White tiger exhibit raises concerns with Marshfield aldermen

For Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD – In Marshfield, there is some push back against an exhibit of rare white tigers scheduled to appear at the Central Wisconsin State Fair at the end of August, raising concerns with Marshfield alderman.

According to Alderman Tom Witzel, some residents say the exhibit would come at the cost to the animals, while raising safety and liability concerns for the city.

"I would like to know what references this organization has provided to the Central Wisconsin State Fair to identify that they are a reputable organization to be bringing this in," Witzel said at the July 9 Marshfield Common Council meeting.

Witzel added that he's concerned the exhibit could create a lot of other potential problems, including keeping people away from the fair this year.  "I think that it has a potential to cause other issues.  A lot of people are very quiet about their discontentment and will just simply not go,” he said.

Alderman Chris Jockheck represents the city on the Central Wisconsin State Fair Board and says with the unanimous support of the Common Council, he'll ask the fair broad to reconsider bringing the exhibit to Marshfield.  "We have not had a good discussion, or any discussion (about the white tiger exhibit), in the four months that I have been on the fair board.  I think that it's time that we see that addressed."

Jockheck said that he'll push to get the issue on the agenda for the Central Wisconsin State Fair Board's next meeting on July 15.