Tashkent Zoo Warns Visitors After Snowball Attack on Tigers

Uzbekistan's Tashkent Zoo has issued an official statement following an incident caught on video, where visitors flagrantly violated zoo rules by throwing snowballs at animals.

According to the zoo administration, the snowballs were aimed at a white Bengal tiger named Fufuni and an Amur tiger named Navruz, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

After the managing director intervened, it was discovered that stones had been wrapped inside the snowballs, posing a serious risk of injury and pain to the animals. The offenders were immediately removed from the zoo premises.

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

“We care for our wards and protect every unique life. Anyone who harms animals or breaks the rules will be promptly removed from the zoo,” the administration said.

Zoo officials urged visitors to respect the rules and treat animals responsibly and with care.