It almost became the new attraction of the Baie de Somme. “Titine”, the female wild boar, who used to parade along the Jeanne d’Arc quay in Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme, is supported by a petition of more than 6,000 signatures to oppose her move to an animal park in Seine-Maritime. The inhabitants are torn between attachment and securing the animal.
The Somme Bay mascot
Catherine has known the beast for three years and visits it regularly: “Every day, I come to see her, I take care of her, I spend a little time with her“, describes the retiree, very attached to Titine. “We want to keep her because she’s not aggressive at all, she’s very sociable, after that we have to make sure that people don’t take her for a stuffed animal.“, worries the sexagenarian.
– Catherine Caudron
Because the sow is the object of all the attention. A real mascot, which is sometimes fed and has quickly become familiar with the human presence. So much so that a bond has been created, and seeing her leave would be a disappointment for many inhabitants. “I signed the petition for her to stay, poor beast, you have to leave her alone“, smiles Amandine, installed on the terrace of one of the restaurants, close to the beach.
If there is an injured, it is she who will pay the price, we will order his slaughter. – Christophe, waiter on the Baie de Somme
Further on, Christophe, one of the waiters, is not against the sow but is worried about the consequences of his behavior: “She has to leave because it remains a wild animal, if there is an injured person, it is she who will pay the price, we will order her slaughter.” The prefecture has given the town hall until June 6 to capture “Titine” and transfer it to an animal park.
“There are protective measures to be taken vis-à-vis the population, even if one has the impression that the animal is harmless. The animal park is probably the least bad solution“, reacts Patrick Thierry, president of the environmentalist association Picardie Nature, who adds that she will familiarize herself without difficulty in this new place of life.
In addition to the petition, a rally is planned for June 28, at Cape-Hornu to support the female wild boar.