Rio Olympics: "Mascot" Jaguar Shot Dead After Torch Ceremony

The Olympic torch relay took a horrific turn when a Brazilian soldier shot and killed a jaguar that had just been involved in the torch ceremony.

The female jaguar, named Juma, was photographed in the town of Manaus as the torch passed through on its way to Rio, and the whole thing went off without a hitch.

But according to reports, shortly after the ceremony the sedated big cat -- normally captive at a zoo -- bolted for freedom as it was being placed back in its cage. When Juma approached a soldier, he fired the fatal shot.

The Amazon Military Command said the killing was in line with safety procedures.

Talk about a tragic omen -- Brazil's Olympic team mascot is a yellow jaguar, known as Ginga.