result of the investigation
For this reason, the baby elephant died at Zurich Zoo
A baby elephant died in Zurich Zoo because its organs were not properly formed. This is the sixth baby elephant to die at the zoo since 2020. While the zoo management is talking about the “cycle of life”, animal rights activists are demanding measures.
Published: 01/18/2023 at 11:20 am
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A baby elephant died at Zurich Zoo last weekend. (icon picture)
After a bull elephant died shortly after birth at the Zurich Zoo over the weekend, the zoo published the first results of the pathological examination on Wednesday. These indicate that the animal was not viable.
The zoo wrote in a statement that certain organs such as the heart and lungs were not properly developed. But for the zoo, death is part of life. Animals would die practically every day, just as new ones would be born. “It’s the circle of life.”
Sixth case since 2020
The zoo does not want to change anything about its elephant husbandry. Animal rights activists had called for a rethink after the latest death in the elephant enclosure became known. Since 2020, Zurich Zoo has lost six elephant cubs due to health problems, the Fondation Franz Weber wrote in a statement.
The zoo must finally realize that animal-friendly husbandry in captivity is not possible for elephants. Zurich Zoo has a “chronic problem” with the physical condition of its elephants. In particular, Farha, the mother of the bull elephant who died over the weekend, suffers from obesity, according to animal rights activists. This can lead to reproductive problems.
In April and August 2020, two young elephants died after being kicked by the other elephants. In 2021, three young animals died due to a herpes infection. (SDA)
