Brazilian soldier shoots and kills jaguar after Olympic torch ceremony
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A jaguar that was featured as part of an Olympic torch ceremony was shot and killed by a soldier after the event in Manaus as the animal escaped from its handlers, according to Reuters.
The shooting took place at a military training center when Juma, as the jaguar was known, was tranquilized but still managed to approach the soldier. He fired his pistol as the animal got closer.
Olympic organizers issued the following statement:
“We made a mistake in permitting the Olympic torch, a symbol of peace and unity, to be exhibited alongside a chained wild animal. This image goes against our beliefs and our values. We guarantee that there will be no more such incidents at Rio 2016.”
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The Amazonas state government environmental authority oversees the use of wild animals and deemed the use of Juma as illegal. They are investigating the matter.
The Olympics start on Aug. 5 and run through Aug. 21.
