We have recently discussed tourists harming wildlife for self-absorbed photos. The latest example of such reckless conduct is from the British Virgin Islands where Dan Bilzerian posted a picture of a bikini-clad woman riding a 100-year-old Galapagos tortoise. Fortunately there is no indication that the tortoise was harmed but such uniquely stupid conduct. Bilzerian is the self-proclaimed “King of Instagram” as well as one of the most self-obsessed individuals that you are likely to encounter.
People were legitimately outraged and animal experts have said that the tortoise could have been harmed. However, Bilzerian dismissed all of the complaints and stated “Get off your soapbox, the people working there said it’s fine to sit on them.”
There are some sites (and even a TripAdvisor review) on “riding tortoises” — a practice widely condemned by experts. These magnificent animals are not horses or playing things for juveniles. Even in China (with perhaps the worst record on the care of animals at zoos and parks) fired a zoo keeper for allowing people to ride their tortoise. He let people prod the tortoise with a screwdriver to guarantee a better ride. Other turtles have been seriously injured by tourists stepping on them and dragging them around.
Bilzerian appears to love to post pictures of himself with scantily clad women and guns. In this case however his juvenile, self-obsession led to global condemnation. I doubt seriously that it will materially change his conduct but the British Virgin Islands needs to take greater care in not only protecting wildlife but pursuing people like Bilzerian.
Here is something which actually harms turtles and tortoises:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2017/mar/06/sea-turtle-recovering-after-915-coins-removed-from-stomach-video-report
A set back for Armenia, now joining the Kardashian’s in embarrassing the diaspora.
Reblogged this on motto.media.
This woman has given the turtles more media attention and popularity.
(music- to the tune of Go Comets Go Team, Fight For Ol McCluer)
GO Turtles! GO Team! Fight for turtle zoo.
Keep you minds and fight team fight.
Begin with all your might!
Fight, Fight, Fight!
That poor turtle. Let me save the turtle, I’ll give her a ride!
Independent Bob – you are such a gentleman. Taking one for the team like that.
Judging from the looks of these two, I think they are probably XXX-rated film actors, on holiday.
Here kitty. Meet a turtle that out lived Abram Lincoln. And doesn’t mind the company of alligators.
She does not look very heavy. Maybe the tortoise could carry her for a spell.
“King of…”? Well thank you Turley, I had no idea who this man was until you decided to expand his presence by posting this non-story. Had the photo been of a marginally obese, nerd-looking father with his cancer-stricken daughter enjoying her Make-A-Wish dream, then would their be so much outrage? Many on this blog don’t have a problem with egotistical people, as long as their interests are being pandered to.
amen
Humans are a curious, adventurous, and playful species. We like experiencing new things. There is no evidence they maliciously intended to cause the animal harm.