American zoos use contraceptives to prevent their animals from giving birth beyond zoo capacities, but many European Zoos have a different philosophy. They let animals give birth to and nurture their young, then kill the offspring when they reach an age where they would naturally separate from the parents.
The Copenhagen Zoo alone euthanizes 20 to 30 healthy young animals per year, including gazelles, hippopotamuses and chimps. Other zoos euthanize leopard cubs as soon as they start picking fights with the mother.
Baby animals are a major zoo attraction, and patrons enjoy watching parents interact with their offspring. It's heartbreaking to think that these healthy young offspring are slated to be killed just because they don't fit into the zoo's plan. Please sign the petition to urge European Zoos to use contraception or relocate young animals rather than euthanizing them.
Dear European Zookeepers,
We are concerned with the practice of euthanizing young animals in many European zoos. We understand that zookeepers let animals give birth to and nurture their young, then kill the offspring when they reach an age where they would naturally separate from the parents.
We understand and appreciate the philosophy of letting animals lead as natural a life as possible, but this shouldn't come at the expense of the offspring. Baby animals are a major zoo attraction, and patrons enjoy watching parents interact with their offspring. It's heartbreaking to think that these healthy young offspring are slated to be killed just because they don't fit into the zoo's plan. Please find other alternatives to euthanasia, such as using contraception or relocating young animals to a suitable facility. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.
