August the 1st, 2026 – A prominent Croatian animal rights group is calling for an end to breeding at Zagreb Zoo following the tragic death of a lioness at the jaws of a male lion just days ago.
Croatian animal welfare organisation Friends of Animals (Prijatelji životinja) has called on the City of Zagreb to end animal breeding at Zagreb Zoo following the death of lioness Tayra, who was killed by the male lion Uganda after the pair were introduced for breeding. The group says the incident should prompt a fundamental review of the zoo’s policies rather than be treated as an isolated accident.
Index reports that in an open appeal to the city, the organisation urged the zoo to stop breeding animals and to end the practice of acquiring, buying, selling, exchanging or gifting animals with other zoos. It argues that Zagreb cannot undo Tayra’s death but can prevent future generations of animals from spending their entire lives in captivity.
The group also opposes reports that the zoo may bring in another lioness to replace Tayra. According to Friends of Animals, a new lioness would likely be introduced for breeding, meaning any cubs born would also spend their lives in captivity. They stress they are not calling for the zoo to close immediately or for existing animals to be relocated, but instead want breeding and the acquisition of new animals to end.
Friends of Animals argue that every new animal born or brought into the zoo extends the cycle of captivity for decades. Instead, they want the City of Zagreb to develop a long-term plan to transform the zoo into an educational, tourist and interactive centre that no longer depends on keeping animals in enclosures.
Their proposal includes replacing live animal exhibits with modern technology such as virtual recreations of natural habitats, interactive museums, 3D projections, holograms, augmented and virtual reality experiences, and live streams from national parks, protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries. The organisation believes these alternatives could educate visitors while avoiding the ethical concerns associated with captivity.
The group says Zagreb has the opportunity to become one of the first cities to begin transforming the traditional zoo model through ethical and technological innovation. It argues that modern education no longer requires cages and that respect for animals cannot be taught while keeping them confined.
Friends of Animals has requested an official response from the City of Zagreb and says Tayra’s death should serve as a warning and a catalyst for changing the long-term direction of Zagreb Zoo.
