[ad_1]
Marvel star Dave Bautista is offering a reward of $ 20,000 for information leading to the identification of the person who scratched “TRUMP” on the back of a Florida manatee.
The “Guardians of the Galaxy” actor reacted to a tweet from a person appalled by the act. Bautista wrote: “If there isn’t already a reward for the arrest and conviction of the lousy MAGAT who did this, I will pay $ 20,000.”
Bautista added: “And I promise there will be bonuses for this price!”
The former WWE star’s tweet has been liked 2,000 times.
MANATEE WITH ‘TRUMP’ SCRAWED ON ITS REAR SPARKS EXPERT WILDLIFE EXPERTS
In addition to Bautista’s social media offering, the Center for Biological Diversity, a nonprofit group that protects endangered animals, is offering a reward of $ 5,000 for information leading to a conviction in the case. .
THE FEDS INQUIRY ON THE WHO CREATED ‘TRUMP’ ON THE BACK OF THE MANATEE IN FLORIDA
Over the weekend, shocking images of the damaged manatee swimming in Homosassa Springs, Florida went viral, triggering a federal investigation by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, which called on the public for information on the incident.
“TRUMP” was scraped from a layer of seaweed on the manatee’s back and the slow-moving animal did not appear to be seriously injured, authorities said.
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
Florida-based nonprofit wildlife group Save the Manatee Club says manatees are protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
“Save the Manatee Club was immediately made aware of the situation and is appalled by this disrespectful and harmful act towards an endangered species,” the group said in a statement Tuesday.
The organization said whoever did the scratching may have caused the manatee pain.
“Based on the photos and videos available, it appears the abuser may have scratched the manatee’s skin with his fingers, scraping off the algae that grows on slow-moving mammals,” the Save the Manatee Club explained. “They may have also scratched the top layer of the manatee’s skin. Manatees have hard but sensitive skin covered with tiny sensory hairs, so it’s possible that this action caused the manatee discomfort or pain.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Harassment of a manatee, a federal crime, is punishable by a fine of $ 50,000 and up to one year in prison.
Fox News’ James Rogers and Bradford Betz contributed to this report, along with The Associated Press.
[ad_2]
Source link