TIGER UNDER PREMEDITATED HUMAN THREAT - Vijay, the white Tiger at Delhi Zoo India. Cee4life has confirmed that Vijay, the white tiger at Delhi Zoo India that sadly killed 20 year old man, Maqsood, in a tragic accident, has been threatened with death by angry humans that have dubbed Vijay a ‘Man Eater’. Cee4life has confirmed that there have been open threats made to slaughter Vijay on 6th October 2014, which is the festival, Eid al-Adha (Eid-ul-Adha). This festival is also known as the Feast of Sacrifice or Festival of Mercy and traditionally includes the sacrifice of an animal (eg a lamb) as an act of thanksgiving of Gods mercy. It is also a time used for donations to the poor and the needy. Some of the food is donated for charitable purposes. In this instance as mentioned, it has been confirmed by Cee4life that there are a group of people who are openly calling for Vijay to be “sacrificed’ too. Vijay has been mislabeled as a man eater” and Cee4life strongly objects and is disgusted of this view. Vijay is not a man eater. There is a big difference between a “man eater” and a tiger that can kill a human. A man eater, by proven fact, is usually an injured, starving, sick, or aggressively confronted tiger, that has deliberately stalked and targeted a human beings. In history, the true “man eater” is rare and is wild. A Tiger is a survival specialist, and is able to overpower its prey in a split second. A fine example of the strength of a tiger is the iconic and beloved “Machali” of Ranthambhore, whom has killed crocodiles. Vijay is none of the above. Vijay is an innocent captive bred and raised white Tiger, who has never had to hunt for his food, and is not skilled at hunting due to his captive raised status. But that does not remove his strength. The temperament of a Tiger in captivity is of course less wild as they are human conditioned, however their strength and capability of killing is still intact. Accidental deaths of humans entering zoo enclosures are not unique and have occurred worldwide. Sadly, it is usually found that a member of the public or visitor entering an enclosure of an animal in a zoo has been revealed to have had mental health issues or is intoxicated on a substance. From viewing multiple angles of film footage taken the day of the accident, eye witness reports, along with viewing the injuries sustained by Maqsood, there is no doubt that Vijay is definitely not to be blamed. This was a tragic accident and for whatever reason Maqsood entered Vijay’s enclosure, after guards reported they had prevented Masqood twice from climbing into the enclosure, Maqsood did it on his own accord that day. Vijay showed no classic tiger hunting behavior towards Maqsood, and in fact was displaying curiosity. The situation was not helped by the rising noises of the onlooking public, however very understandable that on lookers would have been traumatized. Whilst we are sincerely sympathetic and give heartfelt condolences to Masqood’s mother (as she has now lost 2 of her 3 sons) and family, along with members of the public who were witness to this tragic accident, there is absolutely no reason for any kind of revenge attack on Vijay. However, for those that are calling for Vijay to be slaughter on the 6th October 2014 for the Feast of Sacrifice, we ask you to control your emotions and understand this was a terrible tragic accident and instead to turn to prayer and support for the family of Masqood, and to show forgiveness to an innocent creature. If any attempt to hurt Vijay is made on the 6th October 2014, or in the future with any “revenge” attacks, this will be seen as a criminal premeditated offense against a protected CITES listed species. Cee4life has contacted the relevant Indian authorities and officials regarding these facts and our great concerns for Vijay. Let us hope Vijay gets the protection he deserves and remains safe, and those needing counseling after this tragic accident are given it. by Sybelle Foxcroft Director Cee4life Conservation & Environmental Education 4 Life cee4life.org
Posted on: Mon, 06 Oct 2014 10:52:57 +0000