Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Admits to Abandoning Dead Bear Cub in Central Park: NPR

Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has admitted to abandoning a dead bear cub in New York City’s Central Park, making it look like the animal had been hit by a cyclist.



MARY LOUISE KELLY, HOST:

A black bear killed nearly 10 years ago has made headlines in political newspapers.

AILSA CHANG, HOST:

Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has admitted to abandoning a dead bear cub in New York City’s Central Park, making it look like the animal had been hit by a cyclist.

KELLY: Yes. In a video posted to social media, the independent politician told actress Roseanne Barr that he stumbled upon the carcass while hunting raptors, put it in his van to skin and eat later, and then didn’t have time to hide the bear before catching a flight.

CHANG: Inspired by a spike in bicycle accidents in New York City, he took an old bicycle, the bear, and some friends to Central Park, where he abandoned the cub. After the bear was discovered the next day, police opened an investigation that remained unsolved for a decade.

KELLY: Among the many questions this raises, Ailsa, why did you confess now?

CHANG: Well, Kennedy seemed to be pre-empting a New Yorker article, tagging the publication in his post and saying, quote, “I can’t wait to see how you interpret this.”

KELLY: Kennedy has not revealed what he had for dinner that night. However, we will, of course, update you if we find out. Bear with me.

CHANG: Oh, God.

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Written by Anika Begay

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