Dozens of swimming pigs were recently found dead in the Exumas, a place known to be as one of Bahamas' popular tourism attractions for the famous water-loving animals. Investigations were done and pointed out that tourists are to blame for over feeding the pigs at the Big Major Cay Beach with harmful chunks and drinks like alcohol.
The Bahamas Humane Society President Kim Aranha told The Tribune that they had thrown the bodies of the animals in the sea after being found dead on the beach. She relayed the info that it hasn't been clear if whether the pigs died due to an accident or were intentionally poisoned.
"I'd say it's more than seven but certainly not the 15 as initially reported on social media. The veterinarians are bringing the samples back, but I can't say how long it will take to get the results," she said.
Aranha also pointed out that the intent still proves to be spiteful. She mentioned that she doesn't see any reason why someone would hurt the pigs.
She acknowledged that there are "silly" sailors that goad the animals to drink alcohol and try to get them drunk, but defended the island's tour operators in Nassau who treat the animals with care.
Meanwhile, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism does not explicitly say that tourists are prohibited to feed the pigs. In fact, it was stated on their website that people feed these "harmless, sociable creatures," and it became a habit for the animals to come out of the woods and to the beach when they hear motors and are eager to be fed by human food.
But now that dead pigs are resurfacing, Aranha said that it wouldn't be a good turn for their tourism industry. She explained that when tourists see dead pigs on the beach, it will bring bad publicity for them. For the time being, a team has been set to investigate the case--with results expected to come out within the week.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
