I would like to share my opinion about the sordid tale of the death of Macho B. Thanks to Dennis Wagner of the Arizona Republic the truth about this poor jaguar is finally revealed. Macho B was horrifically and unnecessarily trapped and collared by Arizona Game and Fish. In 2009, Arizona Game and Fish reported an ‘accidental trapping’ of the last jaguar seen in the United States. That it was accidental was a lie. During this time they collected samples and fitted the large feline with a radio collar. A short time later and under what I find to be a troubling development at many levels, Macho B was brought to the Phoenix Zoo and euthanized for “renal failure”. According to the pathologist at the U of A, that was also a lie. Contrary to their public statements, we now know the trapping was anything but accidental. Skat from an in-heat female jaguar from the Phoenix Zoo was used to lure Macho B to the inhumane leg trap.
To learn more about how the agency charge with protecting our wildlife caused the demise of America’s last jaguar I highly recommend reading “The Cat, the Captors and the Cover-up: An Arizona Republic investigation reveals a web of intrigue surrounding the capture of a rare wild jaguar, Macho B, and the truth behind the cat’s demise” by Dennis Wagner. This is the first in a three part series called “The Last Roar of A Jaguar”. According to the article, the people who recklessly caused this animal’s demise are the ones now rewarded with a huge research grant! Hopefully, these taxpayer funds will be reallocated to people who actually care about animals. Here is the link:
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/20121215macho-b-death-jaguar-mystery.html
As we approach the end of 2012, I deeply hope that we as a supposedly enlightened society will demand an end to leg traps. These are among the most inhumane and unnecessary artifacts hold over from the barbarism of days gone by. There are humane traps available and I call upon Governor Jan Brewer, our other elected officials and all of us a citizens to place an end to this medieval practice. All who care about animals and our ecosystem must demonstrate ethics in the care of the great cats with whom we are privileged to share this earth. I am deeply indebted to Dennis Wagner for his tenacious work over many years in making sure this story got told. Now the Governor, our elected officials and we must hold those responsible to account. This includes the ethically challenged Arizona Game and Fish Department.