Tiger Temple, a wildlife sanctuary located in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, became the topic of controversy when reality TV star Tom Sandoval posted pictures and videos of himself interacting with tigers during his visit. The 40-year-old Vanderpump Rules star shared footage on his Instagram Story, showing himself posing with a captive tiger, taking a boat ride, and enjoying piña coladas with friends.
Sandoval’s posts sparked outrage among social media users, with many expressing their disapproval of his visit to the sanctuary. Some critics accused him of promoting animal exploitation and cruelty, while others called for him to “fade into obscurity” for his actions.
The controversy comes shortly after Sandoval issued a public service announcement to his fans, advising against infidelity following his own involvement in relationship drama. This has led to divided opinions among his followers, with some questioning the sincerity of his message given his recent behavior.
Tiger Temple has been the subject of scrutiny in the past, with allegations of drugging tigers for the entertainment of visitors. Animal rights activists have long been campaigning against the exploitation of tigers in captivity and have raised concerns about the welfare of the animals at such facilities.
The incident has reignited the conversation about responsible wildlife tourism and ethical considerations when it comes to interactions with animals. As the controversy continues to unfold, it raises important questions about the impact of celebrity influence on issues of animal welfare and conservation.
The 11th season of Vanderpump Rules is set to premiere on Tuesday, January 30th at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo, with episodes available for streaming the next day on Peacock. These developments have put a spotlight on the responsibilities and actions of public figures when it comes to social and ethical issues.