Tragedy struck at Brights Zoo in Tennessee as a beloved sitatunga antelope named Lief choked to death on the plastic cap of a snack pouch over the weekend. Despite the antelope being only 7 years old, it had a potential lifespan of up to 22 years in captivity. The zoo, located in Limestone, emphasized that such packaging is not allowed on its premises due to the danger it poses to the animals. Despite efforts to search bags, some visitors manage to sneak in these hazardous items.
In response to the incident, Brights Zoo reminded guests that they are free to enjoy snacks in their vehicles or designated picnic areas outside the zoo grounds. The zoo also expressed disappointment that rules were broken, leading to the tragic death of Lief. They urged visitors to report any instances of people throwing food or trash into animal enclosures.
Brights Zoo is a private, family-owned facility that houses both rare and endangered species as well as more common exotic animals. The tragic loss of Lief serves as a reminder of the importance of following regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals under their care. The incident has sparked discussion on social media, with many expressing outrage over the irresponsible actions that resulted in the death of the beloved antelope.
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