Zurich Zoo feeds three meerkats to the hyenas

Meerkats lived together in large family groups, with a dominant pair reproducing up to four times a year, according to a statement from Zurich Zoo. The zoo allows this reproduction “because this is a basic need of all animals and essential for species-appropriate husbandry”.

Lack of natural influences

But in groups that are too large, there are turf wars and social tensions. In the wild, rejected animals would migrate or fall victim to predators, the statement continues. “These natural influences are missing in the zoo.”

“Sensible and natural employment”

Since the Zurich meerkat group has reached its capacity limit, three animals have now been removed. It goes on to say that feeding them to the hyenas “makes sense in several respects.” The animals had previously led a species-appropriate life and were killed painlessly. Due to the short transport routes, the feed is sustainable. And for hyenas, eating whole animals is “a meaningful and natural activity.”