Socialite Petra Ecclestone has faced significant criticism from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals following her recent visit to an animal attraction in Dubai. The 37-year-old shared a video montage on social media showing herself and her children enjoying experiences at Animalia, a facility located in the United Arab Emirates.
Controversial Animal Interactions
In the widely circulated footage, Petra and her children were seen petting a tiger that was being bottle-fed by handlers. Additionally, the video showed an orangutan dressed in a green shirt and denim shorts leading children around grassy areas. These interactions have sparked considerable debate about appropriate human-wildlife engagement and animal welfare standards.
PETA's Strong Condemnation
Elisa Allen, Vice President of Programmes at PETA, issued a strongly worded statement regarding the social media posts. "Putting cheetahs on leashes, bottle-feeding tigers, or dressing orangutans in clothes promotes the shameful and dangerous notion that wild animals exist purely for human entertainment," Allen declared.
She emphasized the inherent risks of such interactions, stating: "These animals are not docile props. Without heavy tranquillisation, they retain the full capacity to maim or kill a child – a reality understood by survivors of big-cat attacks and families of those who did not survive."
The animal rights organization expressed particular concern about the normalisation of such activities through social media. "Posts like this make reckless human-wildlife interactions appear acceptable and fuel demand for exploitative attractions that treat animals as living playthings," Allen added. PETA confirmed they would be writing to Petra Ecclestone directly, urging her to delete the post and instead support genuine wildlife rehabilitation programmes that protect animals in their natural habitats.
Public Backlash and Facility Details
The social media post attracted immediate condemnation from followers and animal welfare advocates. Comments included: "How can you think this is right if you are an animal lover?" and "Can't believe you would encourage your children to call this fun – what an example you're setting." Others questioned the ethics of dressing animals in human clothing and expressed concern that the tigers might be sedated.
According to Animalia's official YouTube channel, the facility describes itself as a "beachside sanctuary" owned by Sheikha Fatima bint Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The channel states that Sheikha Fatima "holds a lifelong passion for wildlife, protects all creatures in her care, and ensures her animals enjoy the best possible lives."
Family Background and Relocation
Petra Ecclestone is mother to twin boys James and Andrew, aged 10, and four-year-old Minnie with her current husband Sam Palmer. She also shares 12-year-old daughter Lavinia with her ex-husband James Stunt. The family recently made headlines for their relocation from Los Angeles to Dubai, leaving behind their £65 million mansion in California.
The couple have been vocal about their reasons for moving, citing concerns about gun crime, homelessness, and drug problems in Los Angeles. In social media updates, they have emphasized the sense of safety and relaxed lifestyle they've found in the United Arab Emirates.
Sam Palmer recently addressed criticism about their move, stating: "The amount of negative messages I get about the weather is unreal. Yes, I understand it's a desert, but it's equipped with air conditioning. Take your negativity away from me – I'm very much enjoying Dubai."
Previous Statements and Family Context
Petra explained their relocation decision last month, saying: "The crime in America is awful, and we want a safe environment for our kids. It's the gun crime and the shootings. We ice-skated with our kids just before Christmas, and a homeless person dropped dead next to us. Seeing people smoke crack is not an environment we want to be in."
The socialite also addressed why they didn't return to London, despite her affection for the city, citing "personal reasons." This may relate to a 2019 incident where her sister Tamara's Kensington home was burgled by foreign thieves who stole £26 million worth of jewellery. Only £37,000 was recovered, and Tamara stated her children remain fearful of another break-in.
Daily Mail has contacted representatives for both Petra Ecclestone and Animalia for additional comment regarding the animal welfare concerns raised by PETA and social media followers. The controversy highlights ongoing debates about ethical wildlife tourism and the responsibilities of public figures in promoting animal interactions.
