Schwerin Zoo surprised: Lions eat Milu deer live in front of an audience!

Schwerin Zoo surprised: Lions eat Milu deer live in front of an audience!

An unusual feeding event caused a stir at Schwerin Zoo: two young Asian Milu deer, also known as David's deer, were used as food for a pride of lions. This unexpected culinary performance took place on July 12 and attracted numerous zoo visitors who watched the spectacle in amazement. According to Baltic Sea newspaper The decision to feed the deer was not understandable at first glance, but zoo director Tim Schikora explained that this practice is quite common in the context of animal husbandry.

The two animals, weighing around 100 kilograms, were hunted in a way that was suitable for pasture and presented as part of a so-called natural show feeding. The lion pride, consisting of two females and three cubs, was able to provide itself with enough food for several days. Schikora emphasized that the campaign met with great interest and understanding among visitors. After all, this is a measure that also benefits the physical and mental health of the lions. Similar to this is also done in other zoos, such as in World reports that ex situ species protection is carried out through targeted feeding and population management.

Species protection in focus

Species conservation is a central issue of the 21st century, and zoos play a role in this The knowledge shows. They act as protective facilities for numerous endangered animal species and provide an environment in which they can live and breed safely. In Europe, it is estimated that between 3,000 and 5,000 healthy animals are killed in zoos every year, leading to public criticism and debate about the ethical implications. Ultimately, experts also emphasize the importance of the reproduction of active populations in order to secure the population.

Feeding the lions with deer illustrates how complex the tasks in zoos are. Schikora points out that not only our own animals, but also those from external sources are used to ensure the health of the predators and at the same time promote exchange within the zoo community. The IUCN has emphasized the responsibility of zoos in species conservation, and many institutions are working on programs to help conserve biodiversity.

A new perspective

The debate over feeding and management of zoo animals is not new. In the case of the Schwerin Zoo, feeding the Milus turns out to be part of a larger plan, as other zoos would also be forced to make similar decisions due to a lack of space. One example is the >Karlsruhe Zoo, which even feeds polar bears with bison meat from its own breeding. The discussion surrounding the killing and feeding of animals continues to be controversial, and animal welfare activists are calling for more transparency and ethical behavior in the facilities.

In summary, the example of the Milu deer shows that the circle of life in the zoo is often more complicated than you think. Feeding is not just an everyday act, but a deep-rooted element of species conservation that – if used responsibly – also brings great opportunities for endangered species.