The Little Mermaid star Halle Bailey has faced backlash from fans after she posted a picture with animals at the zoo.
The Atlanta-born 23-year-old actress, who plays Princess Ariel in the upcoming live-action remake of the Disney classic, left fans “disappointed” after her latest Instagram post.
Sharing a series of photos from her travels, Halle can be seen posing with animals, with many fans claiming she was on a safari in Bangkok.
The animal attraction has received worldwide attention for years for alleged animal cruelty.
Posing with orangutan and tiger cubs – the latter reportedly forced to live in cramped cages at the safari park – Halle looked content as she enjoyed being away ahead of The Little Mermaid’s release next month.
In 2018, we reported on how the orangutans were forced to participate in daily boxing matches at a Bangkok attraction, which were “proudly advertised on the zoo’s website” at the time.
Nonprofit PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) commented on the photo, writing: “We know you love animals, but supporting a cruel attraction like this is hurting them.
“More than half a million exotic animals worldwide are exploited in tourism – many are separated from their families, exploited for photographs and destined to suffer for a lifetime.
“All of our visitors have a responsibility to stop funding places that exploit them for profit and continue this cycle of abuse. Please keep animals out of your future travel plans.”
In the comments section, many fans were quick to slam Halle for her deserved visit to the safari park, with fans concerned that she posed with animals in a shared photo.
One netizen wrote: “This is too dangerous for wildlife conservation. Interaction with wild animals should not be encouraged and facilitated. These animals have likely experienced abuse, high levels of stress and anxiety and will likely live a life in captivity Unpleasant long-term living. Why? Instead of watching them in their natural habitat and promoting ecotourism that is ethical and doesn’t affect their lives in this way.”
Another added: “Never use animals like this for entertainment. Never promote it! Halle Bailey, please, you should know better.”
While a third wrote: “I can’t believe this post still exists. Apparently she doesn’t care at all. I’m really looking forward to seeing The Little Mermaid, now I won’t watch – I refuse to support someone who acts this way Exploitation of wild animals. @disney do you have anything to say?”
Many fans expressed their disappointment with the young actress and urged her to take the photo down, but many also defended the Little Mermaid star.
“Maybe she doesn’t know? The comments are irritating. I hate this generation, I hate social media,” read one of the articles defending Harley.
Mirror Online has contacted representatives of Halle Bailey and Safari World in Bangkok for comment on their alleged animal cruelty.
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