Zoo giraffe killed fed to lions, No Tall Tale

Giraffe Turned Lion Meat

Despite much opposition that included an online petition reaching almost 30,000 signatures in support of the animal, the Copenhagen Zoo moved ahead with plans to euthanize a giraffe. Marius, a healthy 2-year-old giraffe was put to death Sunday because of what zoo officials describe as a move to eliminate the risk of inbreeding.

The officials are quoted as saying that Marius’ genes are already well represented in zoos throughout Europe, and there simply is no space available to keep him. Offers by other zoos and a private individual to house the young animal were declined by the Copenhagen Zoo officials.

Infuriating animal groups and animal lovers world-wide, the giraffe’s meat was used to feed the zoo’s lions and other large cats. Instead of using an injection to euthanize the animal, a shotgun was used to ensure the meat was safe for consumption. An opened to the public autopsy was performed which allowed visitors the chance to see the animal cut into pieces.
Marius was born in captivity at the zoo and lived a short life span before being put down at his birthplace. This seemed unfair to many groups and they expressed their anger even with death threats towards zoo officials. The zoo’s scientific director, Bengt Holst, says the public outpouring of disdain is “out of proportion”, and the escalation into death threats are “insane”.

Schwartz, N. (2014, February 09). Anger Erupts Over Danish Zoo’s Decision to Put Down a Giraffe.

The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/10/world/europe/anger-erupts-over-danish-zoos-decision-to-put-down-a-giraffe.html?_r=0