German Zoo Struggles, May Have To Feed Animals To Each Other During Coronavirus Lockdown
Neumünster Zoo, located in the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein, is warning that it may have to feed its specimens to other animals to stay afloat financially amid the COVID-19 lockdown.(Shutterstock)
(IBexNews) - An animal version of “The Hunger Games” might soon be underway at Neumünster Zoo, which is warning that it may be compelled to feed its specimens to its other animals in a desperate bid to remain financially afloat amid the COVID-19 lockdown.
“Yes, we do have a list of animals that we would slaughter first,” claimed zoo director Verena Kaspari.
She added that deer and goats would be first on the chopping block and would be fed to the zoo’s eagles, lynx and Vitus, its 11-foot-tall polar bear, reported Deutsche Welle.
Although Kaspari conceded it was a bit early to put the plan in motion, she added that without desperately needed cash for food, the zoo’s very own inhabitants could end up on the menu.
“It’s a worst-care scenario; we don’t see it getting that way yet,” explained Kaspari, whose wildlife park is located in the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein. “But we have to think of it early enough.”
All German zoos have been closed since March 15 as the nation, like most others around the world, attempt to impede the spread of coronavirus.
While German zoos can receive funding from local governments, Neumünster Zoo is a charity and ineligible for cash, Kaspari explained.
Neumünster Zoo, which opened in 1951, has 700 animals of 170 different species on display, according to its website.
The girlfriend, whose name has not been released, survived the attack and is currently still hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Roderick Bliss IV, 38, was found at the scene with “obvious gunshot injuries" and a semi-automatic pistol nearby, police said. His girlfriend, 43, was shot in the back and transported for emergency surgery, but is recovering in an intensive care unit.
The woman told police Bliss was upset about the coronavirus pandemic as well.
“He went into the basement and came outside on to the rear porch with the victim. While holding the handgun, Bliss told the victim, ‘I already talked to god and I have to do this’. The victim ran off of the porch and he shot at her four times striking her once,” police said. “Bliss then shot himself.”
According to a BuzzFeed News analysis, the number of gun buyers in the U.S. has surged since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.