The Hippo: Uh, does this guy knows that I'm not a carnivore?
The Lion: Yet you're the most dangerous one here, so shut up.

Yeah, no, it's not. The author originally came up with the idea way the frick back in middle school (mainly Legosis character) and later starting drawing the manga. It's just kinda coincidence (I guess) that Beastars came out the same year as Zootopia, so unless you've read the interview with the author (I can't remember her name), I can see why anyone would think that. I just didn't think that because I've never seen Zootopia, ever. Sorry if any of this came off as condescending.