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It's a tragic situation all around.
I cringed when the young woman's father said she had no fear of the big cats and how she enjoyed having her picture taken with them. No fear is a good thing.....but it should be coupled with the same amount of respect - be it a ***** cat or a big cat.
I got the impression she viewed them as "exotic pets" and/or a chance to show others her ability to control dangerous/powerful animals. I know she's not alone. People have been doing it for ages, but I've never really been impressed with lion tamers. I'm not impressed with some of the tricks they can make animals do for them - poor animals.
Preserving, sheltering, and rehabilitating them appears to be at the other end of the spectrum. Why is it necessary to have African lions in California? Do they plan to rehabilitate them and release them back into the wild? How powerful is their ability to control their "exotic pets" - strong enough to keep them in line in the event of an earthquake or some other natural disaster?
If/when they get loose, I'd prefer tranquilizing the animals over killing them - but then where would they go? Back to another shelter where it can happen again with someone who thought they were "good" with cats and promptly euthanized? In what way does this preserve the species?
IMO, it's not preservation - it falls under the category of "entertainment only."
My thoughts and prayers go out to the young woman's family, and may she rest in peace.
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