A Danish zoo has come under fire after openly inviting the public to donate aging or unwanted pets and livestock — from rabbits and chickens to small horses — to feed its lions, tigers, lynxes, and other predators.
The Aalborg Zoo’s Facebook post from 31 July quickly ignited an international backlash, with critics calling the practice cruel and “absolutely unacceptable.” But zookeepers insist the approach is natural, sustainable, and nothing new.
Zoo Defends Practice as “Natural”
Responding to the uproar, chief zoologist Anette Sofie Warncke Nutzhorn told Danish broadcaster TV 2: “There’s nothing new in it. We’ve always done it, and we see it as very natural. And we don’t take in dogs and cats.”
Zoo officials stressed that animals are put down humanely before being used as food, adding that whole prey diets are better for predator health, behaviour, and nutrition. “Nothing goes to waste,” the zoo explained, noting that donations vary throughout the year and may even be subject to waiting lists.
Inside the Feeding Program
Zoologist Thea Loumand Faddersbøll showed local reporters the zoo’s refrigeration room, where carcasses are stored. “This year we have been so lucky to get a lynx cub,” she said, explaining that its mother now requires more food.
According to the zoo’s website, livestock such as horses must meet strict conditions — including being free of recent illnesses — before they can be accepted. Rabbits, guinea pigs, and chickens can be dropped off on weekdays in limited numbers.
Mixed Reactions at Home and Abroad
While many international observers reacted with disgust, some Danes supported the move. “It is a good idea. The other animals need food, too,” visitor Trine Lauridsen said. Others on social media echoed that sentiment, calling it an environmentally responsible way to say goodbye to pets.
But animal rights activists online blasted the practice as a sign of “indifference with animals in Denmark.” Some drew comparisons to the 2014 Copenhagen Zoo controversy, when a young giraffe named Marius was euthanized and dissected publicly before his remains were fed to lions.
A Divisive Tradition
European zoos have long faced criticism for their more pragmatic approach to animal management compared to their American counterparts, which often rely on contraception rather than euthanasia. Aalborg Zoo maintains that its feeding program not only mirrors the natural food chain but also prevents unnecessary waste.
For supporters, the initiative gives beloved but ailing pets a “final purpose.” For opponents, it crosses an ethical line that blurs the boundary between companionship and consumption.
As the debate intensifies, Aalborg Zoo appears unshaken. “We have fed our carnivores with smaller livestock for many years,” spokeswoman Pia Nielsen said. “Many of our guests and partners appreciate the opportunity to contribute.”
Watch a video here:
@cgtneurope A zoo in Denmark is asking for donations of healthy pets as food for its predators. The Aalborg Zoo said it is trying to mimic the natural food chain of the animals housed there “for the sake of both animal welfare and professional integrity” and offers assurances the pets will be “gently euthanized” by trained staff. The zoo suggests guinea pigs, rabbits and chickens as possible donations – but is also interested in receiving horses. #pet #zoo #predator
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