Μετάβαση στο κύριο περιεχόμενο

Animal advocates denounce keeping elephants in captivity after trainer attacked

Animal rights activists are decrying the practice of keeping animals in captivity after an African Lion Safari trainer suffered serious injuries Friday when he was attacked by an elephant.
There was no word on the trainer's condition Sunday afternoon. The Ministry of Labour is now investigating the incident.
Melissa Matlow, campaign director for World Animal Protection, said in an email that the non-profit's thoughts are with the trainer who was hurt.
 "Sadly, this is another crucial reminder that elephants are wild animals and they belong in their natural environment," she said in a statement. "A life in the entertainment industry is no life at all.
Matlow said elephants can be dangerous, and their behaviour can be "quite unpredictable particularly when they are stressed and frustrated in captivity and forced to perform and give rides to people."
It's not clear what caused Friday's incident. Park general manager Trish Gerth did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
African Lion Safari's website says the park has been part of important research on Asian elephants through the years, and has participated in breeding 30 species that are considered endangered and 20 species that are considered threatened.

Park 'gathering information' about incident

Gerth confirmed on Friday afternoon that there was an incident involving an employee and an elephant. The man was transported to Hamilton General Hospital for treatment.
"At this time we have no further details to share as we are actively gathering information," she said.
Activist Mary Jean Tully, who also runs a travel company focused on wildlife conservation and the environment, said in a statement "witnessing the beautiful bond between elephants is a remarkable experience.
"However, many Canadians are not aware of the torture that these beautiful animals are put through in order to satisfy our vacation bucket lists," she said.
The 750-acre park at African Lion Safari is home to a herd of 16 Asian elephants, the largest herd in any North American zoological facility, according to its website.
Online, African Lion Safari touts its work in conservation and breeding wildlife, and lists its elephant herd as one of its major attractions.

Man killed at park decades ago

This isn't the first time an elephant has injured a person at the park.
In 1989, 21-year-old Omar Norton was killed at the park.
Norton, a McMaster University natural sciences student, was trying to stop two elephants from fighting in an outdoor pen. Norton had turned his back to the elephants to get an elephant hook, which is a long pole with a hook on the end. One elephant swung its head around, knocked Norton to the ground and leaned its head on him as he lay there. The weight crushed him.
The park said the elephant had never shown aggression toward staff.

Source: CBC

Σχόλια

Δημοσίευση σχολίου

Δημοφιλείς αναρτήσεις από αυτό το ιστολόγιο

The Tragic Loss of Blondie: Another Oxford-Tracked Lion Killed by Trophy Hunters

In a chilling repeat of history, another lion carefully studied and GPS-tracked by Oxford University researchers has been killed by a trophy hunter in Zimbabwe. The lion, affectionately known as Blondie, was part of a long-term conservation study in Hwange National Park—a name that may sound familiar to those who remember the death of Cecil the Lion in 2015. This new tragedy highlights the ongoing dangers faced by even the most closely monitored wildlife, and the urgent need for stronger protections around national parks and conservation areas. Who Was Blondie? Blondie was a magnificent, five-year-old male lion, tracked by the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) of Oxford University. Recognized for his striking appearance and dominant presence, Blondie played a crucial role in the social structure of his pride. His GPS collar was not just a research tool—it was a symbol of hope, intended to safeguard him from harm by signaling his monitored status. Sadly, that did not stop wh...
Δημοσίευση σχολίου
Διαβάστε περισσότερα

Remembering the Kings of Namiri Plains: The Tragic End of Snyggve and Tryggve, Iconic Lions of Serengeti National Park

 The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, home to some of the most magnificent creatures on the planet. But with beauty and diversity comes loss and tragedy, and the recent news of the death of Snyggve and Tryggve, two of the most impressive lions on Namiri Plains, has left a deep void in the animal kingdom. Snyggve and Tryggve were sons of the famous lions C-boy and Hildur and had reigned over the plains for over seven years. They were iconic lions, having conquered pride after pride and sired many cubs. Their presence was always felt, and their roars could be heard from miles away. They were a symbol of strength and resilience, a reminder of the power and beauty of nature. Their reign, however, ended tragically when Snyggve was killed by three young males who were part of a coalition of seven. It is assumed that his brother Tryggve met the same fate. This great loss has left a deep impact on the animal community and all those who w...
Δημοσίευση σχολίου
Διαβάστε περισσότερα

TOP 7 FACTS ABOUT BABOONS

   FACTS ABOUT BABOONS                                                               (image credit: Natgeo.tv) Baboons are some of the most identifiable of the monkey world. They have tufts of hair on either side of their faces and large, hairless bottoms that can turn red. These old-world monkeys also do not have prehensile tails like some other monkeys, which means they don't use their tail like a hand. Size Baboons are the world's largest monkeys, according to National Geographic. From head to bottom, baboons grow to 20 to 34 inches (60 to 86 centimeters) and their tails add an additional 16 to 23 inches (41 to 58 cm) to their length. They weigh about as much as a human chil...
Δημοσίευση σχολίου
Διαβάστε περισσότερα