White Tiger Display at Central Wisconsin State Fair Still Up in the Air
Tuesday, July 16th, 2019 -- 10:25 AM
(WDLB) -We still don't know if a controversial white tiger display will be at next month's Central Wisconsin State Fair in Marshfield.The board which oversees the fair decided last night to table the issue for two weeks to gather more information. At issue is whether an organization doing business as "All Things Wild" will be allowed to exhibit its White Tiger Discovery Zoological display at the fair August 20-25. Among those speaking against the display last night was Megan Nicholson, the Wisconsin State Director for the Humane Society. The white tiger exhibit recently raised concerns among Marshfield aldermen, prompting Chris Jockheck, who represents the Council on the Fair Board, to get the issue placed on last night's agenda. Among those speaking against the exhibit last night was Alderman Tom Witzel, who voiced concerns over whether the city and fair were protected from any liability.
Dale Christiansen, the Executive Director of the fair, said the board has received both positive and negative feedback regarding the exhibit, and that he has talked to fairs that have hosted the exhibit, as well as those that want to have it in the future. And based on those comments, and the fact that the exhibit came to the fair at no cost, Christiansen thought the white tiger display would be a good addition.
At the end of last night's discussion, the board ultimately decided to table the matter and come back to discuss it in two weeks. This will give the board ample time to gather more information on insurance matters, treatment of the animals, and other items brought up as concerns. The board will meet again on July 29 at 7 p.m. at the Marshfield Fairgrounds.
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