A zoo in northern Denmark has drawn both criticism and support after publicly appealing for donations of small pets – such as chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs – to be “gently euthanised” and used as food for its carnivorous residents.
Aalborg Zoo, located in Jutland, announced the initiative via social media, encouraging pet owners to consider donating healthy animals that need to be put down for various reasons. The aim, according to the zoo, is to mimic natural feeding behaviours and support predator welfare in captivity.
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“Chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs form an important part of the diet of our predators,” the zoo stated, alongside an image of a lynx mid-snarl. “Especially the European lynx, which needs whole prey that resembles what it would naturally hunt in the wild.”
The zoo emphasised that all animals would be handled humanely, with trained staff carrying out the euthanasia process. “Nothing goes to waste,” the statement continued, claiming the initiative upholds both animal welfare and professional integrity.
Larger animals, such as horses, are also welcome, the zoo added. “Our needs vary throughout the year and there may be a waiting list,” it said. Donated horses must come with a valid equine passport, and owners may be eligible for a tax deduction based on the animal’s weight.
The appeal has generated a mixed response online. Some users expressed horror, describing the initiative as “a sick invention”. Others offered measured support, sharing personal experiences of donating animals to the zoo in what they described as peaceful and respectful circumstances. “I took a horse to the zoo a few years ago,” wrote one supporter. “It was the most peaceful and calm way it happened.”
Pia Nielsen, the zoo’s deputy director, defended the practice. “For many years at Aalborg Zoo, we have fed our carnivores with smaller livestock. When keeping carnivores, it is necessary to provide them with meat – preferably with fur, bones, and other parts – to give them as natural a diet as possible.”
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She added that in Denmark, the use of donated livestock in this way is relatively common. “Many of our guests and partners appreciate the opportunity to contribute.” A dedicated webpage – fronted by an image of a tiger eating raw meat – outlines further details of the programme and how to participate.
The timing of the announcement coincides with renewed debate over zoo ethics across Europe. Last week, Nuremberg Zoo in Germany came under fire after culling 12 healthy Guinea baboons due to overcrowding – a move that sparked protests, including one demonstrator who glued her hands to the pavement outside the zoo entrance. Reports claimed the baboons were fed to lions in full view of the public, prompting widespread condemnation.
The controversy surrounding Aalborg Zoo raises difficult questions about the balance between animal welfare, naturalistic feeding practices, and public sensibilities. While the zoo maintains that its policy is both ethical and necessary, reactions from the wider public reveal that not everyone agrees.
