(Photo not of the rhino killed)
Earlier this week, tragic news was released by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) that a three-year-old white rhino was shot and killed last September after escaping his enclosure at Wild Florida.
The drive-through safari park located 60 miles south of Orlando, in Kenansville, verified that staff members killed the 2,000-pound rhino because he was a “public safety risk.” Animal advocates, including the anonymous informant who advised authorities about the tragic situation remain outraged due to the fact that the rhino could have been safely subdued without using lethal force.
A statement posted on the Wild Florida Facebook page yesterday tried to justify the unjustifiable incident that robbed this young rhino, who they claimed was behaving erratically, of his life. The rhino had only arrived at the park the day before.
“For more than twelve years, Wild Florida’s mission has been to provide an unforgettable Everglades experience that promotes a connection with animals while inspiring education and conservation. Unfortunately, we are sometimes faced with unforeseen situations and circumstances that require an immediate response to ensure the continued safety of visitors, staff, neighbors, and, most importantly, animals in our care,” stated Wild Florida.
“In September of 2022, a new rhino began to pose an imminent danger to the park at large, and after consultation with leadership and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) guidelines, we made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize the animal.”
“Humanely euthanize the animal?” Ridiculous, especially when there are reports that an estimated 15 rounds of ammunition, using three different calibers, were shot into the poor young rhino.
