A tourist in China has sparked widespread outrage after footage allegedly showed her stepping on a tortoise at a tourist attraction while carrying a young girl.
The incident reportedly took place at Changlu Tourism and Leisure Park in Foshan, Guangdong, on 21 August. The woman was filmed standing on the tortoise’s back while the animal moved beneath her.
The footage has since drawn criticism from online users, with many accusing the woman of treating the animal inappropriately despite a nearby warning telling visitors not to step or sit on the tortoises.
Woman allegedly rode on tortoise despite warning sign
According to the person who originally uploaded the footage, the family allegedly kicked the tortoise before the woman climbed onto its back. The woman was reportedly holding a young girl believed to be her daughter at the time.
Video footage showed the woman squatting on the tortoise while appearing to laugh as the animal continued moving. She allegedly later called for her son to join her, prompting further criticism from people who viewed the footage online.
The incident quickly attracted attention on social media, with commenters expressing concern about the treatment of the animal and the example being set for the children accompanying the woman.
The original poster also claimed that no park staff intervened while the family was allegedly interacting with the tortoise in this manner.
Park arranges veterinary examination
Following the online backlash, Changlu Tourism and Leisure Park reportedly arranged for a veterinarian to examine the tortoise involved in the incident.
The examination found that the animal was reportedly in good health, according to the park.
The attraction also said it would investigate whether there were any shortcomings in its on-site management and supervision. It has not been reported whether the tourists involved will face any penalties over the incident.
The case has nevertheless prompted renewed discussion about animal welfare at tourist attractions and whether visitors should be allowed to have close physical contact with animals.
Tortoise shells can be seriously damaged
The park explained that a tortoise’s shell is not simply an external covering. It is structurally connected to the animal’s spine and ribs and contains nerves and blood vessels.
As a result, excessive pressure from a person’s weight could potentially crack the shell or cause injuries to the spine and internal organs.
Although the tortoise was reportedly found to be in good health after the incident, the explanation has highlighted why visitors should follow safety and animal welfare instructions when visiting wildlife attractions.
The incident also serves as a reminder that tourist facilities involving animals require appropriate supervision, particularly when children are present and visitors may be tempted to interact with the animals for photographs or entertainment.
The park’s reported decision to investigate its management procedures comes amid continued public attention over the incident. Meanwhile, online users have criticised the tourist’s alleged actions and called for visitors to treat animals with greater care and respect.