A majestic jaguar being used in an Olympic torch ceremony was shot dead by the Brazilian Army in Manaus on Monday shortly after the event, prompting an international uproar.
The jaguar, named Juma, managed to escape from her cage following the ceremony. A team of military veterinarians shot tranquilizers into the animal after it escaped, but she nonetheless approached a soldier and was killed with a single pistol shot.
Hoje pela manhã o Centro de Instrução de Guerra na Selva recebeu a #ChamaOlimpica em Manaus #TourDaTocha pic.twitter.com/TQf9y4bbgY
— Exército Brasileiro (@exercitooficial) June 20, 2016
“The animal, even hit, charged at a soldier that was in the location,” said the Amazon Military Command (CMA) in a statement. “As security procedure and in protection of the physical integrity of the soldier and the team, the animal was shot with a pistol and died.”
People questioned the authorities’ decision to use Juma at the event.
“An inhumane attitude, consequence of a ‘super idea.’ Sincerely? Who was the “genius.” #jaguar,” said one Twitter user.
https://twitter.com/vrsil_tt/status/745309137874132992
“#army kills a #jaguar that didn’t want to be there all because of a s–t OLYMPICS? Everyone go F@$& yourselves #everythingIDIOT #Brazil #olympictorch,” said another person.
#exército mata uma #onça q ñ qria estar lá por causa de uma BOSTA de #olimpíada ? Vão tudo se f@$& ! #tudoIDIOTA #Brazil #tochaolimpica
— Daniele Zemuner (@da_zemuner) June 21, 2016
People also expressed their frustration with Juma’s tragic death by posting special graphics in honor of the feline.
“Modality: shot #Manaus #olympics2016 #olympictorch @OlympicGames @Rio2016.”
Modalidade: tiro#Manaus #olimpiadas2016 #tochaolimpica @JogosOlimpicos @Rio2016 https://t.co/QKY00WRz0Z pic.twitter.com/eCompmDPWN
— Roberto Kroll (@RobertoKroll) June 21, 2016
The jaguar is the symbol of Brazil’s troubled 2016 Summer Olympic Games.
