Baluarte Zoo terminates employee who was caught physically abusing its lion to pose for photos
The employee who was caught on video physically abusing a male lion in a zoo for photo opportunities has been terminated.
Baluarte Zoo said in a Facebook post on Aug. 18 that the caretaker has been dismissed, effective immediately.
"Baluarte Management, Hon. Luis Chavit Singson, and our entire team are committed to the highest standards of animal care and will not tolerate any behavior that compromises the well-being of the animals in our care," they noted.
In the post, Baluarte Zoo attached a memo dated Aug. 16 stating that it's terminating the said employee. They noted that the video circulating on social media showed "King, our male lion, being obligated to take a position for a photo encounter," prompting an investigation.
"It shows that on several occasions, you have displayed actions that [deviate] from Baluarte Zoo's advocacy of animal conservation and protection. Your action prejudices the interest of Baluarte Zoo, its [standards] and values."
The employment ended on Aug. 17, the memo stated.
"We are taking steps to ensure that such incidents do not happen again and are reinforcing our commitment to the humane treatment of all animals at Baluarte Zoo," the management also said in their post.
The incident received much attention after the Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF), a local organization dedicated to protecting animals, disclosed that they have been receiving rescue requests for a lion in Baluarte Zoo.
The AKF said King looked very tired, sleepy, and uncomfortable. They also noted "some practices of the caretakers that we find inappropriate—such as tail pulling, pushing and kicking his leg so he would look good in photos." They likewise cited beliefs that King "was drugged considering his docile, groggy look, and unnatural behavior."
The organization lamented that while they cannot directly rescue him from the situation, they are now appealing to the public to avoid taking selfies and photo opportunities with wildlife animals so the zoo can ensure the lion's safety.
Baluarte Zoo, in a lengthy statement on Aug. 16 assured the public that they are now taking swift action to ensure that those responsible are held accountable, and that they have implemented additional training and stricter supervision to the staff to prevent any recurrence.
They also apologized for what happened and the "distress it has caused." They added, "Please know that we are committed to making the necessary changes to ensure that our zoo remains a place where animals are treated with the utmost care and respect."
The Philippine Animal Welfare Act states that it is unlawful for any person to torture any animal and subject them to cruelty, maltreatment, or neglect. Any person who subjects any animal to cruelty, maltreatment, or neglect shall be punished by imprisonment and/or a fine.