Overview

• Gina rejected her premature cubs and veterinary staff ruled out hand-rearing to avoid human imprinting
• The zoo decided to euthanize the weakened cubs over welfare fears since they were born too early for viable survival
• PETA’s Dr. Yvonne Würz condemned the decision as routine cruelty and demanded an end to captive lion breeding programs
• Under §17 of Germany’s animal welfare law, euthanasia is permitted when experts deem an animal’s prospects too poor to prevent suffering
• The zoo hopes to improve outcomes with an autumn breeding attempt after allowing Gina a period of social separation