Emaciated Venezuelan elephant becomes latest symbol of food crisis

[TomSea]

Emaciated Venezuelan elephant becomes latest symbol of food crisis

Pictures of an emaciated 46-year-old elephant named Ruperta in the Caricuao Zoo have begun circulating in newspapers and social media. @RcamachoVzla Román Camacho


By Jim Wyss
jwyss@miamiherald.com

BOGOTA, Colombia

An apparently malnourished African elephant in a Venezuelan zoo — her ribs showing through her sagging skin — has become the latest symbol the deep economic crisis in what was once one of Latin America’s most prosperous nations.

As pictures of an emaciated 46-year-old elephant named Ruperta in the Caricuao Zoo began circulating in newspapers and social media, Venezuelans have launched a food drive to save the pachyderm.

Caracas’ El Universal reported that Ruperta is suffering from diarrhea and dehydration after zoo officials only had squash to feed her for several days. According to the newspaper, when neighbors tried to bring food to the elephant over the weekend, the donations were turned away by zoo officials citing sanitary issues.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/venezuela/article140979933.html#storylink=cpy

Very sad.  Poor things, surely, this reporting will get this one animal some attention. A 46 year old elephant.

[geronl]

Very sad.  Poor things, surely, this reporting will get this one animal some attention. A 46 year old elephant.

I am kind of surprised the elephant hasn't been eaten.

[Smokin Joe]

I am kind of surprised the elephant hasn't been eaten.

Old, tough, nothing but skin and bones, but good to do ads and articles which will bring in money for the elephant (which likely won't go to the elephant). It is a valuable poster child for critter saving outfits to raise money.