Support the Big Cat Public Safety Act and help stop future 'Tiger Kings'!

Netflix's 'Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness' was a wild ride, but an essential part of the story wasn't told. Not only does this outlandish show portray a known abuser of animals in a sympathetic light, it also equates legitimate sanctuaries with the cruel roadside zoos owned and run by people like Joe Exotic.

As the demand for tiger cub selfies grows, mature tigers are forced to breed continuously to produce cubs so these babies can be handed to tourists for their Instagram selfies. This constant handling and the accompanying loud noises is stressful for young cubs, making these animals susceptible to illnesses and injuries.

When they're not being passed around for photos, these cubs are often kept chained up or left in small, barren cages. In 'Tiger King', we see Joe Exotic leave newborn cubs in playpens while they cry out for their mothers who aren't able to comfort them.

Businesses that profit from exhibiting cubs for photo opportunities can legally call themselves "sanctuaries" or "rescues" even though they often engage in ongoing cycles of breeding and selling cubs once they are approximately 12 weeks old.

Legitimate sanctuaries do not breed their animals because they want to end the cruel cycle of life in captivity. Tigers born in captivity are not good candidates for releasing into the wild for several reasons, such as the inability to survive (predation is taught by their mothers and the cubs are taken away before these skills are passed on).

Legitimate sanctuaries also do not allow direct contact with wild animals. Unlike being passed from person to person at Joe Exotic's zoo, certified sanctuaries do not allow visitors to directly touch, feed, or generally interact with tigers. This is not only for the animals' safety but for tourists' safety as well.

If passed, the Big Cat Public Safety Act will ensure that roadside zoos like the ones shown in 'Tiger King' are never allowed to abuse big cats again.

Sign and tell Congress that tigers belong in the wild. Pass the Big Cat Public Safety Act now!