Denmark zoo puts out call for healthy unwanted pets to feed to its lions and tigers

A Danish zoo has issued a public appeal for owners of healthy, unwanted pets to donate them to its facility to feed predators such as lions and tigers. It is asking for live chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs, which will be “gently euthanized by trained personnel” and then used as fodder, mimicking their behavior in the wild. They are also accepting donations of live horses, for which owners may be eligible for a possible tax deduction.

Chickens, guinea pigs, and rabbits are an important part of the predators’ diet, they clarify, “especially the European lynx, which requires whole prey, reminiscent of what it would hunt in the wild.” “In zoos, we have a responsibility to mimic the natural food chain of animals, both in terms of animal welfare and professional integrity,” they add. “If you have a healthy animal that, for various reasons, you can no longer care for, feel free to donate it to us. That way, nothing goes to waste — and we ensure the natural behavior, nutrition, and well-being of our predators,” they add.

The petition has sparked considerable controversy, and the center, located in Aalborg, has decided to close the Instagram post to comments. “We understand that the post sparks feelings and interest, but hateful and malicious rhetoric is unnecessary — and we urge you to maintain a positive attitude,” they explain.

On their website, they explain that no more than four animals are accepted at a time and provide information on the opening hours. Regarding horses, they advise that they must not exceed 147 centimeters at the withers and must be in adequate condition for transport and have been treated for any illnesses within at least the last 30 days, in addition to having an equine passport.

Pia Nielsen, the zoo’s deputy director, notes in a statement that Aalborg Zoo has been feeding its carnivores this way for “many years.” “It’s necessary to feed them meat, preferably with fur, bones, etc., to provide them with the most natural diet possible,” she notes. She also states that in Denmark, “this practice is common, and many of our guests and partners appreciate the opportunity to contribute. The livestock we receive as donations are chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, and horses,” she points out.

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