Denmark Zoo Seeks Donations of Unwanted Pets for Predators

A zoo in northern Denmark has launched a controversial initiative asking pet owners to donate their unwanted animals to feed its carnivorous predators. The Aalborg Zoo made the request via a Facebook post, inviting donations of guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, and even small horses to help “imitate the natural food chain” of the animals.

In the post, the zoo emphasized that these animals will not be put on display but will be used to support the diets of species such as the Asiatic lion, European lynx, and Sumatran tiger. “Chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs form an important part of the diet of our predators,” the zoo stated, accompanied by an image of a lynx displaying its sharp teeth. The message highlighted the benefits of this practice, stating, “That way, nothing goes to waste — and we ensure natural behavior, nutrition and well-being of our predators.”

On its official website, Aalborg Zoo clarified that donated animals would be “gently euthanized” by trained staff before being prepared as food. This practice has sparked debate online, with some expressing concern about the ethics of using pets as prey, while others appreciate the zoo’s commitment to maintaining natural feeding behaviors.

Pia Nielsen, the Deputy Director of Aalborg Zoo, explained in a statement to The Guardian that this approach has been in place for years and is standard practice in Denmark. “For many years at Aalborg Zoo, we have fed our carnivores with smaller livestock. When keeping carnivores, it is necessary to provide them with meat, preferably with fur, bones, etc., to give them as natural a diet as possible,” Nielsen said. “Therefore, it makes sense to allow animals that need to be euthanized for various reasons to be of use in this way.”

Nielsen noted that many guests and partners of the zoo value the opportunity to contribute to this process. The livestock received as donations typically includes chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, and horses.

This is not the first instance of Danish zoos facing scrutiny regarding their feeding practices and population control. In 2014, the Copenhagen Zoo euthanized a healthy young giraffe named Marius to prevent inbreeding, despite public outcry and a petition aimed at stopping the action. Marius’s carcass was subsequently used for research and to feed carnivores at the zoo, which also faced criticism when it later euthanized four lions to make room for a new male in hopes of breeding a new generation.

As the Aalborg Zoo continues its call for donations, the response from the public remains mixed, reflecting broader conversations about animal welfare and ethical practices in zoos.