Dr. Jan Schmidt-Burbach who works for the World Animal Protection accuses the couple of supporting 'an industry that relies on animal cruelty' by taking a picture with the tiger.
- Jan 7, 2015
AceShowbiz - Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z's picture with a baby tiger angered a wildlife expert. Dr. Jan Schmidt-Burbach of the World Animal Protection blasted the power couple after a photo featuring them and their daughter Blue Ivy petting the animal during a family vacation in Thailand emerged online a few days ago.
In a statement, Dr. Jan Schmidt-Burbach of the World Animal Protection reminded the "Drunk in Love" collaborators that "a tiger is not a plaything. Their health and well-being should not be sacrificed for a photo opportunity."
Schmidt-Burbach went on accusing the duo of supporting "an industry that relies on animal cruelty." He continued, "Many tourists unwittingly contribute to the suffering of wild animals like these. They're simply not aware that their 'once in a lifetime' photo means a lifetime of misery for that animal."
He added that animals used by tourist in their photographs "are often crammed into tiny cages or chained to the floor for long periods. They are also forcibly removed from their mothers to be fed artificially by tourists. All in all a far cry from their natural lives in the wild. But this sordid side of tourism is conveniently hidden from public view."
Beyonce and Jay-Z's camp hasn't yet commented on Schmidt-Burbach's statement. The pair, along with their daughter, have been enjoying their holiday in Southeast Asia. Bey has been Instagramming pictures of her and her family visiting some famous spots in Thailand and Cambodia.
