A private Catholic school in Miami displayed a caged tiger for its jungle-themed prom.
Christopher Columbus High School also brought in a lemur, two macaws, and an African fennec fox, reports WSVN. But many were outraged after seeing footage of the anxious tiger in the cage. It can be seen pacing back and forth while cameras are flashing.
Mari-Cris Castellanos, whose brother attended the prom, posted on Facebook:
How shameful for Christopher Columbus High school …showing its students on prom night who is the “king of the jungle “ this poor tiger was used as an EXOTIC amusement for the mindless teenagers who were present , it is not the student fault to be so naive BUT it’s the CCHS STAFF who arranged this event ,there for they are responsible for this tigers misery.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1949665035344532&id=100009031631793
In response to the backlash, the school issued a statement saying the “animals were displayed in a very controlled situation” with “two Miami-Dade Police officers present the entire time.” School officials also added that “the animals were provided by facilities that are licensed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.”