There was a naked woman molting downtown at lunchtime.
Three members from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals - including the naked woman with her body painted like snakeskin - stood in protest against cruelty to exotic animals Franklin Street Mall at the intersection of Franklin Street and Kennedy Boulevard.
The naked woman lay shivering under the banner "Exotic Skins Belong in the Jungle-Not on Your Feet," her body paint slowing running off along the sidewalk thanks to a mid-afternoon drizzle.
Passersby pointed at the display, some stopping to snap photos while others entered into friendly debate.
The hour-long protest in Tampa was designed to raise awareness about inhumane killing practices against exotic animals, said Ashley Byrne, PETA campaign coordinator.
"We're hoping compassionate people who would never buy anything that harmed a cat or a dog," said Byrne, "would think twice before purchasing exotic skins."
On Dec. 8, PETA used a protester in an elephant suit - with bandages and a head wound - outside Mitchell Elementary School in Tampa as part of its campaign to encourage a boycott of circuses.
Exotic skins belong on the animals, Byrne said.
"They deserve better than to be killed in gruesome ways," she said.
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