Thread by @For_Dumbo

#Virginia has once again failed 1) #elephant🐘#Asha & 2) the issue of public safety (HB2483).

The personal ‘wants’ of a few were favored over public safety & the needs of a captive wild #animal.
1/

.@MichaelWebert You have said:

“Life is easy when you’re a Democrat politician because you can twist whatever legislation you want to fit your narrative.”

With all due respect, you did just that in response to HB2483. 2/

.@MichaelWebert Your remarks & those in opposition to the bill were *personal, emotional, not based in science*.

Ironically, these are words used to invalidate concerned citizens when advocating for animal welfare issues and public safety concerns. 3/

.@MichaelWebert Based on *your* personal experience riding an 🐘 & holding a cheetah you made your opposition to this bill *personal, emotional & not based on science* or public safety. Words twisted to fit your narrative & agenda, not that of public safety/animal wellbeing. 4/

.@MichaelWebert Public comment opposing this bill were also rooted in human wants, desires, personal experiences - at the expense of public safety as a whole and the well-being of a captive wild #elephant #Asha. 5/

.@MichaelWebert Serious question: Why is #NaturalBridgeZoo not #AZA certified? 6/

.@MichaelWebert The fact remains, #elephants are wild animals. Their needs are unique to *their* species. Comments opposing the bill were ill-informed of the needs of an elephant and the risk that *any* wild animal poses to the public. 7/

.@MichaelWebert To you, your committee & the public here’s a reminder of life at #NaturalBridgeZoo 8/

Video:

.@MichaelWebert A reminder of what a #captive #wild #animal is capable of doing. #Tyke, slaughtered because of the *wants* of the public at the expense of her life. Tyke was a dangerous wild animal used, until her death, to make $$. Shot 88x. 9/

Video:

.@MichaelWebert It’s unfortunate in 2023, #Virginia remains wedded to antiquated ideas about our relationship with wild animals, elevating the personal wants of a select few over the animals needs…that how we treat wild captive animals harms them & the public. 10/

.@MichaelWebert If you are so touched on a soul level by these wild animals, you owe it to them to do your research ⬇️ Your committee comments did not reflect any scientific understanding of an #elephant, or frankly any compassion.

degruyter.com/document/doi/1…

.@MichaelWebert This is shameful and does not reflect well on the State of #Virginia USA. #CaptivityKills #Asha

nationalgeographic.co.uk/animals/2022/0…