COPENHAGEN ZOO KILLED MARIUS - TELL THEM HOW YOU FEEL!!

On February 9^th 2014, Copenhagen Zoo killed Marius, a healthy 18 month old giraffe, in an attempt to avoid in-breeding within the zoo. Marius was killed with a bolt gun to avoid contamination of his remains, in order that he could be fed to the tigers and other carnivores within the zoo.  His autopsy was then broadcast live on the internet and to visitors at the zoo.

This decision was made despite thousands of people worldwide signing online petitions appealing for his transfer to one of a number of zoos who were willing to provide Marius accomodation. The zoo argues that the decision was the right one, on scientific grounds and in relation to European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) rules on breeding.

The general public’s opinion globally has been overwhelming, with many people calling for a review of the Zoo’s policy on breeding and reflection on the value that should have been placed on Marius’s life regardless of the breeding issues involved.

Tell Copenhagen Zoo it is time for a thorough review of their current breeding policy and remind them that the public’s opinion DOES matter when it comes to deciding the fate of animals in their care.