US zoo offers swim with tiger cubs

October 11, 2012 | Cinema | Written by

Melbourne, Oct 11: A zoo in Florida is offering visitors the chance to swim with the wild animals.

According to the Daily Mail, for 200 dollars, visitors can take part in the half-hour encounter with tiger cubs in the Dade City’s Wild Things zoo, which involves “playing in the grass, bottle time and swim time,” News.com.au reported.

Those who are content simply to watch the spectacle are charged 10 dollars.

The tigers involved in the swim must weigh less than 18 kilograms due to a local law.

However, Animal rights activist have condemned the activity, saying it’s “abusive” and dangerous to the animals’ health.

“The cubs are awakened repeatedly for anyone who will pay to pet them or take photos with them,” one critic on the 911 Animal Abuse website, said.

“Cubs don’t like holding still for petting sessions and photo opportunities. The swimming solves that problem … because the cub has to swim for dear life,” the critic said.

The zoo also reportedly offers swimming lessons with alligators whose mouths are taped shut. (ANI)