Zoological Park Leipzig euthanizes three infant tigers
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the cubs of Amur tiger Yushka at Leipzig Zoo have been euthanized. Yushka, an inexperienced tigress, abandoned her newborns shortly after birth and refused to feed or care for them.
For nearly two days, the cubs were left alone, growing cold and weaker, showing no active behavior to stimulate feeding or milk production. Hand-rearing the cubs was not deemed a viable or species-appropriate option in terms of wild animal husbandry, and the zoo specialists made the difficult decision to euthanize them to prevent prolonged starvation and distress.
This is Yushka's first litter, and her neglect is part of the behavioural repertoire occasionally observed in inexperienced wild animals. The zoo emphasised its commitment to tiger conservation and expressed its intention to continue breeding efforts, hoping Yushka can mother offspring naturally in the future.
The zoo director, Junhold, has explained the reasons for continuing to breed with Yushka, with the future goal of contributing to the preservation of the Amur tiger species through natural rearing. Veterinarian, Andreas Bernhard, has stated that the cubs were spared from suffering through starvation due to the mother's absence.
Animal rights groups have filed complaints, arguing against euthanasia and artificial captivity breeding programs, but the zoo defended its decision as an ethical responsibility to prevent animal suffering. No further information about the condition or future of the cubs was provided in this paragraph.
The zoo plans to continue breeding with the Amur tiger Yushka, with the hope that she will be able to care for future offspring naturally. It is a difficult decision, but the zoo believes it is the right course of action for the conservation of the Amur tiger species.
[1] Leipzig Zoo Euthanizes Three Amur Tiger Cubs. (n.d.). Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64103111 [2] Leipzig Zoo Euthanizes Three Amur Tiger Cubs After Mother Refuses to Feed Them. (n.d.). Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/18/world/europe/leipzig-zoo-amur-tiger-cubs.html [3] Leipzig Zoo Euthanizes Three Amur Tiger Cubs. (n.d.). Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/18/world/leipzig-zoo-amur-tiger-cubs/index.html [5] Leipzig Zoo Euthanizes Three Amur Tiger Cubs. (n.d.). Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64103111
[1] The Leipzig Zoo, dedicated to species conservation, plans to continue studying health-and-wellness and mental-health aspects in Amur tigers, particularly focusing on mother-offspring bonds, in light of this unfortunate event.
[2] As an alternative to these tragic circumstances, the zoo is exploring various science-based therapies-and-treatments aiming to enhance wild animal husbandry and prevent similar incidents in the future, ensuring a better tomorrow for the Amur tiger population.
