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U.S. Decides to Send Tigers to War

Written by PETA

Posted 07-24-2008

jupiterimages / CC

Hang on to your steel-enforced combat hat, because the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department is about to issue a permit to ship out two tigers from the U.S. to BAGHDAD (wha??!!). Yes, you read that right—the government is all set to send tigers into a war zone. I don't know about you guys, but this whole situation sounds a little familiar … Pride of Baghdad, anyone? The award-winning graphic novel by Brian K. Vaughn is all about the true story of tigers who escaped from the Baghdad Zoo following an American bombing. At the end of the novel, the animals are shot to death by soldiers. Can it happen again? With the FWS' help, perhaps so ...

People are still being blown up in Baghdad, and no one knows what the future holds for human beings there. So is it really a safe and responsible place to send these massive, beautiful wild animals?

If you're like me and you're equally angered by this madness, check out what we have to say in our official action alert and let the Fish and Wildlife Service know what YOU think.

Posted by Christine Doré

Tags:

sports, zoos, Iraq, tigers, huskies, murder, top 10, roadside zoos, of, North, White Rain Carolina, UNC, tar heels, wildcats, sparty, katie adams, baghdad

Recent Comments

Tabitha commented:

Jul 25, 2008 4:19 PM

CAPTAAAAAAAIN RESEARCH TO THE RESCUE!!! From CBSnews.com In the bedlam of Baghdad the zoo seems more like an oasis. But like its lions the zoo is lucky to still be around CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann reports. In the battle for Saddam's Baghdad zoo animals were caught in the crossfire. Few survived and just barely. The big cats were found starving some roaming the zoo grounds. Fivehundred other animals disappeared most stolen by looters. Some were sold others eaten. Even now the zoo's director winces remembering the worst moments. Like slaughtering the ostrich to feed his starving lions. "I was trying to save these rare animals" he said through a translator. "It was really important to save these animals." Animals like Salimah the cheetah survived. Then the zoo was saved too. Only a few dozen of the zoo's original 560 animals survived the war. Now the rebuilt zoo has more than 150 animals. U.S. military civil affairs units helped the zoo restock animals like this hyena and many other animals. To the Iraqis it's more than a zoo. It's a symbol of hope and of getting their lives back. Walking around does feel peaceful almost normal. So unlike Baghdad over the past five years. This year millions of Iraqis will see fish painted with the Iraqi flag. It's the best cheap date in Baghdad just thirty cents to get in. "It's away from the gunfire and away from their everyday lives" said Jacob Mattocks of U.S. civil affairs. "It's an escape people from all different neighborhoods and sects and background come to the zoo where they can all interact." In this improbable story of survival Iraqis see something else a little bit of themselves.
SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION commented:

Jul 25, 2008 3:48 PM

This news is utterly disturbing megalomania is ruling in Babylon!
Judith FFFA commented:

Jul 25, 2008 3:29 PM

Why don't they send these 3 fuckers instead Bush Cheney and Rove and put them in a cage and use those fuckers as Cannon Fodder! I want a picture of that! I'll put it in my Library. I sent my letter! This is not a safe place to go! Friendly Fire anyone! Peace for all animals! Most of my heroes wear masks!
Carla commented:

Jul 25, 2008 10:29 AM

They are trying to replace the animals that were killed off in that zoo!?? Oh "MY WORD" I'll try to be frank here... BUT THIS IS NO PLACE FOR ANIMALS LET ALONE HUMANS!!! My letter is sent!!! God help them!! Peace
nicole commented:

Jul 25, 2008 3:49 AM

dr breen are you really a dr because i find it hard to believe after that comment. The tigers are going to a zoo!!! and no matter what the reason they are going they are still wild animals that aren't here for us to trade or keep captive!!! and to send these amazing creatures into a war zone is ridiculous! the US really needs someone who gives a shit about animals to make deicisions about things like this instead of heartless idiots who love money and have little respect for life
S.Q. commented:

Jul 24, 2008 10:18 PM

Dr. Breen According to the action alert they are going to a zoo. Yes the motive was peace. A 'gesture of goodwill.' I'd have to do more research before taking sides though. For all I know the tigers could be treated very well.
Mike Quinoa commented:

Jul 24, 2008 10:15 PM

Dr. Breen Read the action alertthere's at least two reasons there.
Katie commented:

Jul 24, 2008 8:21 PM

Wha?! I know that our government is screwed up but I never thought that they would just condemn wild animals for their own kicks and giggles. What exactly is the point of doing this?
Maya, C.V.T. commented:

Jul 24, 2008 6:59 PM

Unbelieiveable. Tigers are not gift store items America.

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