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Mugabe's 'Noah's Ark' gift to Kim Jong Il sparks outrage
Robert Mugabe, right, is said to be giving two of every species in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park to North Korea's Kim Jong Il.
The British conservation group Born Free has joined the outcry against a plan by Zimbabwe to ship a “Noah’s Ark” of wildlife, including two young elephants, to North Korea.
News reports last week said the animals, reportedly two of every species in Zimbabwe’s 14,600 square kilometer Hwange National Park, are to be a gift from Zimbawean President Robert Mugabe to his North Korean counterpart, Kim Jong Il.
“We can see no conservation benefit to these plans, and are concerned about the substantial threat to the welfare of the individual animals involved,” Born Free said in a statement on its website.
The group said the 18-month-old elephants are unlikely to fare well during the approximate 7,000 mile trip and afterward when they get to North Korea.
“Baby elephants normally continue to suckle from their mothers for 4 years, so removal at this young age could have a severe physical impact in terms of nutrition, immunity and other developmental issues. It is also certain to have a huge impact on the emotional and social development of the young animals,” the group’s statement said.
Other animals to be included in the transfer include black and white rhinos, cheetahs, lions, leopards, giraffes and zebras, according to news reports.
Johnny Rodrigues, head of the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force, said teams of trappers are working in the Hwange park around the clock to fulfill the Mugabe order, according to a report in The Zimbabwean newspaper. He said his group was trying to enlist international influence to block the transfer.
North Korea’s zoos do not meet international standards, he said.
Born Free agreed. “Our fear is that the facilities in North Korea would fall far short of even the most basic requirements for the physical and psychological well-being of the animals,” the organization said.
But according to a report from The Standard newspaper in Zimbabwe, the country’s parks chief, Vitalis Chadenga, said Zimbabwe is sending experts to North Korea to be sure the animals are properly cared for.
Maybe its a get well gift. Since she's ill and all.
Theres no one starving in North Korea.
Clearly the animals will be eaten at the Beloved Leader's next birthday bash. It'll be just like a big ol' boatload of Mickey D's pulling into harbor...
On another note: focus, people! A little less time piling on the delusional and out-of-touch among us (Christina) and a little more time piling on the delusional and out-of-touch in places of power (Zimbabwe and North Korea), please.
Joe Pesci blew my brains all over the bed in goodfellas. I'm not dead. it was just ketchup.
I believe the state dinners in Pyongyang have just expanded their menu's.
Forget the animals! Just send Mugabee to North Korea where hopefully he will rot!
I'm still waiting on Robert Deniro to give me my share of the Luftansa money. Do you think Ray Liotta can put in a good word for me?
It's too late Stacks. Joe Pesci already split your wig!!!
Pets or meat?
Kim Jong Il is a communist. It is like giving a Big Mac to a vegeterian for a present.
You can get both when you order chinese.
I wish someone would send me 2 of every animal, why does nip nong get to receive them? This is embarassing..
I need my share from the Luftansa Heist. Robert Deniro held out on me.
just don't ship there on a south korean ship, as they will likely end up on the bottom of the sea
HAA! nice
I just received my shippment of Edwards in, where do I put them?
You can have my ex wife and my girlfriend. Two Vultures