Photos and video: TikTok @tika_andhini
Tourists visiting an Australian zoo to hold a wombat have sparked controversy on social media, outraging animal rights defenders. They argue that this practice puts both the animals and people at risk.
+ Click here to watch the video that caused the controversy
Animal rights defenders have criticized the practice of tourists holding wombats at a zoo in Australia. Images of people holding the animals have sparked outrage across social media.
“Warning to all non-Australians: do not try to pet or pick up wild wombats. It will not end well for you,” one commenter wrote on the TikTok video.
Tourists can interact with wombats at the Taralga Wildlife Park. The zoo’s owner, John Stafford, told news.com.au that the well-being of the animals is the park’s top priority.
“We don’t advertise, promote, or charge for wombat encounters, but we do them if it’s feasible on the day,” he said.
Suzanne Milthorpe, head of campaigns for World Animal Protection Australia, explained that wombats “have never evolved to feel comfortable around humans, and many experience stress when handled.”
In some states of Australia, it is illegal to hold koalas and wombats. Proponents of the practice argue that the interactions help educate the public, but Milthorpe believes it harms the animals’ well-being.
“The reality is that people pay to hug a wombat or koala because they love them, but they’re unaware of the silent suffering these animals endure,” Milthorpe added.
“The future of Australian wildlife tourism is to observe animals in their natural habitat,” she noted.
Photos and video: TikTok @tika_andhini. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
