Aalborg Zoo in Denmark has issued a public appeal for donations of healthy small pets, including chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs, to be euthanised and fed to its predators. The zoo stated that these animals are needed to mimic the natural food chain and ensure the welfare of carnivores like the European lynx.
In a social media post, the zoo explained that donated animals would be gently euthanised by trained staff and used as whole prey. It also welcomed live horses, which would be slaughtered for food, provided they have a horse passport and offer a tax deduction opportunity based on the animal's weight.
The appeal has drawn mixed reactions, with some critics calling it a 'sick invention', while supporters praised the practice as a peaceful end for pets. Pia Nielsen, deputy director of Aalborg Zoo, noted that feeding carnivores with livestock is common in Denmark and appreciated by many guests and partners.
The zoo emphasised that nothing goes to waste, and the scheme promotes natural behaviour and nutrition for its predators. This follows a similar controversy in Nuremberg, Germany, where a zoo culled 12 healthy baboons and fed them to lions, sparking protests.
