Ipinaalam ng Baluarte Zoo sa kanilang opisyal na pahayag na tinanggal na nila sa serbisyo ang caretaker ni "King," ang male white lion na kamakailan lamang ay nag-viral dahil naispatang sinisipa ng empleyado ang leon para daw umayos sa picture-taking ng mga namamasyal dito.
Nakarating naman ito sa kaalaman ng Animal Kingdom Foundation at kinalampag ang pamunuan ng zoo, na pagmamay-ari ni dating Ilocos Sur governor Luis "Chavit" Singson.
MAKI-BALITA: Leon sa Baluarte Zoo, sinisipa-sipa raw para sa picture-taking; netizens, naging mabangis
Agad namang naglabas ng opisyal na pahayag ang pamunuan noong Biyernes, Agosto 16.
"We sincerely apologize for this incident and the distress it has caused. 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," bahagi ng kanilang pahayag.
MAKI-BALITA: Baluarte Zoo, nagsalita ukol sa viral video ng sinisipang leon para sa selfie
"We are aware of the recent videos circulating online that show unacceptable mistreatment of one of our lions at Baluarte Zoo. We want to assure the public that we take this matter very seriously," mababasa sa updated at bagong opisyal na pahayag nila nitong Linggo, Agosto 18.
"Effective immediately, the employee involved has been terminated. 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."
"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."
"Thank you for your understanding and continued support," anila.
Baluarte Zoo - We are aware of the recent videos circulating... | Facebook
Kalakip ng post ang ipinadalang termination letter ng Baluarte sa di-pinangalanang empleyado.