After giraffe uproar, Copenhagen zoo kills 4 lions

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

After giraffe uproar, Copenhagen zoo kills 4 lions

March 25, 2014 | Updated: March 25, 2014 12:34pm

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — A Danish zoo that faced protests for killing a healthy giraffe to prevent inbreeding says it has put down four lions, including two cubs, to make room for a new male lion.

Citing the "pride's natural structure and behavior," the Copenhagen Zoo said Tuesday that two old lions had been euthanized as part of a generational shift. It said the cubs were also put down because they were not old enough to fend for themselves and "anyway would have been killed by the new male lion."

Zoo officials hope the new male and two females born in 2012 will form the nucleus of a new pride.

Last month the zoo triggered a wave of protests by killing a 2-year-old giraffe, and feeding its remains to the lions as visitors watched.

http://www.chron.com/news/world/article/After-giraffe-uproar-Copenhagen-zoo-kills-4-lions-5347528.php

[tk2kewl]

1. you would think there would be other zoos willing to take these animals, no?

nt

[NightWatcher]

2. Wouldn't their concern for the "pride's natural structure..." mean they let the pride decide?

If it's only natural for something to happen did they need to do it for them? If the pride will only tolerate X, then allow the pride to take care of it. Why not then see if any other zoos would like to take the lions in? I think they just like snuffing animals over there. Has anyone checked the superintendent's wall for trophy mounts?