Horror zoo director slaughtered pygmy goats and exchanged zebra for tools

The former director of a zoo in Mexico killed four resident pygmy goats and served them at a Christmas banquet. And this was just the tip of the iceberg in a series of misconduct by the man that was obviously not intended for animal welfare, according to the authorities.

José Rubén Nava was replaced as director of the zoo in the city of Chilpancingo on January 12 following the death of a deer. Officials said on Tuesday that investigations had revealed that some of the zoo’s animals had been sold, bartered or eaten on Nava’s orders.

The Guerrero State Department of Environment said a zebra was traded for tools, and deer and Watussi cattle were sold to private individuals without proper accounting. The most shocking allegation came from the ministry’s wildlife director, Fernando Ruiz Gutierrez, who said Nava served the zoo’s four male pygmy goats at a year-end banquet.

“These four animals were slaughtered and cooked on the zoo grounds and served as food at the end-of-year party,” said Ruiz Gutierrez. This endangered the health of the people who participated in the feasting. Because the animals are not suitable for human consumption. Nava also reportedly traded the zoo’s zebra for tools needed for repair work. However, the appropriate tools were not found on site. It is currently unclear whether the ex-director will be charged.