Buttonwood Park Zoo faces backlash over a Pride post involving its turkey vultures.
NEW BEDFORD — With Pride month almost over in the Whaling City, a recent Facebook post supporting the LGBTQ+ community has sparked much debate at the Buttonwood Park Zoo.
"I'm not surprised, but disappointed," said Andrew Pollack, the president of the South Coast LGBTQ+ Network. "We've had more incidences of violence against us this past year."
On June 25, one of the zookeeper Amanda Jacobsson posted photos of the turkey vultures with an LGBTQ+ Pride block painted in rainbow colors and with the phrase "Love is Love."
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"As we admire the soaring flight of turkey vultures, let’s also reflect on their ability to find sustenance in what others may overlook or dismiss. It serves as a reminder that diversity is essential for the health and balance of our ecosystems, just as it is for the vibrancy and progress of our societies," the Facebook post stated.
"Let’s learn from the turkey vulture’s unbiased palate and celebrate the beauty of diversity. By accepting all individuals and their unique journeys, we can create a world where everyone can thrive and soar, just like these majestic birds of nature."
Pride post draws negative comments
Almost immediately, the post was filled with negative posts with comments such as "The animals have more sense then (sic) the management does. This is getting ridiculous" and "Here's the reason I will never go to this zoo ever again. Disgusting."
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Some people responded with positive comments
Several people also took to the zoo's post to respond with positive comments such as "Thanks, Buttonwood Park Zoo, for stressing and supporting the science of diversity and how it benefits all of us" and "You are loved and much appreciated! Thank you for acknowledging the diverse and accepting community that is New Bedford!"
One person also commented, "There are over 400 species of animals (including humans) who exhibit homosexual traits. If anything is unnatural, it's arguments against homosexuality."
Rev. Donnie Anderson of New Bedford's Pilgrim United Church of Christ said, "PRIDE is an opportunity for all of us to remember that we are all human beings as diverse as a glorious array of beautiful flowers," she said. "Just as the splash of multiple colors fill us with wonder, I would hope that all can celebrate the glorious genius of God’s rainbow of diversity."
There's been a rise in hatred in the SouthCoast
Pollack, who will be speaking at Taunton's Congregation Agudath Achim for Shabbat Pride on June 30, said the temple was recently vandalized with swastikas as well as gay and racist slurs, said he has seen an increase in negativity around the LGBTQ+ community due to the political climate.
"It has given permission people to say things that they normally wouldn't say," he said, adding that posting on social media also allows for a rise in hatred.
"I've found that personally where people have signed petitions or have said things [online], and then when they're confronted they just don't know where to turn because they're not all with their own bigotry," he said, adding he is always open to having open dialogue and discussions about these issue with anyone.
"Always open to discussing with people on how to help our communities come together."
The Standard-Times reached out to the Buttonwood Park Zoo, but did not receive a comment. The zoo has made no further statements nor re-commented on the Facebook post.
Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter:@ChitwoodReports. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Buttonwood Park Zoo faces backlash over LGBTQ+ Post
