While the law might say animals are property, most animal lovers would strongly disagree. No one would judge you for throwing away an old toy because you didn't want it anymore, but
most people would call their local animal protection agency if you tried to do the same thing to a pet. But that is just what the Calgary Zoo in Alberta, Canada did last month. Kali, a grey wolf, was one of the most beloved animals in the zoo. So much, in fact, that last year the zoo used her in a campaign to promote an online survey the zoo was conducting to determine Canada's greatest animal. After more than 10,000 people cast their votes, Kali was declared the winner.
But even her beloved status couldn't save her. Last month, the zoo put her down, simply because they wanted to make room for other, younger wolves. Although Kali was a senior wolf she was still very much alive and enjoying life. But because
the zoo wanted to make more money with younger "cuter" pups, Kali had to go. This stands in complete contrast to what a zoos mission should be.
Zoos shouldn't prioritize young animals just because they bring in more zoo-goers and they definitely shouldn't put down a perfectly healthy animal. If zoo officials wanted to make room for newer wolves, they should have given Kali to a sanctuary, where she could have lived the rest of her life in relative peace.
The Calgary Zoo already had a checkered record already.
In 2016 several of their most popular animals passed away under mysterious circumstances including seven penguins, more than three dozen stingrays, an otter and a capybara. Sign the petition to ask Calgary officials to shut down this zoo. If they don't value the lives of the animals in their charge then they shouldn't be allowed to have them.