Danish Zoo Seeks Unwanted Pets as Predator Feast Solution

A Danish zoo has launched an initiative soliciting healthy unwanted pets from the public to sustain its carnivorous residents.

In a distinctive approach to animal care, Aalborg Zoo in Denmark has made a public appeal for donations of healthy, unwanted pets to support its carnivore diet. The zoo specifically seeks live chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs, stating that these animals are "gently euthanised" by trained professionals. Additionally, the zoo accepts live horses, which can also provide a tax break for their owners.

The zoo highlighted on Instagram that it holds the moral responsibility of mirroring the natural food chain necessary for its predators, which include species such as the Eurasian lynx, lions, and tigers. According to Aalborg Zoo, offering livestock as food sources reflects the natural hunting behaviors of these animals in the wild.

Donations of smaller animals are accepted on weekdays, allowing up to four pets at a time and do not require an appointment. The criteria for donating horses are outlined on the zoo's website, which mandates a valid horse passport and a health status free from treatment for illness within the past 30 days. Horse owners participating in this program can enjoy tax deductions for their contribution.

Pia Nielsen, the zoo’s deputy director, emphasized the importance of providing a natural dietary structure for the zoo's carnivores. She mentioned that they have relied on smaller livestock for years to ensure a diet that includes meat with fur, bones, and other recognizable elements of a wild diet. "This practice is quite common in Denmark, and many of our guests and partners appreciate the chance to participate by donating livestock," she added.

Recent controversies regarding animal welfare in zoos have prompted scrutiny, yet Aalborg Zoo continues to promote this donation initiative to benefit its carnivorous animals.