Zoological Garden Leipzig euthanizes three young tiger cubs
In a controversial move, the Leipzig Zoo has euthanized three Amur tiger cubs after their mother, Yushka, an inexperienced tigress, refused to feed and care for them shortly after birth.
On Wednesday, Yushka gave birth to the cubs, marking her first litter. However, within hours, the mother turned away from her newborns, leaving them unattended. The cubs became chilled and weak in the following two days, as they could not stimulate the mother to produce milk.
The zoo stated that hand-rearing the cubs was not an option for species-appropriate care, and euthanasia was necessary to prevent the suffering of starvation.
The decision has sparked outrage among animal rights organizations, with PETA filing a criminal complaint against the zoo. PETA campaign leader Peter Höffken wants the legality of the killing to be examined through the complaint.
PETA strongly opposes the euthanasia and breeding practices at Leipzig Zoo. The organization criticizes the "senseless breeding programs" for Amur tigers, as these efforts do not contribute to species conservation since captive tigers cannot be released into the wild.
Zoo director Junhold defends the decision to continue breeding Amur tigers, emphasizing their scientific approach and the importance of natural breeding without human intervention.
This incident is not the first time Leipzig Zoo has faced criticism for its handling of animals. In 2023, the zoo faced a storm of protest when it slaughtered a healthy zebra stallion and fed it to its lions, with no space found for the 15-year-old animal in another zoo.
Other European zoos, including the Nuremberg Zoo, have also faced criticism for their handling of animals. In July, the Nuremberg Zoo was criticized for killing 12 baboons due to lack of space, with animal rights activists filing a criminal complaint.
PETA demands an immediate stop to the senseless breeding programs for Siberian tigers in Leipzig Zoo, arguing that tigresses in the wild almost always adopt their offspring, and the problem lies in artificial breeding conditions in captivity.
[1] Leipzig Zoo Euthanizes Three Amur Tiger Cubs [2] PETA Files Criminal Complaint Against Leipzig Zoo [3] Leipzig Zoo Defends Decision to Euthanize Tiger Cubs
[1] Despite Yushka's inability to care for her newborn Amur tiger cubs, the Leipzig Zoo could not hand-rear them due to species-appropriate concerns.
[2] PETA opposes the euthanasia and breeding practices of Amur tiger cubs at Leipzig Zoo, arguing that natural conditions in the wild would allow tigresses to properly care for their cubs.
