A Florida high school is facing backlash after using live animals as a part of their jungle-themed prom, NBC Miami reports. Among these animals were two macaws, a lemur, an African fennec fox, and a caged tiger. School officials now say that they regret the choice to put these animals on display at the event.
The outrage against Christopher Columbus High School’s prom choice was sparked when a student’s sibling, Mari Cris-Castellanos, posted about the caged tiger. In the post, Castellanos questioned the school’s decision and the safety of the tiger.
“This poor tiger was used as an EXOTIC amusement for the mindless teenagers who were present,” wrote Castellanos. “It is not the student[s’] fault to be so naive BUT it’s the CCHS STAFF who arranged this event…”
While videos and photos show otherwise, the school claims that the tiger was totally fine.
“The tiger, which was displayed for a few minutes in a cage, was never harmed or in danger, was not forced to perform, was always accompanied by his handlers, and for the great majority of the time, was laying down in a relaxed state, facing away from the audience,” a school spokesperson told a local news station.
The tiger, along with the other animals, were provided by a company licensed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. And while the animals may have been acquired responsibly, the message to the high schoolers isn’t so great.
Principal David Pugh has since told news outlets, including USA Today, that as a school, they “regret the decision to have live animals” at the prom and that the choice doesn’t reflect the values of the school or its students and faculty.