MARSHFIELD, WI (WSAU) — A sometimes controversial exhibit of rare white tigers is headed to the Central Wisconsin State Fair in Marshfield after all.
That’s following a vote by the fair’s board of directors Monday night to keep the exhibit on this year’s schedule, and the fair’s executive director Dale Christiansen said it was a nearly unanimous decision.
“I think the meeting went very well,” Christiansen said about the meeting. “All sides got their chance to express their concerns and their feelings on it. And at this time the board decided to bring the tiger show into Marshfield, and we’re going to proceed with it that way.”
The vote was originally scheduled two weeks ago but had been postponed until more information was obtained, but board member Chris Jockheck still doubted the exhibit’s operating practices and cast the only vote opposing it.
“I’m disappointed in the lack of discussion, but we’ll move on,” Jockheck said. “The exhibit will come to Marshfield, and hopefully it will be safe. Hopefully the animals will be cared for properly, and it will go on.”
Also disappointed by the board’s decision was Brynja Bjarnason, who had spoken out against the exhibit on a number of occasions and collected hundreds of signatures through an online petition.
“They just didn’t want to listen,” Bjarnason said. “They’re willing to listen to outside vendors as opposed to maybe what the community wants or needs. So, again, I’m very disappointed.”
Board members voting to keep the exhibit on the schedule said the newly-obtained information did indicate proper treatment and care of the animals, and that the exhibitor’s safety record and insurance were also in proper compliance.
The Central Wisconsin State Fair in Marshfield is slated for August 20th through August 25th.
