Animal world Zurich Zoo feeds three meerkats to the hyenas
Zurich Zoo has killed three of its meerkats and fed them to the hyenas: This was done for reasons of species management, those responsible announced on Monday.
30.09.2024, 11:59
SDA
Meerkats live together in large family groups, with a dominant pair reproducing up to four times a year, according to the Zurich Zoo statement. The zoo allows this reproduction "because it is a basic need of all animals and essential for species-appropriate husbandry".
However, in groups that are too large, territorial fights and social tensions arise. In the wild, outcast animals would wander off or fall victim to predators, the press release continues. "These natural influences are absent at the zoo."
As the Zurich meerkat group has reached its capacity limit, three animals have now been removed. Feeding them to the hyenas "makes sense in several respects", it continues. The animals had previously led a species-appropriate life and had been killed painlessly. The feed is sustainable thanks to the short transportation routes. And for the hyenas, eating whole animals is "a meaningful and natural activity".
Those responsible consider keeping meerkats at the zoo to be important. Visitors to the zoo can get to know the species, their group dynamics and their communication skills.
In this way, they develop an understanding of the social behavior of animals and the complex relationships in nature. "In this way, the zoo reaches many people and raises awareness of the urgent need to protect nature and species."
