Zoo Officials Reportedly Shot Two Lions After Naked Man Leapt Into Cage

Outlets all over the world are reporting a strange event that occured at the Metropolitan Zoo in Santiago, Chile. According to reports, two lions were shot and killed in front of a crowd of horrified onlookers after a man forced his way into a restricted enclosure, removed his clothing, and began to antagonize the animals.

Zoo officials reportedly attempted to deter the animals by using tranquilizers but accidentally missed, hitting the man in the neck with a sedative-laced dart. The zoo claims that it then made the decision to use lethal force against the lions, who were shot to death as people—including some families with small children—stood by and watched the entire scene unfold. The man was taken to an area hospital, where he is said to remain in “grave” condition. After finding a cryptic note left in his discarded clothing, authorities believe that he may have been attempting to commit suicide.

Everybody loses when animals are used for entertainment.

One of the animals killed in this bizarre incident was a female lion who reportedly had once been made to perform in a local circus, only to be placed on display at the zoo where her life was abruptly ended. All the wrong messages are sent when animals are held captive for human amusement, and this story just highlights the many problems involved with depriving wild animals of all that is natural and important to them.

This isn’t the first time something like this has occurred, and it won’t be the last.

So long as zoos, circuses, and marine parks continue to profit from imprisoning animals, abuse and tragedy will be business as usual. While this type of incident is not something that occurs every day, you can make a difference in the lives of all animals used for entertainment by “voting with your wallet.” Steer clear of any venue that keeps animals locked up in unnatural circumstances. If you’d like to learn more about wild animals, visit an accredited sanctuary or take a reputable wildlife tour that allows humans to observe animals in their natural habitats.

Share this story with your friends, family, and followers. Let them know that animals deserve more than a life as a prisoner.