A zoo in northern Denmark is requesting pet owners to donate their unwanted animals, including guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, and even small horses. This initiative is not aimed at displaying the animals but rather at feeding them to the zoo’s carnivorous predators. Aalborg Zoo announced the request through a Facebook post, stating its intention to “imitate the natural food chain of the animals.”
The post featured an image of a lynx, showcasing the zoo’s commitment to providing a diet that reflects the natural behaviors of its residents. “Chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs form an important part of the diet of our predators,” the zoo noted, emphasizing that this approach helps prevent waste and supports the nutrition and well-being of the animals.
On its official website, Aalborg Zoo explained that the donated animals will be “gently euthanized” by trained staff before being prepared as food. The zoo is home to various carnivorous species, including the Asiatic lion, European lynx, and Sumatran tiger.
Public Response and Ethical Debate
The zoo’s public appeal has sparked vigorous debate online. Some individuals express concern over the ethics of turning pets into prey, while others support the zoo’s efforts to maintain natural feeding habits. In a statement shared with The Guardian, Pia Nielsen, deputy director of Aalborg Zoo, clarified that this practice has been in place for years and is common in Denmark.
“For many years at Aalborg Zoo, we have fed our carnivores with smaller livestock,” Nielsen stated. “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.” She added that allowing euthanized animals to serve a purpose in this way is sensible and beneficial.
Nielsen noted that many visitors and partners appreciate the chance to contribute to the zoo’s feeding practices. The types of livestock received as donations typically include chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, and horses.
Historical Context of Zoo Practices
This is not the first time Danish zoos have faced scrutiny regarding their animal feeding practices and population control measures. In 2014, the Copenhagen Zoo euthanized a healthy young giraffe named Marius to prevent inbreeding, despite public outcry and a petition urging the zoo to reconsider. Marius’s carcass was used partially for research and partly to feed carnivores such as lions, tigers, and leopards.
Weeks later, the zoo drew further criticism when it euthanized four lions to make space for a new male in an attempt to breed a fresh generation of cubs. These actions have raised ongoing questions about ethical practices in animal care and population management in zoos.
Aalborg Zoo’s current initiative has opened up discussions on the balance between wildlife conservation, ethical treatment of animals, and the realities of maintaining a zoo environment. As public interest continues to grow, the zoo remains committed to its mission of providing natural diets for its predators while engaging the community in its feeding practices.