PETA has criticized Petra Ecclestone for bringing her children to a Dubai animal park where orangutans were dressed in clothes and tiger cubs were bottle-fed. The organization objects to these activities, considering the venue an inappropriate environment for animals.
The 37-year-old socialite posted a video showing her and her kids having fun at Animalia, a popular attraction in the United Arab Emirates.
The video showed Petra and her kids gently touching a tiger cub being fed with a bottle. An orangutan, wearing a green shirt and jean shorts, was also seen playfully leading children around on the lawn.
PETA’s Elisa Allen stated that treating wild animals like pets – such as leashing cheetahs, bottle-feeding tigers, or clothing orangutans – reinforces the harmful and risky notion that they are here for our entertainment.
These animals aren’t tame and gentle. Without strong drugs to calm them, they could seriously injure or even kill a child – just ask anyone who has survived an attack by a large cat, or the families of those who weren’t so lucky.
Posts on social media can make dangerous and harmful interactions with wild animals seem acceptable, and they increase the desire for attractions that exploit animals for entertainment.
We’re contacting Petra to ask her to remove the post and encourage her to support real wildlife rehabilitation efforts that help animals thrive in their natural homes.
The post quickly received criticism from Petra’s followers on social media, with many questioning how she could support it if she cares about animals. One comment asked, “How can you think this is right if you are an animal lover?”
‘Can’t believe you would encourage your children to call this fun, what an example.’
‘Why would anyone dress an animal like that?’
‘Please do not support these places. I can’t believe these places still exist.’
Those tigers must have been sedated. You’re fortunate to be able to travel the world with your kids, and yet you chose to do this.
Animalia’s YouTube channel reports that the property is a coastal haven owned by Sheikha Fatima bint Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
As a lifestyle expert, I’m always inspired by people who truly connect with nature, and Sheikha Fatima is a wonderful example. She has a deep, lifelong love for wildlife, and it’s clear she’s dedicated to protecting all the animals under her care. She doesn’t just provide for them, she genuinely ensures they live happy, fulfilling lives – and that’s something I really admire.
Daily Mail has contacted a representative of Petra Ecclestone and Animalia for additional comment.
Petra and her husband, Sam Palmer, have three children together: 10-year-old twin boys, James and Andrew, and a 4-year-old daughter named Minnie. She also has a 12-year-old daughter, Lavinia, from a previous marriage to James Stunt.
Petra and Sam recently insisted they have no regrets about relocating from Los Angeles to Dubai.
Petra and Sam, parents of four children, have left their Los Angeles home – a mansion worth £65 million where Petra lived for 14 years after moving from London – and begun a new life in the United Arab Emirates this year.
Having previously expressed concerns about issues like gun violence, homelessness, and drug use in California, they shared how much safer and more relaxed they feel in their new home, enjoying the sunny climate and a slower pace of life.
I’ve been following Sam, the former estate agent from Essex, and he recently addressed some of the negativity he’s been getting. He really reaffirmed how much he loves living in Dubai, sharing an update just last month. It’s great to see him sticking to his guns and enjoying his life out there!
I can’t believe how many people complain about the weather here,” he said, relaxing in the sun. “I know it’s a desert, but everything has air conditioning!”
Honestly, I’m really thriving here in Dubai and I’m choosing to focus on the positive. I’m not really open to hearing any negativity right now, so I’m politely stepping away to go enjoy myself. Life’s too short to dwell on things that don’t serve you, you know? I’m prioritizing my own happiness and good vibes!
He shared another update from the golf course the day before, saying it felt amazing to be there. He explained he’d dropped the kids off at school, then came to the course and had some breakfast, which had really lifted his spirits.
I have to say, the school orientation yesterday was fantastic! It only took about twenty minutes – thankfully not the three hours I’d feared! There were lots of questions, which is great, and honestly, I’m so glad I made the decision to join this community. The facilities are impeccably clean, and it’s clear everyone takes pride in maintaining a well-ordered environment. I’m really, really happy with how things are going!
The couple owned homes in both Los Angeles, a £31 million mansion, and London, where they kept their £170 million property in Chelsea.
Over the last year, they began to frequently express their dissatisfaction with how much their lives in California had worsened.
Last month, Petra expressed her concern about the high rate of crime in America, stating that she wants to ensure a safe environment for children. She specifically highlighted gun violence and shootings as major issues.
Right before Christmas, we were ice skating with our children when a homeless person unexpectedly collapsed and died nearby. Witnessing drug use like crack smoking was also upsetting, and it’s not the kind of environment we want to expose ourselves or our kids to.
Petra and James Stunt divorced in 2017 after being married for six years. They share three children together.
Speaking from the capital city, she shared that while she loves London, she and her family won’t be returning to live there due to personal circumstances.
In 2019, thieves targeted the Kensington home of her sister, Tamara, and stole £26 million worth of jewelry. Although three of the burglars were caught and deported, they only returned £37,000 of the stolen money.
Tamara explained that while she hadn’t received any money after the burglary, no amount of compensation could make up for the trauma of having her home invaded.
My kids are scared that someone might break in while they’re asleep, and I don’t think that wrong will ever be made right.
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2026-02-10 18:04