The 2016 incident at Beijing’s Badaling Wildlife World tragically underscored the dangers associated with wildlife safari parks. This drive-through park allows visitors to remain in their cars as they navigate areas where tigers and other animals roam freely, with strict rules against exiting vehicles. However, on July 23, a family of four experienced a harrowing event that resulted in one fatality and one serious injury.

The incident began when a woman, later identified by her surname Zhao, exited her vehicle in the park’s tiger enclosure to switch seats with her husband after an argument. CCTV footage captured the terrifying moment when a tiger immediately attacked and dragged her away. Her mother quickly left the vehicle to rescue her, but a second tiger attacked the mother, inflicting fatal injuries. Zhao survived with serious injuries, while her mother lost her life in the process. Zhao’s husband and child, who remained in the car, were unharmed.

Following the incident, Zhao pursued legal action, arguing that the park failed to provide adequate warnings or ensure visitor safety. Park officials, however, cited clear signage and strict policies prohibiting visitors from leaving their vehicles. This tragedy stirred debate about safety standards in wildlife parks and highlighted the importance of adhering to park rules in environments with dangerous animals.