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This paper applies securitization theory in order to unpack how competing securitizing actors seek to represent the mid-December 2022 chimpanzee shooting in Furuvik Zoo, Sweden. The single-case study identifies a research gap, noting that the zoo setting has likely never before been explored through the lens of securitization. By highlighting a case of negative human-animal relations pertaining to remote euthanasia by firearm of escaped zoo apes, this essay contributes to and expands upon the existing research within the Animal-Security Nexus. The empirical research material comprises a range of publicly available communication, for instance news reports, press releases, official documents, investigations, documentaries, and website texts. The study employs discourse analysis, Bacchi’s (2009) WPR approach, to reveal discursive mechanisms. The essay uncovers two major discourses related to the Furuvik Zoo incident: human security first by Furuvik Zoo, and animal security matters by the counter-securitizers. Furuvik Zoo represents humans (staff, hotel guests and nearby residents) as the main referent object, facing a lethal threat from the runaway chimpanzees. In doing so, the Zoo seeks to legitimize the measure taken (the shooting) during the incident. Furuvik Zoo also attempts to frame the escape as the real issue as opposed to the shooting, which took place without the required exemption. By contrast, the counter-securitizers represent the Furuvik Zoo chimpanzees as the referent object; not merely exposed to a lethal threat, but actual lethal force, by the Zoo. Some counter-securitizing actors propose the adoption of new policy measures, such as closing down all zoos or banning chimpanzees from Swedish zoos. This thesis argues that Furuvik Zoo successfully managed to securitize the escaped chimpanzees as a threat to human safety, as the Zoo faced no legal consequences from the responsible authorities in the aftermath of the incident. As the counter-securitizers’ securitization attempts failed to gain traction, this study considers it a case of failed securitization. This thesis also indicates that the chimpanzees suffered structural insecurity.