Visitors Removed from Tashkent Zoo for Throwing Snowballs with Stones at Tigers

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Tashkent Zoo issued an official statement following an incident captured on video, in which visitors flagrantly violated zoo rules by throwing snowballs at animals.

According to zoo officials, the snowballs were aimed at the white Bengal tiger Fufuni and the Amur tiger Navruz.

Upon intervention by the managing director, it was discovered that the snowballs contained stones, posing a risk of causing pain and injury to the animals. The violators were immediately removed from the zoo premises.

The zoo emphasized that the Amur tiger is a rare and endangered species, while the white Bengal tiger is an extremely rare variant requiring special care and protection.

“We care for our charges and protect every unique life. Anyone who harms animals or breaks established rules will be immediately removed from the zoo,” the administration stated.

Zoo management called on visitors to follow the rules and treat animals with respect and responsibility.