The Aalborg Zoo in northern Denmark is facing backlash after requesting pet owners to donate unwanted animals, such as guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, and even small horses, to feed their carnivorous predators. The zoo stated in a Facebook post that this initiative aims to mimic the natural food chain and ensure the well-being of their predators, including Asiatic lions, European lynxes, and Sumatran tigers.
The zoo's deputy director, Pia Nielsen, explained that this practice has been in place for years and is common in Denmark. She emphasized that feeding the predators whole prey, including fur and bones, provides them with a more natural diet. The zoo assures that all donated animals will be "gently euthanized" by trained staff before being used as food.
The request has sparked significant controversy online, with some people protesting the idea of turning pets into prey, while others support the zoo's efforts to maintain natural feeding behaviors. The zoo has closed comments on its Instagram post due to the heated debate.
The practice of using donated animals as food is not new to Denmark. In 2014, the Copenhagen Zoo faced criticism for euthanizing a healthy giraffe named Marius to prevent inbreeding, using its carcass to feed other zoo animals. Despite the controversy, Nielsen maintains that such practices are essential for the zoo's carnivores and are appreciated by many guests and partners.