FUTILE
SGA’s pursuit of horned frog pointless

It’s always important to have your facts straight.

The Student Government Association announced Oct. 8 of plans to raise funds for a new horned frog for the Fort Worth Zoo to replace the one that died in a summer fire. It was an attempt at a philanthropy project aimed to involve students in the community, but a snag arrived in SGA’s plans.

Buying live horned frogs is illegal.

According to the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife regulations, Texas horned lizards are a threatened species. Therefore, they cannot be possessed, sold, traded or taken out of their natural environment.

However, SGA remains intent on raising the money for the zoo, and their officials are happy to take the money. Lyndsay Nantz, the Zoo’s communications manager, said the zoo would be open to accepting money for the horned frog’s food if one is eventually obtained.

But why is SGA even doing this?

The association’s job is to focus on the general life of the campus, and serve as a voice for the student body to the administration. While their hearts were in the right place as far as school spirit goes, there are more important issues on the campus itself that merit attention.

Besides, donating money for a horned frog isn’t exactly a Mother Teresa-like act of charity. SGA meant well, but a true philanthropic act would be to donate to a Boys & Girls Club or a homeless shelter.

The Fort Worth Zoo is fully capable of handling this issue themselves, so let’s get our priorities in order.