This French Zoo Is ‘Outraged’ By Visitors Who Scratched Their Names Into A Rhino’s Back

Main image via South China Morning Post

We’re at a loss for words by how unintelligent people have become. First, there were people who seemed to think that it was okay to touch pieces of artwork at the National Art Galley.

Now, there are people who think it’s okay to scratch their names into the back of a rhinoceros. A RHINOCEROS.

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Staff at a French zoo were appalled recently when their 35-year-old female rhinoceros was found to have names scratched into its back by visitors.

The words “Camille” and “Julien” are clearly seen in pictures that have been shared all over social media. Understandably, the world is outraged by the “stupidity” of these visitors who seemed to think that it was okay to do such a thing to a living animal.

Image via South China Morning Post

The La Palmyre zoo in Royan in southwestern France released a statement that noted that they were “outraged by the stupidity and disrespect” of these visitors but will not be taking any legal action.

The zoo allows for animal lovers to approach the fence of the rhinos’ enclosure where they’d be able to appreciate “the diversity and beauty of nature” by touching the creatures in the “moving” experience.

Unfortunately, there are people who take advantage of this opportunity in the worst way.

Image via South China Morning Post

Zoo director, Pierre Caille, stated that the visitors had used their nails to scratch their names into a layer of dust, sand and dead skin on the rhino’s back.

“The animal may not even have realised,” Pierre said. “We quickly brushed the writing away and there was no harm to the animal.”

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According to the zoo, “the vast majority” of visitors are respectful when they approach the encounter.

French wildlife protection charity, Le Biome however said that the zoo “fell short of standards” for allowing “this type of interaction”.

The zoo director has noted that the zoo will consider installing video surveillance in certain areas but “doesn’t want cameras everywhere.”

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Thankfully the rhino was not harmed but we’re still horrified by the behaviour of people. Please please be respectful of all living creatures and please avoid doing unintelligent things like this.

Info via Malay Mail