After initially defending the decision to display a large tiger in a cage during senior prom, officials of a Miami-Dade County high school are now expressing regret over the presence of the caged tiger.
This morning, Christopher Columbus Principal David Pugh issued a statement that read in part, "Upon reflection, we regret the decision to have live animals at our prom."
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A caged tiger was used as a "prop" at a South Florida high school's jungle-themed prom. Now, the ordeal is causing an uproar among community members on social media.
Video posted on Facebook shows the tiger pacing around inside the cage in the center of a dance floor as performers holding torches dance in the surrounding area. Students at Christopher Columbus High School watch the scene unfold, with some recording the show on their phones.
The May 11th prom, held at the Double Tree Hilton Miami Airport Convention Center, featured several live animals, including a lemur, two macaws, an African Fennec Fox and a tiger, according to a statement issued by the school.
In the statement, Christopher Columbus High said the animals were displayed in a "very controlled situation" and were provided by facilities licensed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
"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 lying down in a relaxed state facing away from the audience," the school said.
The school also said two Miami-Dade police officers were present during the event.
PETA released a statement on the situation: "Wild animals aren't prom decorations. Displaying a tiger in a tiny cage and allowing students to handle lemurs is cruel to the animals and dangerous for the students, and it sends the harmful message that living beings are props to be used for human amusement."