WATCH: Malta’s Tiger King Denies Drugging Cubs For Photos After Zoo Video Raises Alarm
Anton Rea Cutajar has denied sedating animals at his zoo after a video published online showed a drowsy tiger cub being placed on a girl’s lap for a photo.
“Anyone who came to the park and witnessed the bottle-feeding experience can tell you that soon after they have it, they fall asleep like children,” he said on Facebook.
The video in question was uploaded on TikTok and shows a drowsy cub being placed on the lap of a girl before a photo is taken.
“I have never in my life given any tip of drugs to the cubs or tigers,” he said.
The video has raised some concerns amongst animal activists about the health of the cub as it made rounds on social media platforms.
Animal rights activist turned Commissioner for Animal Welfare Alison Bezzina took to Facebook to acknowledge said video.
“My position has always been the same and remains so – wild animals do not belong in cages. no matter how big and clean they are, and no matter what pleasure it gives some humans,” Bezzina said.
“But now that Zoos have proliferated in Malta, we need to make sure that they are regulated well so as to minimize the repercussions on the animals.”
Anton Rea Cutajar runs L-Arka’ ta’ Noe, a zoo in Siġġiewi with several exotic animals, including tigers, alpacas, zebras, llamas.
He’s developed a reputation for himself due to his outspoken views on illegal migration in Malta as questions arise over his land as well as his supplying of medical ventilators via direct orders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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