This Zoo Has Killed 9 Healthy Lion Cubs Because They Were ‘Surplus’ — Let’s Send the Remaining Lions to a Sanctuary Now!

When most people visit zoos, they do so thinking the animals are given the best care and are living a happy, healthy life safe from danger. And this idea is fueled by deception from zoos who mask captivity as conservation when in fact profit and ticket sales are the priority.

When animals are no longer deemed profitable by a zoo, they are often killed, even if they are healthy and well. These animals, labeled as “surplus” by zoos, can be killed as adults if they are no longer able to contribute to breeding programs. Tragically, baby animals are also killed as “surplus” by zoos when they are seen as not cute enough to bring in long lines of paying visitors, and they are typically replaced by new baby animals bred by the zoo.

A petition on Care2 explains that Boras Djurpark, a zoo outside of Gothenburg, Sweden, has mercilessly killed nine healthy lion cubs since 2012 with the excuse that they could not find another zoo to sell them to.

The zoo is shameless about euthanizing healthy animals and speaks casually about the barbaric practice. Chief executive of the zoo, Bo Kjellson said that the future of other lions at the facility is uncertain. “That we will see in the future. Currently, the group works well, but some of them may become surplus animals, and then we will try to place them elsewhere. It could be so that we have to put them to death.”

It is shocking and disturbing that people who are the designated caretakers of these captive animals do not actually mind if they live or die. This type of mentality is the norm for most zoos in the world, and major changes must be made to stop this shameful and greedy practice.

If you would like to see Boras Djurpark end their captive lion breeding program and send the remaining lions to a reputable sanctuary, please take a moment to sign this petition.

The simplest way for you to combat the cruelty at zoos is by never purchasing tickets to visit them. Social change is possible with the power of public opinion, but not many people are aware of the cruelty at zoos, so please make sure to share this with your network!

Image Source: Pixabay