PETA has announced that the Broadway production of Life of Pi has won its first-ever Pony Award-the organization’s version of a Tony, honoring the most animal-friendly theater productions.

“The artists behind this beautiful play are proving that you can tell amazing animal stories without forcing vulnerable sentient beings to perform for our entertainment,” says PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange. “PETA challenges everyone in the entertainment industry to follow their example by bringing animals to the stage and screen through artistry, not exploitation.”

Broadway World

The play earned the award for the Most Innovative Depiction of an Animal in celebration of the undeniable star of the show: a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker  portrayed by a spectacular, lifelike puppet that requires three puppeteers to maneuver.

The Broadway version of “Life of Pi” is based on the movie and novel of the same name and is the story of a young man who survives a disaster at sea is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While cast away, he forms an unexpected connection with another survivor: a fearsome Bengal tiger.

 For more information, please visit PETA.org.