German Zoo Criticized After Naming Baby Crocodile 'Fidel'
- 11 years ago
Recently, a zoo located in the German state of Saxony was under some heat after innocently naming a baby crocodile 'Fidel'.
If you were asked to name a crocodile, what would it be?
Recently, a zoo located in the German state of Saxony was under some heat after innocently naming a baby crocodile - Fidel. The endangered Cuban croc was one of more than half a dozen born in August of this year.
Authorities at the zoo worked hard to think up names that were reflective of their Cuban heritage. However the choice to name one of the creatures Fidel turned out to be unwise, as many people were reminded of Cuban communist revolutionary Fidel Castro.
A spokesperson at the zoo defended the name stating “We were simply looking for names which you immediately associate with their homeland of Cuba. Nobody intended it to be a direct reference to dictator Fidel Castro or indeed a glorification of him as a person.”
It also didn’t help that Fidel the croc was getting into some trouble. The reptile was reportedly showing aggression towards its brothers and sisters at the zoo.
After substantial pressure, the facility complied and the new name of the croc is Fidelio, although that may change once again when the young croc’s gender is determined.
If you were asked to name a crocodile, what would it be?
Recently, a zoo located in the German state of Saxony was under some heat after innocently naming a baby crocodile - Fidel. The endangered Cuban croc was one of more than half a dozen born in August of this year.
Authorities at the zoo worked hard to think up names that were reflective of their Cuban heritage. However the choice to name one of the creatures Fidel turned out to be unwise, as many people were reminded of Cuban communist revolutionary Fidel Castro.
A spokesperson at the zoo defended the name stating “We were simply looking for names which you immediately associate with their homeland of Cuba. Nobody intended it to be a direct reference to dictator Fidel Castro or indeed a glorification of him as a person.”
It also didn’t help that Fidel the croc was getting into some trouble. The reptile was reportedly showing aggression towards its brothers and sisters at the zoo.
After substantial pressure, the facility complied and the new name of the croc is Fidelio, although that may change once again when the young croc’s gender is determined.