# Zagreb Zoo lion breeding controversy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/zagreb-zoo-lion-breeding-controversy
> Updated: 2026-08-04T10:56:46.000Z. Sources: 33. Developments: 3.

In late July 2026 a male lion named Uganda, recently transferred from France, attacked and killed the female lion Tayri, a year‑older lioness from Hungary, at Zagreb Zoo. The incident occurred in the outdoor enclosure shortly after the pair had been introduced as part of a European breeding programme for the endangered northern African lion. Zoo officials secured the area and announced an external investigation, while the animal‑rights group Prijatelji životinja blamed the tragedy on captive‑breeding practices.

Following the death, Prijatelji životinja submitted a formal request to the Zagreb City Council demanding an end to public subsidies for animal acquisition, breeding and exchange at the zoo. The group highlighted that roughly 75 % of the zoo’s operating budget comes from the city, argued that captive breeding does not aid wild‑population conservation, and proposed redirecting funds to genuine wildlife protection, charging full ticket prices and converting the zoo into an educational and scientific centre without captive animals.

The request was reiterated on 3 August, reinforcing the funding figures and the call for a subsidy halt. Meanwhile, public outrage grew as witnesses described the male lion’s aggressive behaviour before the attack. A petition launched on 4 August called for the removal of zoo director Ivan Cizelj, criticizing the enclosure’s safety despite the director’s defence that it met EAZA standards and that sedation would not act quickly enough. The petition also urged a boycott of the zoo.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-04: Zagreb Zoo lion kills female lion, prompting calls to remove director

A Ugandan male lion killed lioness Tayri at Zagreb Zoo in July, leading to public outcry, a petition to oust director Ivan Cizelj, and criticism of zoo safety.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zagreb-zoo-lion-kills-female-lion-prompting-calls-to-remove-director

### 2026-08-03: Zagreb City Council urged to stop public funding of lion breeding after death of lioness Tayri

Friends of Animals asked Zagreb to stop public funding of lion breeding after lioness Tayri’s death, citing 75% city financing and urging visitors to pay full tickets.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zagreb-city-council-urged-to-stop-public-funding-of-lion-breeding-after-death-of-lioness-tayri

### 2026-07-29: Zagreb Zoo lioness Tayri killed by male lion Uganda

Male lion Uganda killed female lion Tayri at Zagreb Zoo; both were part of a European breeding programme for endangered African lions.

30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zagreb-zoo-male-lion-uganda-kills-female-companion-tayri

---
Cite as: Zagreb Zoo lion breeding controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/zagreb-zoo-lion-breeding-controversy