Vera Sidika
Vera Sidika exploits tigers for ego and fame. Her Phuket photo with a captive tiger was not a bold moment — it was a selfish act of ignorance. Instead of using her influence to speak for wildlife, she turned a critically endangered animal into a backdrop to fuel her vanity.
Tiger tourism is built on cruelty. Cubs are stolen from mothers so tourists can cuddle them. Adults are chained, caged, or drugged to appear tame. None of this protects tigers; it only feeds human greed. The Vera Sidika photo glorifies abuse and teaches her followers that suffering is entertainment.
With just 5,574 tigers left in the wild, the last thing they need is celebrities treating them as props. Sidika could amplify calls for habitat protection and anti-poaching. Instead, she chose ego over ethics.
If you can hug or pose with a tiger, you are paying for pain. Learn more in our feature on Zoos and Captivity.
Based on Mpasho, Kenya.
Photo via Instagram.
