Animals in China’s zoos and safari parks suffer a range of abuses. In many places, terrified cows, pigs and chickens are fed to lions and tigers as live prey for entertainment. Captive wild animals are often cruelly mutilated with their teeth and claws cut back. They may also be chained and used as photographic props or forced to entertain the crowds with unnatural, degrading and stressful circus-style performances.
The techniques used to force the animals to perform are often cruel and abusive and the conditions in which they are kept generally fall far below acceptable welfare standards for animals in captivity. Many display severe stereotypic behaviour, such as pacing and swaying, due to neglect and poor management. Most receive no medical care and many suffer from injuries and diseases that are left untreated.
