Dreamworld has just announced it has implemented a full ban on human interactions with tigers, ending interactions between staff and the animals. This change was flagged two years ago and its implementation is a welcome development in Dreamworld’s ongoing transition when it comes to presenting its tigers to the public.
In 2022 World Animal Protection released a report ‘Too Close For Comfort’ which spotlighted that the presentation of tigers at Dreamworld made them seem like pets or circus animals – not apex predators. The report called out practices such as handlers feeding the tigers milk from bottles. In response, Dreamworld committed to phase out such shows and move to a non-direct interaction model. The implementation of this commitment is welcome and is a win for tigers.
Suzanne Milthorpe, Head of Campaigns at World Animal Protection Australia said:
“It’s good to see such a major tourism venue in Queensland move further away from these unnatural interactions.
“This is just another reminder of what we already know, which is that public sentiment is continuing to shift away from outdated, direct interactions with captive wildlife.
“World Animal Protection has been advocating for an end to Dreamworld’s tiger interactions since the launch of our ‘Too Close for Comfort’ report in 2022.
“Dreamworld’s previous presentation of these tigers – which included being hand-fed milk from a bottle and posing during choreographed shows – did not illustrate their natural behaviours or treat these apex predators with dignity.
“We look forward to Dreamworld assessing their other direct wildlife interactions, including their koala cuddles, which Lone Pine Sanctuary banned earlier this year.
“The future of wildlife tourism is seeing wild animals in the wild where they belong. Our research shows tourists are increasingly wanting to see a move away from these cruel direct encounters.
“After a year of wins for captive wildlife, from koala cuddles to tiger interactions, it’s clear the broader Queensland tourism industry needs to modernise their practices now.”
