Grijalva on Outcry Over American Poaching of Zimbabwe Lion: “Protecting Threatened Animals is Congress’ Job, Not the Internet’s”

Washington, D.C. – Ranking Member Raúl M. Grijalva released the following statement on the growing calls for an investigation into how and why a suburban Minnesota dentist recently killed a Zimbabwean lion with a bow and arrow after luring it outside a national park.

“This sort of incident is why we have endangered species laws and why Republicans need to start taking their enforcement seriously. Instead of having the ear of a responsive congressional majority, Americans who think lions might still be worthy of protection unfortunately have to take to Yelp and find a local chat site to register their outrage. Species conservation, despite Republican eye-rolling and refusal to listen, is not part of some liberal political fringe. It is a priority for Americans – and Africans – who hope to preserve the wildlife we still have left to preserve. Republicans in Washington who don’t believe polar bears, elephants, lions, rhinoceros or other at-risk species are important to their constituents only need to look at the response to this story. Their lack of interest shouldn’t be mistaken for the wishes of the people they represent. This country passionately supports endangered species conservation, and it deserves a Congress that feels the same.”

• Print
• Email
• Tweet