Zoo Leipzig euthanizes three newborn tigers
In a heartbreaking decision, the Leipzig Zoo in Germany euthanized three Amur tiger cubs a few days after their birth. The cubs were left unattended by their mother, an inexperienced tigress named Yushka, for two days, leading them to become cold and weaker.
The zoo's decision was not taken lightly. The zoo's director, Jörg Junhold, stated that while the situation was sad from a human perspective, it is normal in the animal kingdom for inexperienced mothers to abandon their cubs. The zoo emphasized that the euthanasia was necessary because the cubs showed no active behavior and risked suffering from starvation. Hand-rearing was not an option due to the zoo's principles of species-appropriate husbandry and natural breeding goals.
Veterinarian Andreas Bernhard confirmed that if the cubs no longer showed active behavior, the zoo had to euthanize them to spare them from starvation. The zoo's decision was framed as a heavy responsibility to spare the cubs from suffering.
The Leipzig Zoo intends to continue breeding efforts with Yushka in hopes that she will eventually successfully rear cubs naturally. The zoo's approach to species-appropriate wild animal husbandry prioritizes natural maternal care and does not see human intervention through keeper rearing as appropriate for these tigers.
Zoo director Jörg Junhold believes that Yushka can make a natural contribution to the survival of the Amur tiger species in the future. The cubs' euthanization was a difficult decision, but the zoo's commitment to natural breeding and appropriate wildlife husbandry remains unwavering.
[References] 1. Leipzig Zoo Euthanizes Amur Tiger Cubs 2. Leipzig Zoo Defends Decision to Euthanize Amur Tiger Cubs
Despite the focus on the euthanization of Amur tiger cubs, the Leipzig Zoo also expresses a dedication to sport-like principles, striving for natural breeding and species-appropriate husbandry in their wildlife management. Furthermore, the zoo's approach to animal care is not limited to tigers, as they aim to ensure the survival of the Amur tiger species and prioritize natural maternal care in their breeding efforts.
