Culling controversy: Leipzig Zoo's tough antelope decision
In one of Europe's most beautiful zoos, Leipzig Zoo in Germany, the authorities have taken a surprising step. Due to overcrowding in the antelope enclosure, they decided to cull four animals.
According to the German publication Bild, the zoo authorities opted for this drastic measure to manage the entire herd's population.
Unfortunately, no other zoo was found in time to take in the four animals.
As no more space was available at the Leipzig facility, it was decided that a male and three females would be culled. The action took place on Friday, 18th January. However, culling surplus animals in zoos is a controversial issue.
Zoo authorities explained that despite their attempts, they were unable to transfer the surplus animals to another institution through the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). Therefore, a committee consisting of animal keepers and the zoo director made this difficult decision, which has outraged many.
Animal rights activists straightforwardly call this situation a violation of animal rights. However, the opposing side also has its arguments.
Proponents of euthanising healthy animals in zoos argue that the animals do not have natural predators, always have enough food, and often live longer than in the wild due to medical care.
To avoid controversy, the zoo did not disclose details of the employee responsible for euthanising the animals. As the German publication Bild notes, this is not the first instance at Leipzig Zoo where healthy animals have been culled.
In 2023, it was revealed that a zebra stallion was killed there because it was no longer needed for further breeding.
