Guests on a luxury cruise ship were allowed to pet a Siberian tiger during an animal show yesterday, horrifying members of an animal advisory group who watched the performance.
The government-appointed panel accused the management of SuperStar Leo of obstructing their inspection of circus animals, after they raised concerns about public safety and animal health.
A cougar also took part in the 45-minute show.
Four members of the Animal Welfare Advisory Group, several guests and travel agents were invited to the maiden performance on board the ship.
The panel was told by the ship's management it would no longer stage the show while berthed in Hong Kong. But members said the ship could still hold the show in international waters.
'They were very obstructive with us,' said one of the panel members, Jill Robinson of Asia Animal Foundation.
'They would not allow us to see behind the scenes, or look at the holding quarters of the animals or access to the trainers.'
