I came across this story while doing some research, only to further read about the terrible tragedy that just occurred at an Ohio ‘zoo’ For those unaware of this sickening story, 50 renegade animals were slaughtered after being let loose from a backyard zoo in Zanesville, Ohio on Wednesday. Terry Thompson, the man responsible for they’re captivity – and who was also known by authorities for his mistreatment of animals – committed suicide shortly after letting the animals go. How this man got away with doing this is beyond me, however in the wake of all of this, Cameron Crow‘s new film ‘We Bought A Zoo’ is being scrutinized by PETA. The vice-president said this in a statement:
“We Bought A Zoo conveys the misleading and downright dangerous message that no special knowledge — just a lot of heart — is needed to run a zoo. As the tragedy in Ohio gruesomely illustrates, wild animals aren’t Disney characters. They have very special needs that all too often aren’t met by people who buy them on a whim because they think it would be ‘cool’ to own a tiger.”
The movie stars Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson, and although I agree with PETA’s concerns, I think that this is when something horrible can be brought to public attention in a positive way, without argument or worry over box office ratings. With the movie set to open in December, Crowe can use the time from now until then to educate us on the consequences of owning and mistreating exotic animals outside of their necessary means to survive and be cared for properly and humanely. I’m thinking a short mini documentary – narrated by Crowe and PETA’s VP…just an idea.
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Image credit to Fame Pictures
