A tiger named Ngao, weighing 23kg, has been regularly exposed to visitors at the Hon Nhan Ecotourism Site, where guests have been seen holding, petting, and posing for photos with the animal due to its young age.

On April 15, the Nghe An Sub-Department of Forestry announced it had instructed relevant agencies to inspect and rectify operations at local zoos after images surfaced online showing tourists directly interacting with a captive tiger.

According to the agency, social media has recently circulated numerous photos and posts about the Hon Nhan Ecotourism Site in Dien Chau District allowing tourists direct contact with dangerous captive animals such as tigers.

This activity is self-initiated by the Hon Nhan Ecotourism Site and has not been approved by any competent authorities. The Nghe An Sub-Department of Forestry has demanded that the site immediately cease all activities involving direct contact between tourists and captive animals, especially dangerous species like tigers, lions, and bears.

It was revealed that the tiger, Ngao, about six months old and weighing 23kg, has been raised at the Hon Nhan Ecotourism Site. In recent weeks, the young tiger has been regularly exposed to visitors, even being held, stroked, and photographed due to its small size.

The forestry authority has ordered all related facilities to immediately halt any activities allowing direct contact between visitors and wild animals.

Hon Nhan Ecotourism Site was also required to delete all posts and images showing guests in contact with animals from its websites and social media platforms.

Additionally, the Nghe An Sub-Department of Forestry reminded all local tourism operators to strictly comply with regulations on the protection of wildlife, especially dangerous species. Tourists may only observe animals from designated, approved viewing areas.

Thien Luong