Beloved Chicken “Betty White” Tragically Fed to Alligators by Park Visitor
A shocking act of animal cruelty occurred at Oakvale Wildlife Park in New South Wales, Australia, when a beloved chicken named Betty White was thrown into an alligator enclosure by a visitor. The man responsible, 58-year-old Peter Smith, has pleaded guilty to aggravated animal cruelty for the incident, which took place on January 2, 2024.
The Incident Unfolds
Witnesses at the park reported that Smith reached over a barrier to snatch Betty White, a cherished Chinese silkie bantam chicken, from her enclosure. He concealed the bird in his shirt before tossing her into the alligator pond. Within moments, two alligators approached and killed the chicken, leaving onlookers horrified. Guests immediately alerted park staff, who were deeply upset by the incident.
Reaction from Oakvale Wildlife Park
Leanne Sansom, CEO of Oakvale Wildlife Park, expressed profound sadness over the loss, stating that this was the first instance of cruelty from a visitor in the park’s 43-year history. Betty White had been hand-raised at the park and played an important role in their endangered species program, making her death especially tragic for staff and visitors alike.
Legal Consequences
On September 24, 2024, Peter Smith appeared in Raymond Terrace local court and pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated animal cruelty. His defense argued that Smith’s actions were driven by a misguided attempt to feed the alligators, noting that millions of chickens are killed each year. However, Magistrate Kirralee Perry highlighted the gravity of the situation, underscoring the senseless nature of the act.
Smith now faces a potential sentence of up to two years in prison, along with a fine of $24,084. His sentencing is scheduled for November 20, 2024.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the responsibility visitors have to respect the wildlife in sanctuaries and parks, where animals like Betty White are not only valued for their roles in conservation but are also beloved by staff and guests alike.
