Zoo blasted for letting children play tug of war with lions

A zoo in the UK has come under fire for allowing children to play tug of war with tigers and lions.

Between the 16^th-24^th February, Dartmoor Zoo's $27 'Human vs Beast Experience' allows up to four people as young as eight years old, to challenge the zoo's resident male tiger or lion to a round of tug of war.

The game sees people pitted against one of the big cats, and zoo keepers have claimed that the animals find the activity “enriching”.

According to zoo's Facebook  page: “This type of enrichment is very important to keep the cats fit and healthy”.

To initiate the game, a piece of meat is attached to one end of the rope. Once the cat grabs the bait, the participants on the other side of the fence can start to pull.

However, not everyone thinks the activity is a good idea. Animal rights groups have slammed the activity, calling the zoo “morons”. Others have called out the activity for its disrespect to the animals.

In a tweet to Datmoor Zoo, The Born Free Foundation said: "To offer ‘Human vs Beast Experience’ this February half-term. Is a tug of war game with a lion or tiger really the way to inspire respect for these animals? RT to urge the zoo to rethink this! #Don'tBuyCaptivity #KeepWildlifeinTheWild."

Speaking to the Daily Star, senior zoo keeper Simon Moore maintained that this sort of experience is “essential” for the animals.

He said: "In captivity, it's essential for us to try to mimic the behaviours to create the best welfare possible.

"We do a lot of enrichment for the cats and this is just one type."