Denmark Zoo Seeks Donations of Pets to Feed Predators

A zoo in northern Denmark is encouraging pet owners to donate unwanted animals, including guinea pigs, rabbits, and chickens, to feed its predators. The initiative by the Aalborg Zoo aims to replicate the natural food chain for its carnivorous residents, which include the Asiatic lion, European lynx, and Sumatran tiger.

In a recent Facebook post, the zoo outlined its rationale, stating that “chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs form an important part of the diet of our predators.” The post featured a striking image of a lynx, emphasizing the zoo’s commitment to ensuring that nothing goes to waste while promoting natural behavior, nutrition, and well-being among its animals.

To clarify, the zoo stated that any donated animals will be “gently euthanized” by trained staff prior to being served as food. This practice is designed to provide the zoo’s carnivores with a diet that mimics their natural eating habits.

The announcement has sparked considerable debate online, with some individuals opposing the notion of turning pets into prey, while others support the zoo’s efforts to maintain authentic feeding behaviors among its predators.

In a statement to The Guardian, Pia Nielsen, the deputy director of Aalborg Zoo, explained that this initiative has been a long-standing practice in Denmark. “For many years at Aalborg Zoo, we have fed our carnivores with smaller livestock,” she said. Nielsen further emphasized the necessity of providing a diet that includes meat with fur and bones to ensure the animals receive the most natural nutrition possible.

“This practice is common in Denmark, and many of our guests and partners appreciate the opportunity to contribute,” she added, noting that the livestock donations typically include chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, and even small horses.

The issue of animal feeding practices in Danish zoos has previously drawn scrutiny. In 2014, the Copenhagen Zoo faced significant backlash after it euthanized a healthy young giraffe named Marius to prevent inbreeding, despite public petitions to spare the animal. Marius’s carcass was subsequently used for research and to feed the zoo’s carnivores, including lions, tigers, and leopards.

The controversy intensified when, shortly after Marius’s euthanasia, the zoo put down four lions to make room for a new male, hoping to breed a new generation of cubs.

As the Aalborg Zoo continues its initiative, it remains to be seen how the public will react and whether the practice will evolve in light of ongoing discussions about animal welfare and ethics in zoos.