The images are heartbreaking, the animal was killed and the fact has generated strong national outrage.
Colombian News.
Enormous has been the indignation that has been unleashed after learning of the cruel images where several people are observed photographed with a sea elephant who would have been assassinated shortly before in Nariño.
The images and the complaint were made by the Caracol Radio journalist, Vanessa De La Torre, who made the unfortunate fact public through her Twitter account.
«OUTRAGEOUS. A sea elephant that was lost in the Colombian Pacific was vilely murdered in the last few hours.
De La Torre added in his publication that “during its passage through our country, the animal had been in the Utría National Natural Park, Chocó; in La Barra, Buenaventura; and in Bahía Málaga, Buenaventura. Something completely unusual.”
Thanks to the training received in the past, the inhabitants of the sector let him rest and the animal continued its journey. The citizens took care of him and were very happy with him, as seen in these images ?? pic.twitter.com/9NTAAJiPQZ
— Vanessa De La Torre (@vanedelatorre) November 14, 2022
He added that in the middle of his course, “the elephant continued down the Pacific and reached La Tola, Nariño, where unfortunately they ended their lives«.
The journalist in the midst of indignation wondered “¿what will happen to the murderers of the animal? Why isn’t there a policy for education and protection of biodiversity in this area?”
It is urgent that the inhabitants of Nariño learn to live with animals like these. These images can NOT be seen again in our country. We demand answers.
— Vanessa De La Torre (@vanedelatorre) November 14, 2022
had been seen before
At the time, during the month of October from the National Natural Parks of Colombia (PNNC), they reported that this type of species (elephant seal) is not very common in Pacific waters, its destination is the south of the continent, for this reason It is striking that they were reaching this area.
«Seeing them in the Pacific is not commonHowever, this is the 5th consecutive year that we have observed individuals of this species,” the institution responded.
Through the official account of the National Natural Parks of Colombia, the video showing the animal was shared.
National Parks pointed out that it is a juvenile male of the Mirounga leonina species.
«Elephant seal in sight! In the Ensenada del PNN Utría we were visited by a juvenile male of the species Mirounga leonina, approximately 3m in length», they pointed out.
Called not to disturb them
At that time and after the tragedy was known, from the institution they called on people who meet this species not to disturb them, since they are only looking for food and need rest to continue their course towards the south of the continent.
«It is possible that it is here in search of food, so if you find it avoid disturbing it. He remembers that he has traveled close to 9,000 km and needs rest to resume his migratory route to the south of the continent,” they said.
#Safety pin Elephant seal in sight! In the Ensenada del PNN Utría, a juvenile male of the species Mirounga leonina, approximately 3m in length, visited us. Seeing them in the Pacific is not common, however this is the 5th consecutive year that we have observed individuals of this species. pic.twitter.com/WLROGydUDQ
– National Natural Parks of Colombia (@ParquesColombia) October 9, 2022
It should be remembered that at the beginning of October an elephant seal was also seen on La Barra beach, near Buenaventura, which according to the cvc It is a strange case since they generally reach Chilean beaches.
«These mammals are typical of the south of the continent, specifically, Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego and the Malvinas Islands. In the same way, in the north, in the United States and Mexico, so it is unexpected that they reach our shores,” the CVC said in a statement.
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