The supposed Löwin turns out to be a wild boar: the curious search in Berlin reveals the problems of exotic animal husbandry.
The supposed Löwin turns out to be a wild boar: the curious search in Berlin reveals the problems of exotic animal husbandry.
The search for the supposed lioness in Berlin caused excitement and ridicule. But apart from the funny anecdotes, the question arises how it is possible that private individuals can keep such predators on their properties.
For two days, the authorities combed the southern outskirts of Berlin in search of a lioness. But in the end it turned out that it was just a wild boar. According to feces and hair samples, suspicion was confirmed. However, some stubborn lion fans have conspiracy theories and believe in a deliberate suspension of the animal by the government.
While the story caused humorous entertainment, I personally support the excessive thematic examination of the actual problem of message: How is it possible that people can keep exotic animals like lions on their private property? It is frightening that this is allowed in Brandenburg, for example, and there are private owners in the state. For me this is scandalous and by no means normal.
In the past, I have repeatedly come across similar stories that left me at a loss. For example, I learned about a monkey that was kept in a plate building apartment. Is that really possible? When it comes to animal protection, I always meet exotic animals. The illegal trade also blooms in this area.
According to the animal welfare organization "Four Paws", the Czech Republic is a hotspot for illegal trade in tigers. An example of this is the Tigerer Charlota, which was recently brought from a zoo to Maßweiler. The animal was confiscated from a private attitude in 2022 and housed in the zoo. Already in 2018 it was revealed that there was a lively trade between Vietnamese tiger dealers and Czech dealers.
I generally wonder what moves people to keep such animals. Do you feel strengthened in your power when you tame wild and threatening animals in a kennel in your own garden? Or do you enjoy yourself when a monkey is in a children's room and is kept far from any species -appropriate conditions? I cannot understand such behavior, because exotic animals belong in the free game and not in private ownership.
According to “Four Paws”,Germany is one of the largest transshipment points for exotic pets worldwide. The trade takes place primarily through online platforms and animal exchanges, whereby prices are often cheap. However, the animal rights activists criticize the lack of advice and education.
The private attitude of wild animals carries high risks for public safety and health, apart from the animal and species protection-related aspects and dangers to domestic biodiversity. The Berliner Löwin has shown which excitement arises when such an attitude gets out of control. Despite all the comedy, we can be happy that in the end it was only a wild boar.
(Florian Thalmann writes about animals every Wednesday in the courier. Contact to the editorial team: wirvonhier@berlinerverlag.com)