Target: LXR Yoga Studio
Goal: Stop the use of animals in yoga practices like “snake yoga” and prevent further exploitation by ensuring that wellness activities respect animal rights and traditional practices.
A recent video featuring an unconventional form of yoga involving ball pythons, known as “snake yoga,” has sparked significant outrage on social media, with many calling it a potential form of animal abuse. The video shared by content creator Jen Zhang describes her experience in a yoga class where participants perform yoga routines while handling ball pythons. While Zhang recounts her initial fear turning into comfort during the session, the concept of using snakes in this way has led to widespread criticism from animal rights activists and yoga practitioners alike.
Critics have condemned the practice, calling it a form of animal exploitation and cultural appropriation. Many users voiced their concerns over treating animals as accessories in fitness routines, with some even accusing the concept of distorting the true meaning of yoga, which is rooted in spiritual and philosophical traditions. This backlash highlights the need for a larger conversation about the ethical use of animals in wellness practices and the importance of preserving the sanctity of traditional yoga practices.
The broader yoga community must act to prevent further animal exploitation in such practices. By promoting more ethical wellness routines and fostering respect for both animals and cultural traditions, we can protect the integrity of yoga while ensuring that animals are not subjected to harmful or stressful situations. Take action now.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear LXR Yoga Studio,
I am writing to express my concern regarding a video that has gained traction online featuring “snake yoga,” where participants engage in yoga routines while handling ball pythons. This exploitation of live animals is inhumane and contrary to the true spirit of yoga.
Snakes and other animals should not be used as accessories or commodities in wellness practices. Using live animals in such environments can cause them stress and discomfort and raise ethical concerns about their treatment. Furthermore, including animals in yoga, which has deep spiritual and philosophical roots, distorts its true essence, turning it into a commercialized fitness routine that disregards its cultural significance.
I urge you to stop offering “snake yoga” and ensure that wellness activities are conducted in ways that respect animal rights and cultural traditions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pandiyan V
Snakes are not gym equipment! Yoga is for the body and spirit, not other animals. Nature has made a place for snakes and it’s not the gym. Snakes would prefer to be in Nature not in the gym. Put a one year prison sentence on this crime and it will stop. People will abuse anything but rarely themselves.