Speedo66
Member
Hopefully this post will not be too morbid.
We've all read the recent news about a child wondering into a gorilla cage at the zoo in Cincinnati. Plenty of discussion/anger about how the child got there, whose fault it is, and the decision to use lethal force on the primate rather than wait for a tranquilizer dart to take effect. I see no need to me go there.
What I am curious about is what weapons do zoos normally stock to cope with such moments? Considering the scope of African animals at many zoos, i.e., elephant, lion, etc., I'd guess they would need to have large African caliber rifles. Also, who on their staff is qualified to shoot such animals, and based on what experience?
Not really something I'd given thought to before, but this event has me wondering. Do older zoos perhaps have a cache of classic African caliber guns, say fine vintage British double rifles, or old Griffin & Howe bolt actions? Be interesting to find out what's in their arsenals, and who, if anyone, practices with them and is ready to respond.
Anybody have any insight into this?
We've all read the recent news about a child wondering into a gorilla cage at the zoo in Cincinnati. Plenty of discussion/anger about how the child got there, whose fault it is, and the decision to use lethal force on the primate rather than wait for a tranquilizer dart to take effect. I see no need to me go there.
What I am curious about is what weapons do zoos normally stock to cope with such moments? Considering the scope of African animals at many zoos, i.e., elephant, lion, etc., I'd guess they would need to have large African caliber rifles. Also, who on their staff is qualified to shoot such animals, and based on what experience?
Not really something I'd given thought to before, but this event has me wondering. Do older zoos perhaps have a cache of classic African caliber guns, say fine vintage British double rifles, or old Griffin & Howe bolt actions? Be interesting to find out what's in their arsenals, and who, if anyone, practices with them and is ready to respond.
Anybody have any insight into this?