How many animals does a Swiss eat in his/her lifetime?

Answer: 8 cows, 33 pigs, 720 chickens, 6 sheep, 2 goats, 25 rabbits, 4 deer, and 390 fish. This “culinary” zoo was available for viewing in the Bürkli-Square in Zurich as food for thought on World Animal Protection Day (4 October).



Children, youngsters, adults and families were invited to come and see the animals, enjoy their liveliness and thereby experience an unusual piece of nature in the centre of a big city. The sensory contact with the animals was designed to make people think, and possibly even empathise with the animals.



The event aimed to make the living beings that end up on plates as sausages, hamburgers and roasts (among other things) visible at least once, and certainly in this form for the first time. The animals shown stood for the millions of creatures who give their lives annually for a brief moment of culinary enjoyment.

The action, organised by “Aktion zum Welttierschutztag” and supported among others by the Swiss Vegetarian Union, was a huge success and met with a wide response. A business woman, known personally by the organiser for several years, met a common friend the day after the event. She spoke about it, and he asked her if she was also vegetarian. “Since yesterday” she replied, clearly moved by what she had seen.

An old lady stood next to the chicken enclosure. One of the helpers who was looking after the chickens, told her that they are the chickens that every Swiss eats. To which she replied “they look so lovely….. and are slaughtered for us….” and began to cry.

The media also reported the event, with various radio stations, TV channels and newspaper running articles on the action.

In addition, the freedom of 25 rabbits was bought, and wonderful homes arranged for them. 9 chickens were also bought freedom and ensured a home until the end of their lives (most likely another 15 years, rather than the 4 months they would otherwise survive before being slaughtered).



Illustration can be thought-provoking. When people see before them what they would normally consume anonymously, they are upset. This event created exactly that thoughtfulness, and brought about exactly that consternation.


The event was organised by Andi Wolf, Initiator „Aktion Welttierschutztag“. More information can be found on the internet under:
www.welttierschutztag.org and www.vegetarismus.ch/wtt (both in German)