We recently followed the controversy over the shooting of “Cecil the Lion” by an American dentist Walter Palmer from Minnesota. What was most striking was the complete disconnect in how such kills are seen by hunters versus the public at large, as shown by the subsequent controversy of a Idaho hunter taunting animal advocates. A new such controversy has emerged after a German hunter celebrated the killing of one of the largest elephant ever seen In Zimbabwe at the Gonarezhou National Park. The magnificent animal was estimated to be 40 and 60 years old with tusks that almost touch the ground and weigh 120lb. Again, the difference in how this killing is viewed is fascinating. Hunters celebrated the kill while many in the public were appalled that this hunter would pay tens of thousands of dollars to travel to Africa and shot such a beautiful and inspiring animal.
The elephant was shot on October 8th in a hunter who paid $60,000 (£39,000) for a permit to conduct a 21-day game hunt including the Big Five of elephants, leopards, lions, buffalo and rhinoceros. He then proudly posed next to the dead elephant. Many are appalled by the fact that this is considered a triumph to possess an animal by killing it. Some believe that this is the largest elephant killed in decades.
Anthony Kaschula, who operates a photographic safari firm in Gonarezhou, posted pictures of the hunt on Facebook, and objected that “individual elephants such as these should be accorded their true value as a National Heritage and should be off limits to hunting.”
Louis Muller, chairman of the Zimbabwe Professional Hunters & Guides Association, said the hunter had only realised how large the “tusker” was once he had been shot.
These legal hunts are adding to the decline in elephant populations that have been decimated by poaching and, as discussed recently, cyanide poisoning.
Killing Of Huge Elephant In Zimbabwe Reignites Controversy Over Trophy Hunters
Big game little humans.
Twofer, You forgot Gene and Charlton. LOL! You tipped your hand, woman.
DBQ, LOL! Anyone waxing poetic about the civil old days just need read the archives. “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32
The “Great White Hunter” is racist because it is specifically referring to Caucasian hunters.
White Christmas refers to snow, White Rabbit refers to Alice in Wonderland, etc.
Aridog:
You’re right about the genus of foxes. And I, too, am fascinated with wolves and coyotes. I think the pack dynamic and strong family bonds is part of what draws me, in addition to their beauty. It’s always bothered me that wolves are seen as majestic but coyotes as vermin. I understand the temptation to acclimate wild animals to your presence. Researchers and photographers do it to get access to the subjects of their study. But it’s a disservice to do so to any predator in close proximity to man. A desensitized coyote is a dead coyote around here. Plus, coyotes who have been fed tend to view people as broken Pez Dispensers that need to be shaken when they fail to produce food. Most of the cases of coyote aggression towards adults can be traced to coyotes that have been fed by humans.
I’ve been concerned about one of the pups that was born next door to my house. She’s not wary enough about people, yet. About a week ago, my husband caught her trying to dig under our hen house (good luck, it’s velociraptor proof) before we’d let our dogs out. She jumped out of our fence and then just plopped her butt down to watch my husband tamp down the dirt, very puppy like. Then she sighed and trotted off. That’s not a good sign, because she’s a target, and could get herself into trouble. I’ve been letting my dogs out to “reinforce the treaty”, but she’s smart. She knows the dogs stop at our property line. Plus they wouldn’t fight her unless she engaged. So she goes 20 feet beyond our property line and watches them with a “you can’t get me and I know it” look. What I love about wolves and coyotes is also what gets them into trouble – they’re too smart for their own good.
Rachel .. I live in Detroit/east Dearborn area…this time of year signs along the roads advertising raccoon meat are rather common. Haven’t seen one for possum yet. Not tempted for either one.
Karen S …Foxes are not members of the same “genus” as wolves. Foxes are Vulpes, wolves are Canis. Their proclivity to kill more than they need is a major reason why they’re not even close to wolves in habits or instincts. And why some folks dislike them. Me, I just leave them alone and have little interest in being close to foxes. Wolves on the other hand, fascinate me. I don’t like those who try to habituate wolves, however, as they do damage to wolves and sometimes people. A habituated wolf is soon a dead wolf.
Those were the days, exactly right. The level of discourse was at a MUCH higher level. What a same they’re gone.
Or partially because of the lack of respect, I surmise. I won’t speak for them.
Liberals. Not made for blood sports. Or for ‘pissing on both legs’.
I do remember most of them, and I certainly do miss their contributions. Most of them left here because of the lack of respect that I’ve mentioned. That is a damn shame.