A zoo in Denmark killed a young giraffe with a bolt gun and fed its meat to the lions Sunday, saying the animal was “unwanted.”

Zoo Kills 'Unwanted' Giraffe Marius, Feeds Carcass To Lions

By Alastair Jamieson

Keld navntoft / EPA, file

Copenhagen Zoo's giraffe Marius seen on Feb. 7.

Copenhagen Zoo said 18-month-old Marius had been euthanized the giraffe to avoid in-breeding

“When breeding success increases it is sometimes necessary to euthanize,” the Scientific Director Bengt Holst said on the zoo's website, acknowledging the decision has led to a “debate.”

Zoo is experiencing a massive debate on facebook about one of our giraffes. In regards to this we would like to... http://t.co/esp6W8k6DR
— Zoologisk Have (@CopenhagenZoo) February 9, 2014

Animal rights campaigners gathered outside the zoo to protest the killing, local media reported.

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