World Zoothanasia Day is observed worldwide every February 9 to highlight the unethical killing of animals in zoos and to honor those animals whose lives were cut short. Established by Dr. Marc Bekoff and In Defense of Animals (IDA), the day commemorates the death of Packy the elephant, who was euthanized in 2017 despite being active and showing no signs of pain. The term "zoothanasia" combines "zoo" and "euthanasia," but it refers to the culling of animals that are not terminally ill or old, often to make space for younger, more desirable animals. It is estimated that between 3,000 and 5,000 animals are culled annually in European zoos alone. Observances include a minute of silence at noon in memory of the victims of zoothanasia and rallies at zoos to advocate for ethical treatment of animals.