A zoo in eastern China stunned big cat fans by offering them GBP 11,600 to spend an hour in the den of their ferocious white tigers.

A picture of a sun canopy with a table and two chairs set up in the enclosure was posted showing two tigers terrifyingly close.

But despite the risk, thousands of people applied to take part in the challenge at Yancheng Wildlife World, in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province.

Just hours after making the offer, however, zoo chiefs withdrew it accompanied by photos of severely chewed and mauled furniture.

The zoo posted a message saying: “Due to the uncontrollable nature of the wild white tigers, which are very repulsive of new items and tore the tent apart, the activities have to be cancelled.

“We are sorry to inform you that the ‘Staying with the Tiger’ event has been suspended.

“On another occasion, we will pick mildly-behaved animals and reorganise the animal tent experience.”

Only when the applicants checked the calendar did they realise they had been caught in an April Fool’s prank.

And when police were asked to investigate the offer they found a sign at the zoo advertising the event, with a fine print saying ‘Happy April Fool’s Day’.

Now, report local media, police are investigating whether the zoo broke advertising laws.

The inquiry is ongoing.