Image: Eric Kilby
A jaguar that was used as a prop in an Olympic torch relay event in Brazil was killed after escaping.
The jaguar, named Juma, escaped from her handlers following the ceremony. Soldiers and veterinarians attempted to recapture the big cat, but were unsuccessful; Despite being sedated with a tranquilizer dart, she still managed to lunge at a soldier and was immediately shot on scene.
The ceremony featured the jaguar chained with a metal collar while a circle of military men surrounded her.
The Rio Organizing Committee released a statement, “We made a mistake when we allowed the Olympic torch, a symbol of peace and union of different people, to be exhibited next to a chained wild animal.”
The Committee went on, “This scene contradicts our beliefs and values. We are very saddened by what happened after the torch relay and guarantee we will not witness any other situation like this one during the Rio 2016 Games.”
We certainly hope something like this doesn’t happen again.
Jaguars are listed as near threatened on the IUCN Red List, and populations continue to decline.
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