August 7, 2013      Photo: Vanessa Hunter  Zookeper Suspended
For Punching Seal  Possibly a sucker punch  A British zoo has
suspended one of its animal keepers while it investigates claims
that the employee punched a seal right in the face.  According
to Bristol Zoo officials, the punching occurred while the seal
was being weighed. They did not say whether it was a sucker
punch, or if the conflict had been escalating over time. The
animal, an American fur seal, has been examined by a vet but
appears to be fine.  The zoo released a statement regarding the
incident, saying “Bristol Zoo would like to make it very clear
that it has a zero tolerance towards such behavior and takes its
commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare and
conservation seriously.”  As of Wednesday all of the seals
remain on full public display. However, the fur seal has
reportedly been waddling around muttering the words, “cheap
shot,” over and over.         Photo: Jamaalcobbs/Wikimedia
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