Uproar over tiger cub bidding war
The Highland Wildlife Park has come in for criticism for auctioning off a behind the scenes prize to see the tiger cubs with a minimum bid of £1,000.
The highest bidder was to join zoo staff as the new Amur tiger cubs underwent their "medicals" and received the second round of vaccinations.
The mega-popular Murray and Viktor, who were born to Marty and Dominika in May, are now 11 weeks old.
The money raised was to go to help with the project to protect Scotland’s very own rare cat - the wildcat.
But after the attraction posted the auction on Facebook, there was a mixed reaction.
They later withdrew the starting point for the auction.
In a post on Facebook, they said: "Thank you to everyone who posted feedback in response to our tiger cub experience post. There was no intention on the part of the Highland Wildlife Park to cause any offence to our supporters and online fans.
"The funds raised by the winning bid for this special experience will be invaluable in helping efforts to support the conservation of the Scottish Wildcat.
"On this occasion there has not been time to facilitate a raffle prior to the next round of vaccinations. However, we have taken your comments on board and have removed the minimum requirement for the blind auction."
One Facebook poster Janet wondered what all the fuss was about: "Surely the important thing is that the cubs get their jabs and the park makes money to continue the great work they do."
But Curstaidh Robertson posted: "Very bad idea - you have seriously upset a huge number of supporters."
Part of the experience will also give the winner access for the whole day to the park, with a special Land Rover tour of the drive through area and lunch in the Antlers Café.
The deadline for receiving the bids is Friday August 30, at noon.
