Social Media Enraged Over High School Prom’s Caged Tiger

A private school in Miami has caused an uproar after including a live caged tiger as part of its jungle-themed prom. The big cat was placed in the center of the dance floor while performers danced around it with torches.

Mari-Cristine Castellanos calls the act "shameful" in her Facebook post which featured video of the tiger pacing it's cage. "This poor tiger was used as an EXOTIC amusement for the mindless teenagers who were present," she wrote.

In her post she asks:

1. Did this tiger ask to attend Prom?
2. Why didn't anyone open the cage and see what would happen to these 'brave and courageous fire performers?'
3. Why does CCHS allow such animal cruelty?

Apparently the tiger wasn't the only animal involved. The school said in a statement that along with the themed decorations, there were animals including a lemur, two macaws, and an African Fennec Fox.

Christopher Columbus high says that the animals were displayed in a controlled situation and were provided by licensed facilities.

"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.

Read more at Miami Herald.