A zoo in northern Denmark has stirred controversy after appealing to the public to donate unwanted pets... Not for exhibition, but as meals for its carnivorous animals.
Aalborg Zoo recently posted on Facebook, asking for animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, and even small horses. The goal? To support what it describes as a more natural, sustainable way to feed its predators.
"Chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs are an important part of our carnivores’ diet,” the zoo explained in the post, which was accompanied by a photo of a snarling lynx. “By mimicking the natural food chain, we ensure proper nutrition, promote natural behaviors, and reduce waste.”
According to the zoo’s website, donated animals are “gently euthanized” by trained staff before being prepared as food. Carnivores at Aalborg Zoo include the Asiatic lion, Sumatran tiger, and European lynx; species that, in the wild, would feed on whole prey.
The request has ignited passionate reactions online. Some animal lovers expressed outrage at the idea of domestic pets being turned into food, while others praised the zoo for embracing an ecologically sound approach to feeding predators.
Pia Nielsen, deputy director of Aalborg Zoo, responded to the discussion in an emailed statement, clarifying that the practice is neither new nor unusual in Denmark.
“For many years, we have fed our carnivores using smaller livestock,” she said, via the BBC. “Meat with fur, bones, and other natural elements is essential to their health and well-being. It's part of providing them with a diet that reflects what they’d consume in the wild.”
Nielsen also noted that donating animals that need to be euthanized anyway helps avoid waste. “It’s a way for these animals to serve a purpose, and many of our guests and partners see it as a meaningful contribution,” she added.
Though the practice may seem jarring to some, it reflects a long-standing tradition in Danish zoos of prioritizing ecological balance and realism in animal care.
This isn’t the first time Denmark’s zoos have made headlines for their handling of animal populations. In 2014, the Copenhagen Zoo euthanized a young giraffe named Marius to prevent inbreeding, despite public protest and a petition, The Guardian reported at the time. His body was later used for scientific research and as food for zoo predators.
Shortly after, the same zoo faced renewed backlash when it euthanized four lions to make space for a new male intended to breed, CNN detailed.
While the ethics of such practices remain controversial, Aalborg Zoo maintains that the approach supports both animal welfare and environmental responsibility.