without intervention. However, the explanation has done little to quell the public’s anger, with many questioning the ethics of such handling methods.
Animal rights group PETA swiftly condemned the handlers’ actions, labeling them “appalling” and “unjustifiable cruelty.” Laura Weyman-Jones, a PETA spokesperson, told news.com.au, “Pulling a tiger by the tail and hitting them on the head is unacceptable. Tigers are wild animals meant to roam vast distances, not live confined in enclosures, gawked at by strangers, and mistreated by staff.” PETA has called for an immediate investigation into the incident and urged authorities to take legal action against those involved.
Dreamworld’s Tiger Island, a multimillion-dollar attraction revamped late last year, is home to 10 tigers and serves as a cornerstone of the park’s appeal. The facility also houses the Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation, a charity recognized internationally for its efforts to protect endangered tigers and support wild tiger conservation initiatives. Despite its conservation credentials, this incident has cast a shadow over the park’s reputation.
The controversy comes at a tumultuous time for Dreamworld’s parent company, Ardent Leisure. Just a day before the video surfaced, Ardent announced the resignation of CEO Simon Kelly, who had been at the helm since April 2017. Kelly took over following the tragic Thunder River Rapids ride accident in October 2016, which claimed four lives and led to a 45-day closure of Dreamworld and its sister park, WhiteWater World. The incident severely impacted attendance, revenue, and Ardent’s share price, and the company has struggled to regain its footing ever since.
Dr. Gary Weiss, Ardent Leisure’s chairman, expressed disappointment over Kelly’s departure, stating, “The board of directors is disappointed with Simon’s resignation and would like to thank him for his contribution to the group and wish him well in the future.”
As Dreamworld grapples with this latest scandal, questions linger about the treatment of animals at Tiger Island and the park’s broader commitment to animal welfare. While Dreamworld insists the handlers’ actions were in the best interest of the tigers, the viral video has left many wondering whether the park’s practices align with its conservation-focused image. For now, the debate rages on, with animal rights advocates and parkgoers alike demanding transparency and accountability.