Zoo Asks Public to Donate Unwanted Pets to Feed Predators

Aalborg Zoo in Denmark is making headlines after issuing an unusual request to the public: donate your unwanted, healthy pets to feed the zoo’s carnivores.

The appeal is part of the zoo’s mission to mimic the natural food chain for its predators, the BBC reports.

Rabbits, Chickens, and Guinea Pigs on the Menu

In a post on Instagram, Aalborg Zoo specified it is seeking live donations of rabbits, chickens, and guinea pigs.

These animals, the zoo explains, will be “gently euthanized” by qualified staff and used to feed predators such as the Eurasian lynx.

According to the zoo, small prey like these are essential for the lynx’s diet, as they replicate the type of food the animals would hunt in the wild.

Horses Can Also Be Donated—With a Tax Benefit

In addition to small animals, the zoo is also accepting donations of live horses.

Owners who meet the conditions—such as presenting a horse passport and confirming the animal has not been treated for illness in the past 30 days—can benefit from a tax deduction for their contribution.

Feeding Predators the Natural Way

Deputy Director Pia Nielsen emphasized that providing whole prey is essential to maintaining the animals’ natural behavior, nutrition, and overall well-being.

“When raising carnivores, it is necessary to provide them with meat, preferably with fur, bones, etc., to ensure they have a diet as natural as possible,” Nielsen explained, as cited by Digi24.

The zoo says this method has been used for years and that many guests and partners appreciate being able to contribute in this way.

Small Animal Donations Without Appointment

For those interested in donating smaller animals, the zoo allows drop-offs on weekdays without an appointment, although there is a limit of four animals per visit.

The zoo clarifies that all animals must be healthy at the time of donation.

Public Reaction

While Aalborg Zoo insists the practice is humane and beneficial for the animals’ welfare, the initiative has stirred a debate on social media.

Critics question whether it’s ethical to encourage pet owners to give up their animals for feeding purposes, even if the zoo follows strict euthanasia protocols.

A Common Practice in Denmark

Despite the controversy, zoo officials stress that using donated animals as feed is not new in Denmark.

“This is a common practice, and we have been feeding our carnivores in this way for many years,” Pia Nielsen reiterated.

Promoting Natural Behaviors in Captivity

The zoo maintains that feeding whole prey items—rather than only butchered meat—stimulates natural hunting and eating behaviors.

This approach, they argue, enhances the physical and psychological well-being of their carnivores, which include lions and tigers, alongside the lynx.

“Nothing Is Wasted”

By accepting animals that might otherwise be euthanized or abandoned, Aalborg Zoo believes it is offering a more sustainable alternative.

“Nothing is wasted,” the zoo said in its appeal, framing the initiative as an ethical solution that serves both animal welfare and environmental responsibility.