WARNING: Not for sensitive viewers – Outrage as video of leopard being slapped goes viral
WARNING: Not for sensitive viewers - The video depicts graphic and disturbing footage of a dead leopard being beaten.
A video of what appears to be a dead leopard being slapped about the head has caused an uproar among the public. It is alleged the incident took place in the Kruger National Park on Sunday July 17.
The video was posted by a woman named Karen Birkenbach on The Concierge Facebook page. It appears to be a screen recording of a video posted by Liz Penprase. Birkenbach alleged in her post that the incident depicted in the video shows what had happened after a leopard was shot in the Kruger National Park on July 17.
Follow the link below to watch the video. Be warned, the video is not for sensitive viewers.
https://web.facebook.com/765997505/videos/1021020038608784/
https://youtube.com/shorts/GscLsB6CQ4E?feature=share
SANParks released two statements on its social media pages today, July 20, regarding a video circulating on social media of a leopard that was “destroyed” by rangers.
The first statement said, “SANParks Management is aware of a video of a leopard that was destroyed by Rangers on Sunday 17 July 2022 which is circulating on Social Media.
“An employee from Shalati Concession was attacked by a leopard en route to work earlier that day. This was the second such attack on a worker employed in the Park in almost the same vicinity.
“The circumstances surrounding the destruction of the animal were explained in a statement released by SANParks on the same day.
“Managements condemns the actions and behaviour depicted on the video in the strongest terms. A report on the incident is being prepared by Ranger Services and the outcomes of that report will inform management action in relation to the recorded incident. The recording is unfortunate and deeply regrettable.”
ALSO READ: Leopard attacks Kruger Shalati employee
The second statement was posted a few hours later. “Social Media Alert Update- SANParks Management is concerned that the offensive video is being circulated on Social Media. The statements that SANParks are involved in a cover-up are unfounded and unwarranted.
“Our statement made it clear that SANParks condemned this behavior, and indicated that reports being completed from Ranger Services will inform actions to be instituted against perpetrators. We call on the public to stop sharing the video, and to await further communication on the matter from SANParks, which will follow tomorrow.
“We also humbly request that the public remain patient with us while we employ the correct procedures to deal with the matter.”
ALSO READ: Skukuza staff member attacked by leopard
