Jaguar who featured in Rio Olympic torch relay shot dead after escaping her handlers
Four tranquilliser darts failed to stop the big cat who had broken free shortly after appearing in ceremony in Manaus
OFFICIALS in Rio have admitted they made a 'mistake' after being forced to shoot a jaguar which got spooked by the Olympic torch.
The female big cat - named Juma - was bred in captivity at Manaus Zoo and appeared in the city as the torch makes its way to Rio for August's Games.
Sedated and with a large chain around her neck, Juma was seen surrounded by a group of soldiers as the large flame was paraded in front of her.
But shortly after the ceremony had moved on, the jaguar was spooked and broke free from her handlers.
Despite four tranquilliser darts being fired, none worked and a soldier was forced to bring down the cat with his pistol.
Organisers have since admitted that parading a flame so close to a wild animal was a mistake.
They said: "“We made a mistake in permitting the Olympic torch, a symbol of peace and unity, to be exhibited alongside a chained wild animal. This image goes against our beliefs and our values.”
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Brittany Peet of PETA condemned the killing, saying in a statement: "When will we learn?
"Wild animals held captive and forced to do things that are frightening, sometimes painful, and always unnatural are ticking time bombs.
"Everyone who is upset by the needless death of this jaguar, the gorilla Harambe, or countless other exploited wild animals should stay far away from any business that puts living beings on display for human 'amusement'.