Schwerin Zoo shows that lions eat deer - a look behind the scenes!

Schwerin Zoo shows that lions eat deer - a look behind the scenes!

Schwerin, Deutschland - in the Schwerin Zoo took place on Saturday. Two deer from their own inventory was killed and the lions were offered as full -packed prey. This event aimed to promote animal welfare and to clarify visitors about natural environmental processes. The full body feeding enables the predators to utilize their prey as a whole - including skin, hair, offal and bones. This not only suggests natural feeding behavior, the physical skills of the lions are also required, similar to the wilderness.

As the Zoo Schwerin emphasizes, it is crucial to make such procedures transparent in order to promote understanding of hunting and food networks in the animal kingdom. Nothing is left behind by the killed animals, which guarantees a complete recovery. In addition, the deer come from controlled own rearing, which speaks for good living conditions. Such feedings are not unusual in German zoos, while live feeding in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act are prohibited. The practical implementation of such events is often supported by the inclusion of children; They often show a realistic understanding that animals have to eat other animals.

sustainable animal husbandry and education

The recommendation of an international research group led by the University of Zurich could be of interest to German zoos. This suggests feeding excess zoo animals to predators in order to cover the meat requirements of the zoos and at the same time explain the natural life cycles of the animals. As already practiced in Zurich and Basel, such a measure could cover up to 30 percent of the meat requirement in zoo. This practice is viewed as responsible population management and enables the natural need of animals to protect after reproduction, since stagnating reproduction could endanger zoopopulations. Severin Dressen, director of Zoo Zurich, emphasizes that exclusive killings of this "surplus" animal and their use as food are already widely accepted.

The Zoo Basel also says that the amount of “self -meat” is low compared to external meat. However, in order to use significant proportions of surplus animals as food, you would have to be bred in a targeted manner for your own meat production. Dressen points out that its own meat is more sustainable and animal welfare than that of farm animals.

zoos in change

The public perception of zoos has changed a lot in recent years. According to the times of bare cages and inadequate conditions, the focus is now on sustainable practices, such as reducing water and energy consumption and effective waste management. Zoos are increasingly recognized as places of learning and environmental protection, assuming responsibility for the clarification of their visitors regarding the reality of life and death in animal husbandry.

International accreditations, such as those of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (Waza), prove the commitment to animal protection and sustainability. Compliance with strict standards in animal husbandry, education and nature conservation is essential to ensure responsible action in zoos. Consumers also play an important role here, because their visit to zoos with sustainable practices means a form of support.

The Schwerin Zoo demonstrates with its approach that the connection between species -appropriate animal husbandry and clarification of visitors about natural processes in animal welfare is of central importance. Our zoos are at a turning point that enables them to contribute positively to society and to develop a better understanding of the animal kingdom.

More on this topic can be found at Schwerin-lokal.de , Derbund.ch and tiereschutzvereine.de .