Brazil: Jaguar killed after Olympic ceremony
A jaguar from the Amazon region was shot by the Brazilian army after participating as a mascot in the parade with the Olympic flame in Manaus. More on wildlife abroad.
An Amazon jaguar was shot by the Brazilian army after participating as a mascot in a parade with the Olympic flame in Manaus.
During the event, the female — named Juma — was present on a chain around her neck just a few metres away during the lighting of the Olympic flame.
After the spectacle, she managed to escape on her way back to her zoo enclosure.
A group of veterinarians immediately attempted to sedate Juma with tranquilisers. However, these did not take effect immediately, and Juma came dangerously close to the soldiers.
The army commander — whose symbol is a jaguar — said the animal was shot with a pistol as a precautionary measure to protect the soldiers.
Juma lived at the CIGS Zoo
Juma lived at the CIGS Zoo, which is part of the Army Training Centre and where many animals captured by soldiers lead a bleak existence.
Juma had been a tame animal accustomed to life among the residents of the military facility, a military spokesperson said. The local Olympic organising committee expressed regret over the incident. It had been wrong to present the Olympic flame — a symbol of peace and human unity — alongside a wild, chained animal, the body stated. The committee promised that nothing like this would happen again during the Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro.
The Ministry of the Environment has launched an investigation because no permit was granted to display Juma at the Olympic event.
The Brazilian environmental group Ibama sharply criticised the use of the jaguar at the ceremony: «It is deplorable and sad that these animals are subjected to such events.»
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