ECOPARQUE DEATHS

Thismonth of July has seen the deaths of a white rhinoceros (Ruth) and a giraffe (18-year-old Shaki) within 10 days of each other at the EcoParque (former BA City zoo) in Buenos Aires, thus reviving controversy as to whether this alternative sanctuary is an adequate substitute for zoos. According to reports this week, the EcoParque is rat-infested, thus increasing the risk of infection.