Fame Park, the private farm owned by Emirati entrepreneur Saif Ahmad Belhasa, has recently become a popular destination for celebrities, including Manchester United stars Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay. The footballers experienced a range of unique activities, such as handling pythons, feeding giraffes, and cuddling baby tigers. This luxurious venue has also attracted other high-profile figures like Lionel Messi, Anthony Joshua, and Floyd Mayweather, all of whom participated in tours led by Belhasa’s son, Rashed, known as Money Kicks.
However, Fame Park has come under fire for its practices, especially concerning the use of wild animals for public entertainment. McTominay faced significant backlash after engaging in a tug-of-war with a tiger, drawing condemnation from animal rights organizations like the RSPCA. Critics argue that such activities fail to promote respect for wild animals and advocate for better methods of enrichment that do not involve direct interaction.
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Fame Park houses over 500 animals, including lions, tigers, and giraffes, and was established as a private zoo in 2001. Belhasa, with an estimated wealth of around £4 billion, supports this expansive collection, which includes animals named after celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Ronaldo.
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While Rashed Belhasa maintains that the family does not profit from the zoo and that the animals are well cared for, the ethical concerns surrounding the use of wild animals for entertainment remain a contentious issue. Many fans have voiced their disapproval online, calling for a reevaluation of such interactions and emphasizing the importance of animal welfare.Inside the infamous Dubai zoo, Manchester United stars Maguire and McTominay used their leisure to mingle with exotic animals, including caressing pythons, feeding giraffes, and holding tiger cubs
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