Back in 2016, the world was saddened by the loss of Harambe, a gorilla at a Cincinnati Zoo that was shot dead after a 3-year-old boy climbed into his enclosure.
Much to people’s dismay, the year (of the tiger) started with the news of yet another tragedy involving a zoo animal.
CBS News has reported that an 8-year-old Malayan tiger, Eko, was shot dead at the Naples Zoo in Florida; after a cleaner, who wasn’t supposed to be within the barrier of the enclosure, decided to deliberately shove his hand through the fence of Eko’s enclosure.
Eko had then grabbed the cleaner’s arm and pulled at him.
The outsourced cleaner had “entered an unauthorised area near a tiger that was inside its enclosure“.
“The cleaning company is responsible for cleaning restrooms and the gift shop, not the animal enclosures.” the zoo had shared, adding that the cleaner had attempted to either feed or pet the tiger, “both of which are unauthorized and dangerous activities.”
When police officers arrived at the scene, they apparently had no choice but to shoot the tiger to save the man’s life. The poor tiger was later found dead in its enclosure, succumbing to the gun shot.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office have since released body cam footage of the shooting. Warning: the video contains scenes of graphic nature, viewer discretion is advised.
The shooting has since drawn backlash from netizens
Many believe the cleaner should have been the one to be shot!
“He was the one itching to pet the tiger, but the tiger was the one killed.”
“He is in the wrong. Yet the animal was ‘forced’ to be killed.”
“Pity the tiger, they should shoot the cleaner for his stubbornness.”
“Even its name is an animal, it can’t think. The human who can think should have been shot.”
Especially considering how endangered Malayan tigers are, it’s truly heartbreaking to see how this incident was played out.
We genuinely hope that the Florida authorities take action against the cleaner, who went against his authorizations and caused the incident in the first place.
Rest in peace, Eko. You’re in a better place now.
Also read: 2 Lions Escape From Enclosure in Changi Airport, Captured After Intense Standoff with Staff Member
