Donald Duck Crisis

It has only been three weeks since the most recent presidential Inauguration in the United States and there is already mass uproar once again from the public. This time however the disgruntled are far beyond America’s shores. 

Donald J Trump. Jr. is quite the different man compared to his father. Despite running as the Vice President of the Trump Organization and a businessman, he had consistently displayed a love for the art of hunting. Traveling all throughout the world to pay guides to find a variety of games with an even bigger arsenal. This admiration has led to the most recent scandal.

“This is a rather uncommon duck for the area…Not even sure what it is in English.”

These were the words the president's son had uttered to his camera slightly North from Venice as he laid on his rocking boat. adorned in camouflage gear amongst a series of dead waterfowl. 

One of the lifeless ducks, one of a burnt orange plumage lying closest to the camera, was the subject of his statement. 

This bird should have never been shot.

Italian lawmakers and activists have roared and accused the man for killing a Ruddy Shelduck. Large and deceptively goose-like, Ruddy shelducks are adaptable and regal birds, being found in water bodies even 5000 meters above sea level. Despite their generalist behavior and comfortability in habitats.

Wetland draining and unprecedented levels of hunting has resulted in this species declining in Southeastern Europe. In response, Italy and by extension, the European Union has imposed laws which ban the hunting, capture or consumption of this bird. There may only be 4000 pairs remaining in Europe.

Trump Jr. has already left Italy as of February 11th, however many still call for an investigation upon him and the hunting party involved. It is unknown who shot the bird as the video had been deleted, even though everyone should be held responsible. 

No one should be absolved from their crimes because of the amount of money they have, and they must be held accountable for the discourse they create wherever they go. 

The Ruddy shelduck remains to have a large population in Asia and Africa, protected by local communities within their wide range. Hopefully they will remain sheltered from the plight of those filled with greed.