October 9, 2006
Alert: British pets under threat
UK diplomats fear Addis leopard - BBC/AFPA leopard has been terrifying residents in the British embassy compound in Ethiopia's capital. A conservationist has been called in to capture the wild cat, after it ate several domestic cats and rabbits. A resident in the 70-acre wooded compound in Addis Ababa saw the leopard outside her house at 1030 one morning just 10 feet from her door. "It was quite terrifying - especially as I've got young children," she told the BBC.
Of course, it is obvious how this is going to go.
First there will be the catch-the-leopard campaign to save the pets (and small children).
Then there will be the save-the-leopard campaign when they get it in a cage and wonder what to do with it.
No farmer is going to want it released close to their livestock. The last time I checked there weren't many Kenya-style game reserves out there wanting more attractions. And the export of wild animals is prohibited.
Posted by aheavens at October 9, 2006 5:09 PM
Comments
Let the leopards stay where they are. Where else would they go? It's a mega compound. Maybe it is the 'wild' Conservationist British should live with the animals and be very careful. Otherwise, your prediction is absolutely correct.
Posted by: John at October 9, 2006 6:50 PM
So it does exist! When I was a young impressionable child living in Addis I thought it was rumour to stop us wandering round the enourmous compund at night (in the days before the new stringent security obviously). I agree though it should be left where it is. The forests backing onto Entoto go on forever.
Perhaps next week you can reveal a scoop that there are infact still wild lions left in Awash? The other great rumour to trouble me as a child.
Posted by: Rob at October 10, 2006 10:12 AM
In the good old days, of course, one would have organised a very jolly hunting party and have had a new rug in front of the fire in time for tea.
Posted by: wonderchops at October 10, 2006 12:06 PM