A zoo in Denmark has asked the public to donate healthy but unwanted pets as part of a unique initiative to feed its carnivorous animals.
Aalborg Zoo is seeking donations of live animals such as chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs—and is also open to receiving live horses.
According to the zoo, the donated animals are “gently euthanised” by trained staff before being used as food. They believe this method helps mimic what wild animals would eat in nature.
For example, animals like the Eurasian lynx, tigers, and lions are fed meat that resembles their natural diet, including bones and fur.
The zoo shared this information on its Instagram page and website, saying it has a responsibility to care for its animals in a way that feels natural. Smaller animals such as rabbits and chickens are a big part of what predators eat in the wild. By accepting these animals, the zoo hopes to feed its carnivores in a healthier and more natural way.
People can bring in small animals during weekdays, but there is a limit. No more than four animals can be donated at once unless you book an appointment in advance.
For horses, the process is more detailed. Horses must come with an official passport and should not have been sick or treated for illness in the last 30 days. If all conditions are met, the owners may even receive a tax deduction for donating their horse.
Pia Nielsen, the deputy director of Aalborg Zoo, explained to the media that feeding predators with whole animals is not new.
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“We’ve been doing this for many years,” she said. “Carnivores need to eat meat, and it’s best when they also get bones and fur. This helps them stay healthy, both physically and mentally.”
She added that in Denmark, this practice is quite common and has support of many zoo visitors and local partners. The goal is not just to feed the animals but to give them food that keeps them active and engaged, just like in the wild.
This announcement comes shortly after a controversy in Germany. A zoo in Nuremberg caused public outrage when it killed 12 healthy Guinea baboons due to overcrowding. Reports claimed the animals were then fed to lions in front of visitors. One protestor even glued her hands to the ground near the zoo in protest.
Aalborg Zoo, however, says its approach is thoughtful and respectful. They do not kill the animals in a public view. And, they claim the process is in hands of very trained staff, which is a more responsible way to manage unwanted pets while supporting the health of their predators.