OlympicTalk · Jun 21, 2016
Rio 2016 apologizes for using jaguar in Olympic torch relay after it was shot dead
Rio 2016 said Tuesday the use of a jaguar in an Olympic torch relay event on Monday was wrong, after the jaguar later escaped and was shot dead.
“We were wrong in permitting the Olympic torch, a symbol of peace and the coming together of people, to be exhibited next to a wild animal in chains,” the organizing committee said in Portuguese on social media. “This visual contradicts our beliefs and values. We are very sad with what transpired after the passing of the torch. We guarantee that we will not see another situation like this at the 2016 Rio Games.”