‘She had the best life’: Big Rocking Horse defends animal care after tragic death of mini goat Delilah sparks online feud
A popular wildlife park claims that they have been subjected to “vicious” trolling after a freak accident killed a miniature goat.
SA News
Don't miss out on the headlines from SA News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The owner of a popular wildlife park has spoken out after being branded a killer and accused of mistreating her animals following the tragic death of a beloved miniature goat, which sparked an online feud.
Since sharing the news of Delilah’s passing on Tuesday, The Big Rocking Horse owner Mel Penno has been bombarded with “vicious” comments and negative reviews online, accusing the park of mistreating animals.
The miniature goat had to be euthanised after being struck by a falling branch overnight shortly after giving birth to a healthy kid.
But some people have accused Ms Penno of being responsible for “killing” Delilah after mistakenly forming the view that her death was caused by her pregnancy.
“The trolling has been vicious comments on social media, calling me a murderer and multiple fake Google reviews and Facebook reviews,” she said.
“I have been getting inbox messages saying I killed Delilah.
“I just want the bullying to stop.”
The four-year-old goat’s sudden passing occurred mere hours after she gave birth to her baby, Princess Diana, and was announced in an earlier Facebook post on Tuesday.
But the post, which omitted the reason for her death, soon sparked backlash by some who mistakenly believed her death was caused by birth complications.
In another Facebook post, Briar Rose Farm owner Megan Miller, who sold Delilah to Ms Penno two years ago, expressed her concern.
“What a terrible way to go, shouldn’t have happened,” she said.
When contacted by The Advertiser, Ms Miller said that she was unaware Delilah, formerly known as Bramble, had been crushed and had been previously advised against breeding her due to her small size.
However, Ms Penno said that Delilah was taken to a vet shortly after falling pregnant who said it was safe.
“It’s just hard because we love all of our animals,” she said.
“When people say that we’ve done the wrong thing, it’s not true.
“We have all the proof and know we gave her the best life we possibly could.”
Ms Penno told The Advertiser that she had sent Ms Miller an email on Wednesday to make peace but is yet to receive a response.
“I offered for anyone (who is worried) to come and I’ll give them a personal tour and show them all the animals,” she said.
“My hope moving forward is that people will come and see for themselves and not pass judgement without even being there and stop joining in on the online trolling.”
Her priority going forward was to ensure that Delilah’s baby, Princess Diana grows up surrounded by happy, healthy and surrounded by love.
“We are all grieving our precious Delilah. The animals are also grieving but we are all giving Princess Diana all the love and attention she deserves,” she said.
More Coverage
Originally published as ‘She had the best life’: Big Rocking Horse defends animal care after tragic death of mini goat Delilah sparks online feud
Dire warning for Aussies amid stunning shopping reality
With Aussies expected to splash out a staggering $10.5b at the end of financial year sales, experts are warning shoppers to be aware.
At last! New plans for Stirling’s Woolies fire retail hub are finally in
Plans for a rebuild have been lodged almost two years after a Stirling shopping centre was destroyed in a devastating alleged arson attack.