“We see public accusations that our lion was neglected. However, for some reason, one of the most important facts remains unspoken – our lion was 20 years old. Twenty years. He was one of the first residents of our zoo and the father of almost all the lions in the zoo. He spent almost his entire life here, becoming a symbol and talisman of our zoo. Entire generations of visitors grew up with him,” responded the Klaipėda Zoo on their Facebook page.
Read more A monument to the city’s founder, Countess Franciszka Butler, will be erected in Marijampolė
According to the zoo administration, “it is very painful to see the age of an old animal and age-related changes presented to people as if it were proof of neglect.”
The zoo management stated that the animal was cared for, its diet was well managed, and they indicated that they simply wanted to allow this animal to “pass away” in its own environment.
- Klaipėda Zoo was banned from accepting visitors for a year due to poor animal care. The zoo management ignored the ban.
- An application was made to revoke the zoo’s operating permit.
- On Wednesday, four animals were taken from Klaipėda Zoo – a lion, a gray kangaroo, a mountain goose, and a golden pheasant. Three other animals were found dead.
The statement was responded to by the Environmental Protection Department, whose employees transported the lion this week to the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Wild Animal Care Center.
“Regardless of the animal’s age, it must be provided with proper housing conditions, care, and necessary veterinary assistance. During the transfer, the lion was completely exhausted. The zoo’s veterinary doctor informed the officers that the animal had not been treated,” said the Environmental Protection Department.
Read more Exotic photos of Maksim Galkin made people gasp: appeared not only shirtless
Insufficient and rare care for the animal was also evidenced by its living conditions – the enclosure had feces, cobwebs, and a very unpleasant smell.
“The lion was extremely exhausted, so comprehensive treatment was immediately started,” said Justina Morkūnaitė, head of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Wild Animal Care Center.
According to the specialists of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Wild Animal Care Center, the lion’s condition was very severe. During the examination, the animal was emaciated and exhausted, with bald patches visible around both eyes. A blood morphology test revealed severe anemia, and a biochemical test showed kidney function insufficiency. Cytological examination of wounds detected bacterial and fungal infections, and a skin scraping test showed infestation with ectoparasites.
Currently, all animals taken from Klaipėda Zoo are housed in the enclosures of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Wild Animal Care Center and are receiving veterinary care. The lion has been prescribed supplements to treat anemia, antiparasitic drugs, antibiotics, as well as pain and anti-inflammatory medications.
Read more More than 260 passengers ferry capsized off the coast of Northern Cyprus
