Snow leopards, like all animals – humans included – want to be free. When animals who have been imprisoned, like Margaash, see an opportunity to escape their dreary lives, they often take it.
JAMES MORRIS: ‘The West Midlands zoo said eight-year-old Margaash was shot dead as bosses had “no other option in the interest of public safety”. It happened on October 23, with the zoo saying Margaash was “euthanised” and did not suffer. The leopard had managed to escape after a “keeper error” meant the enclosure door was left open. After Dudley Zoo announced the killing, animal rights groups were quick to express outrage.
PETA said: “Snow leopards, like all animals – humans included – want to be free. When animals who have been imprisoned, like Margaash, see an opportunity to escape their dreary lives, they often take it. “Sadly, these acts of self-liberation are often their last, as many once-captive animals who attempt to follow their natural instincts are killed”.
Dr Chris Draper, Born Free’s head of animal welfare and captivity, said: “While this is a sad incident that is undoubtedly very distressing to those who cared for Margaash, it brings into sharp focus – once again – that zoos simply cannot guarantee the safety of people and their animals. “It is perhaps all the more tragic when you consider that Margaash was destined to live and die in captivity, far removed from his natural range and habitat”.’ SOURCE…
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