Marius: An Innocent Giraffe Slaughtered and Fed to the Lions Den...literally!

Twitter users have gone on a rampage this week after a shocking turn of events in Copenhagen, Denmark.

©Photograph: Keld Navntoft/AFP/Getty Images

Marius, just 18 months old was a perfectly healthy giraffe bred in Copenhagen zoo, but officials claimed he was unsuitable for breeding due to his common genes. Thus Copenhagen zoo decided the best option was to euthanise the giraffe in front of onlookers.

©Peter Hove Olesen/AP Photo

Marius was shot in the head and then cut open, with vets performing an autopsy before slicing up the carcus to feed to the lions. This horrifying sight was seen by groups of children; not exactly something you expect to witness when visiting a zoo.

Despite other zoos' offers of a new home and online petitions with over 20,000 signatures, the zoo's scientific director, Bengt Holst went ahead with their decision.

This news has caused outrage, with twitter users venting their opinionhttps://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1531719641132117039#editor/target=post;postID=3254003062049926188s:

Julie Parry tweeted:

"Why would you take your kids to watch this? Why would you watch this? Shame on you!!! Show some respect! #Marius"

Moira Wilson tweeted:

"Barbaric - dreadful enough murdering a healthy giraffe - but inviting spectators to watch -vile #CopenhagenZoo"

After this sad event, animal rights groups have taken a stand, protesting outside the entrance of Copenhagen zoo. An online petition has also emerged, demanding the resignation of Bengt Holst with only 5,000 more signatures needed.