Media's been all breathless over an "attack" at the zoo - heck, that was KGW's "top story" a couple of nights ago. Now, did this involve a tiger leaping out of an exhibit and killing visitors? Nope. It was a freaking free-roaming peacock, which allegedly jumped onto the head of somebody's precious little snowflake. Said snowflake was allegedly just minding his own business when he was wantonly attacked by a bird, and suffered a couple of scratches. That's their story, anyway.
The Big Zero"reported" the story late yesterday; noting that "the zoo's deputy director" (actually, there are two deputy directors) says that the offending bird has been caged until the zoo can figure out what to do. Describing the birds as generally harmless, "People love the birds," she said, "but guest safety is No. 1 to us."
Truer words were never spoken. Animal welfare certainly doesn't seem to be a priority . If it were, would a conservation and education - oriented facility subject the animals in its care to such "events"?
Obviously not. Clearly, it's all about getting people through the gate and stripping them of as much money as possible - as safely as possible, of course.
Many folks are doubtless awaiting the addition of a Ferris Wheel.