Another Indoor Petting Zoo Raises Ethical Question, This Time At JB Shopping Mall

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TikTok user Joey (@joeydiaries_) recently visited Paradigm Mall in Johor Bahru and was shocked at the state of the animals at the indoor petting zoo in the mall.

She was upset that animals like a camel, a wallaby, and a goat were being kept in small enclosures under bright lights, loud noises, and constant crowds trying to get the animals’ attention. In one of the clips, a distressed meerkat could be seen pacing in the small space.

Joey claimed that visitors were rough with the animals and the staff barely supervised these visits. She also saw people disturbing leashed cats that were napping.

She found the petting zoo to be neither cute nor fun, as it caused stress to the animals. She observed that these animals received no breaks or safe spaces and were constantly touched throughout the day. She expressed her hope for this practice to cease, describing it as “sad and disgusting to witness.”

@joeydiaries_
This is honestly insane. Went to Paradigm Mall in JB and saw an indoor petting zoo… inside a SHOPPING MALL. Loud noise, bright lights, constant crowd and animals just stuck there in small enclosures. People are literally paying to go in and touch them. Kids grabbing, adults handling them roughly, no proper supervision from staff. Saw cats on leashes being disturbed, people picking up sleeping cats like they’re toys. This isn’t “cute” or “fun”. It’s stressful and concerning. These animals don’t get a break. No quiet, no safe space, just endless handling all day. So sad and honestly disgusting to witness.
♬ Sad song by piano and violin(886018) – NOVA

Netizens also voiced their concerns, with some wondering why such petting zoos are needed. Unfortunately, petting zoos seem to be a lucrative business and attract a crowd wherever they set up.

Another netizen said the petting zoo should be reported to the local council. Some were shocked that animal farms still provide animals for entertainment in this manner.

According to Humane World, petting zoos don’t teach visitors, especially children, to respect or care for animals. The experience often leaves people thinking wild animals are playthings to be toyed with for amusement.

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Another Indoor Petting Zoo Raises Ethical Question, This Time At JB Shopping Mall