Leipzig Zoo culled four healthy lechwe antelopes to manage the herd’s size.
Leipzig Zoo euthanized four lechwe antelopes on Friday to control their population. The zoo stated that the animals were healthy and that the carcasses were used to feed other zoo animals. The decision followed unsuccessful attempts to relocate the antelopes through the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria’s Ex-situ Program.
The zoo spokesperson confirmed the antelopes were euthanized with five precise shots. According to reports, a special ethics commission approved the action.
This follows a similar incident at Adelaide Zoo in Australia in October, where two lions were euthanized. A male lion, Mujambi, was euthanized due to an untreatable illness. His partner, Amani, although not critically ill, was subsequently euthanized to avoid the negative impact of living alone, given their strong bond.
The zoo explained that, at 23 and 19 years old respectively, both lions were elderly. Relocating Amani was deemed too risky and stressful.
Mario Tabraue, president and director of the Zoological Wildlife Foundation, criticized the decision, suggesting alternative solutions such as finding Amani a new companion.
In late 2022, Furuvik Zoo in Sweden shot and killed three chimpanzees after an enclosure escape, citing the animals’ potential threat to human safety and a lack of sufficient tranquilizers.