Because genetically, he's not as varied, and hence not as valuable, as they want.
So the Zoo in Denmark, gives the healthy 18 month old giraffe, the old bolt gun to the head, and kill him.
Then, they put on a display for the zoo visitors, on how to cut him up for food for the Lions, and other zoo carnivores.
They were offered up to $600,000 for him, including one from a wildlife park, but refused it. So much better to straight away kill him, and make a spectacle for the kiddies, how to butcher up a big animal.
And they're surprised that zoo personnel are now getting death threats from animal lovers. You know, those animal lovers who love to visit the zoo, and thus financially support it.
That is some fucked up zoo!
Denmark zoo, where's the respect for life? You have old bulls (Marius was a male), with similar genes, but they are OLD. By the time Marius is mature, you might need a replacement for one of them.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...eds-lions.html