Tougher measures on Beijing wildlife parks to ensure visitor safety

The authorities in Beijing are rolling out a series of new measures after a spate of high profile incidents at drive-thru wildlife parks.

Just two days ago a man was injured after rolling down his car window to feed bears at Badaling Wildlife World, a well-known wildlife park in Beijing.

A man was attacked as he tried to feed a bear at Badaling Wildlife World. [Photo: Weibo]

Last year two women got out of their car at the same wildlife park and were mauled by tigers. In January this year, a man was gnawed to death after he climbed over a fence and approached a tiger at a wildlife zoo in east China's Ningbo City.

After those incidents, Beijing issued draft regulations on wildlife parks, such as defining exclusive self-drive lanes, highlighting safety instructions, and improving security.

Bite marks on the man's left shoulder [Photo: Weibo]

Now, new regulations are in the pipeline, including exclusive lanes for self-driving separated from wild animals by a net or glass barrier. Sightseeing buses will need to be fitted with protective screens, guard plates and emergency exits.

Animals are to be divided according to ferocity, with each area having its own isolation measures, such as fences, power grids and solid masonry walls. Emergency telephones are to be placed near each viewing compound.

Security at existing facilities is also to be improved. For example, fire extinguishers and intercoms must be available on all sightseeing buses. All walls should be of the required height, and safety instruction signs and road signs should be clearly visible.

In addition, there will be new regulations on management and surveillance of wildlife parks. Guides must inform visitors of safety instructions. Bus drivers should ensure that the bus is locked from the outside during the sightseeing, and that no passenger can get off halfway. In areas containing highly dangerous animals, personnel on duty must check on the animals at least once in two hours.