Emaciated tiger looks painfully thin at Chinese zoo

Horrifying new images show a tiger looking excruciatingly thin at a controversial zoo in China.

The images of the female tiger were shared on Chinese social media, with the Tianjin Zoo subsequently receiving a host of complaints.

The tiger can be seen lying on the floor in its concrete pen after the pictures were posted to Weibo.

According to the Daily Mail, the post on Weibo reads: "These pictures were taken by a friend of mine. I can't help but cry when I see this.

"I have no idea how to help, but I just emailed the Animal Protection Organisation. Hope it will work.

"Whoever has a clue how to help, please take action to improve the tiger's living condition.

"I am asking for the people concerned to investigate it and to treat animals better!"

Officials at the zoo have insisted the tiger is treated well but has been diagnosed with a digestive condition.

According to the Mirror, zookeeper Wei K'ung told local media: "We have seven tigers and only one is not healthy.

"She had a digestive disorder since she was a cub but it worsened as she aged. She is now 13, that makes her an OAP in tiger terms, and the medicine she has been given no longer works so well. That is the reason she seems so thin."

But critics have suggested the zoo is keeping her alive just so they have something to show visitors.

The zoo denied the tiger is in pain, and said they will only put her to sleep when they consider her to be suffering.

The same zoo was reportedly previously blasted for teaching its elephants to perform martial arts stunts.

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