As the Olympic torch makes its way to Rio, a jaguar was shot to death after posing for a shot with the torch in the Brazilian Amazon on Monday. The jaguar was shot after escaping from its handlers by a soldier from connected military base connected to a zoo.

According to a report from Reuters, the jaguar had already been tranquilized when it started to approach the soldier. The animal was in chains for the photo, which was later admitted to being a mistake by a spokesperson for the Olympics organizing committee in Rio. The use of the animal for the photo was also reported to be illegal according to the Amazonas state government environmental authority.

“No request was made to authorize the participation of the jaguar ‘Juma’ in the event of the Olympic torch,” a released statement from the government said.

“We made a mistake in permitting the Olympic torch, a symbol of peace and unity, to be exhibited alongside a chained wild animal. This image goes against our beliefs and our values,” the local organizing committee Rio 2016 said in a statement. “We guarantee that there will be no more such incidents at Rio 2016.”

It seems not a week has gone by without some negative headline related to the Olympics popping up. From concerns over Zika to other contamination concerns to the safety of those attending the games from athletes to fans, it has been a rough path to the summer games for Rio. Throw in this PR hit on top of recent headlines involving animals like the gorilla in Cincinnati and the alligator incident at Disney World, it has been a rough week for animal-related headlines as well. Making things even worse for the Olympic committee? A jaguar is the mascot for this year’s Brazilian Olympics.

Of course it is.

Naturally, this news has been used by animal rights activists to bring an end to displays of power using animals.

“When will people (and institutions) stop with this sick need to show power and control by confining, taming and showcasing wild animals?” the Rio de Janeiro-based animal rights group Animal Freedom Union said on its Facebook page, per Reuters.

[Reuters]

About Kevin McGuire

Contributor to Athlon Sports and The Comeback. Previously contributed to NBCSports.com. Host of the Locked On Nittany Lions Podcast. FWAA member and Philadelphia-area resident.