I visited the "Shiboyuan" with my two children aged 7 and 3. We loved the gardens and all the space. It was wonderful. However, we were really shocked at the circus show with animals. The cruelest thing we observed was how an elephant was constantly hit with an iron rod to sit down, lift his leg, shake his head, whatever. It was very cruel and my children were shocked. After the show I went to the guy and asked him not to do that. There were two or three tigers on the stage in tiny cages. They were left on that stage throughout the show in the midst of very loud music.

I wonder what we can do to help this animals and also help these people who maltreat the animals - before the eyes of children. What example does that set of how we should treat the defence- and helpless?

The maltreatment of the animals left a bitter after-taste of this otherwise pleasant spot in a crowded city.

I've been trying to find a mailing address to tell the management that that's not what people are out to see when they go to a botanical garden.