A Danish zoo has drawn international attention after asking the public to donate small animals, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and chickens, to serve as food for its predator inhabitants, including European lynx, tigers, polar bears, and lions.
The Zoo in Aalborg, Denmark, shared a call-out post on its Facebook page on Thursday, 31 July, inviting pet owners to donate small healthy pets to the zoo to help feed its carnivorous animals. A link featured in the publication leads to the zoo’s website, where it’s noted that the facility is also interested in receiving horses, however, they are considered under strict conditions such as being under a certain size (maximum of 147 cm at the withers), having valid health documentation, and accompanied by a passport, with donors eligible for tax deductions. According to the website, they accept up to four small animals per visit on weekdays between 10 am and 1 pm, with no appointment required.
The zoo defends the practice as part of its effort to replicate natural feeding behaviours, stating that it’s their responsibility to mimic the animals’ natural food chain and ensure that animals have a healthy, natural and species-appropriate diet — “for the sake of both animal welfare and professional integrity.”
Pets are promised to be “gently euthanised by trained staff” and then used as food. “This way, nothing goes to waste – and we ensure natural behaviour, nutrition and well-being of our predators,” the zoo said.
This initiative, however, has drawn significant public backlash. Across social media platforms, commenters criticised the notion of surrendering healthy pets to be used as food. Others, including some animal experts and local proponents, see the program as a practical and humane alternative to abandonment or shelter overcapacity.
Despite the backlash, the zoo says that the practice is long-standing and regulated, as Danish animal welfare rules permit zoos to accept animal donations under strict conditions. As of now, the zoo has not commented publicly in response to the criticism, but the debate has highlighted a broader discussion around ethical feeding practices in zoos and the role of transparency in animal care.
