PHUKET: Natalie Glebova, a former Miss Universe and Playboy cover girl caught petting a protected gibbon on Phi Phi, has done what all self-respecting celebrities do: blamed the media.
As an intelligent woman who has even in the past been associated with animal liberation causes, we thought Ms Glebova might be aware that wild animals are not supposed to be dressed like baby humans to be petted by tourists.
No, we were wrong. She genuinely did not think at the time that she was doing something bad.
''Cutest gibbon in the cutest little outfit'' were the words on the Facebook post.
Days later and suddenly aware of her moral mistake, Ms Glebova is now venting on the media.
Here's what she has to say now on Facebook:
''To address the Gibbon photo-op situation that has recently been circulating online. I'm happy to see that my photo has prompted a search for the owner of the baby gibbon in order to take it under proper care, and I think that this is exactly where the power of celebrity comes in handy.
''Instead of shaming celebrities, like most media outlets seem to do, they should take action to stop the people who are actually doing the illegal part (not those who unknowingly pose for photos).
''I agree that awareness is key for everyone (including myself), and with my actions I feel that I have addressed two issues: illegal possession of an endangered animal, and photo-prop tourism.
''I was contacted by the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, Phuket who are smart enough to take advantage of this opportunity to spread awareness on the work that they do, and try to stop photo-prop tourism in Phuket.
''They invited me to visit their center and learn about the work they do, so I can use my voice and celebrity power to spread that message to others. That is the right way to do it.
''Not to shame people and point fingers, but take action and help make a difference. Most media outlets could learn something from this.
''I work with and support many animal welfare organizations such as Soi Dog Foundation, Fin Free Thailand, FREELAND Foundation and WWF to name a few. And animal rights is an important cause to me, which I am always speaking out for.
''As a huge animal lover, I will do whatever I can to help protect gibbons and other endangered animals.''
Phuketwan believes that by highlighting the inappropriate activities of celebrities - Natalie and Rihanna and Beyonce, for example - the media does its bit.
It's the role models who are supposed to set the good examples.
In return for becoming rich and famous, Natalie, you're supposed to behave responsibly. Don't blame us if you can't.
As an intelligent woman who has even in the past been associated with animal liberation causes, we thought Ms Glebova might be aware that wild animals are not supposed to be dressed like baby humans to be petted by tourists.
No, we were wrong. She genuinely did not think at the time that she was doing something bad.
''Cutest gibbon in the cutest little outfit'' were the words on the Facebook post.
Days later and suddenly aware of her moral mistake, Ms Glebova is now venting on the media.
Here's what she has to say now on Facebook:
''To address the Gibbon photo-op situation that has recently been circulating online. I'm happy to see that my photo has prompted a search for the owner of the baby gibbon in order to take it under proper care, and I think that this is exactly where the power of celebrity comes in handy.
''Instead of shaming celebrities, like most media outlets seem to do, they should take action to stop the people who are actually doing the illegal part (not those who unknowingly pose for photos).
''I agree that awareness is key for everyone (including myself), and with my actions I feel that I have addressed two issues: illegal possession of an endangered animal, and photo-prop tourism.
''I was contacted by the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, Phuket who are smart enough to take advantage of this opportunity to spread awareness on the work that they do, and try to stop photo-prop tourism in Phuket.
''They invited me to visit their center and learn about the work they do, so I can use my voice and celebrity power to spread that message to others. That is the right way to do it.
''Not to shame people and point fingers, but take action and help make a difference. Most media outlets could learn something from this.
''I work with and support many animal welfare organizations such as Soi Dog Foundation, Fin Free Thailand, FREELAND Foundation and WWF to name a few. And animal rights is an important cause to me, which I am always speaking out for.
''As a huge animal lover, I will do whatever I can to help protect gibbons and other endangered animals.''
Phuketwan believes that by highlighting the inappropriate activities of celebrities - Natalie and Rihanna and Beyonce, for example - the media does its bit.
It's the role models who are supposed to set the good examples.
In return for becoming rich and famous, Natalie, you're supposed to behave responsibly. Don't blame us if you can't.
Obviously she also supports exploiting wild animals for profit since it can be assumed she paid for that Photo-op.
If her genuine motivation was to raise awareness, then she would certainly have chosen a very different picture caption.
What a lame attempt at putting the toothpaste back into the tube.
Dear Ms Glebova, please remember not everyone is reduced to the brain capacity of a..., well, let's not finish that sentence.
Posted by Herbert on March 7, 2015 13:05