Aalborg Zoo in northern Denmark has issued a public appeal to pet owners, requesting donations of unwanted animals such as guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, and even small horses—not for display, but as food for its carnivorous animals.
In a Facebook post, the zoo clarified the reasoning behind the initiative, stating, “Chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs form an important part of the diet of our predators,” alongside an image of a snarling lynx.
The post emphasized that the effort is designed to “imitate the natural food chain of the animals.”
“That way, nothing goes to waste and we ensure natural behavior, nutrition and well-being of our predators,” it added.
According to information on Aalborg Zoo’s official website, the donated animals are to be “gently euthanized” by trained professionals before being used to feed predators including the Asiatic lion, European lynx, and Sumatran tiger.
The zoo’s appeal has sparked a wave of online responses, with opinions divided. Some users have condemned the practice, particularly the idea of former pets becoming prey, while others have defended the zoo’s commitment to preserving natural feeding behaviors for its carnivores.
Responding to the controversy, Deputy Director of Aalborg Zoo, Pia Nielsen, stated in comments published by The Guardian that this method is neither new nor uncommon.
“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 explained.
“Therefore, it makes sense to allow animals that need to be euthanized for various reasons to be of use in this way.”
She added, “In Denmark, this practice is common, and many of our guests and partners appreciate the opportunity to contribute. The livestock we receive as donations are chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, and horses.”
This is not the first time Danish zoos have come under scrutiny for such practices. In 2014, Copenhagen Zoo faced global backlash after euthanizing a healthy giraffe named Marius to avoid inbreeding. The remains were later used for both research and as food for carnivores.
That same year, further controversy arose when the zoo euthanized four lions to make room for a new male intended to form a breeding pride.
