A zoo in Denmark has caused international debate after issuing a public call for donations of unwanted pets — such as rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, and even ponies — to be used as food for its predators. According to zoo officials, the initiative aims to simulate a natural food chain and promote species-appropriate animal welfare. This was reported by G.Business, citing Aalborg Zoo’s official Facebook statement and information provided by CNN.

Animals as prey: What the zoo is asking for

In a Facebook post dated July 31, 2025, Aalborg Zoo stated:

“Chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs are an important part of the diet for our predators – especially the Eurasian lynx, which needs whole prey resembling what it would hunt in the wild.”

The zoo stressed that animals are euthanized humanely by trained personnel before being used as feed, ensuring they do not suffer.

“In zoological institutions, we have a responsibility to replicate the animals’ natural food chain – for both welfare and professional integrity,” the post continues.

Full donation guidelines are available on the zoo’s website: aalborgzoo.dk/stoet-zoo/donation-af-dyr-til-fode

Predators involved

Among the predators at Aalborg Zoo that would receive the donated animals as part of their diet are:

  • The Asiatic lion
  • The Sumatran tiger
  • The Eurasian lynx

These species require a diet that includes fur, bones, and organs to encourage natural behaviors and maintain their health.

Predators involved

The zoo’s appeal has sparked heated discussions on social media. Some users expressed outrage at the idea of using once-domestic animals as prey, while others praised the zoo’s transparency and commitment to naturalistic care for its predators.

Zoo leadership responds

Pia Nielsen, the deputy director of Aalborg Zoo, emphasized that this practice has been in place for years and is common in Danish zoos:

“For many years, we’ve fed our predators smaller livestock. When you keep carnivores, you must provide meat – ideally with fur, bones, and everything that comes with it. It makes sense to allow animals that must be euthanized for various reasons to serve a useful purpose in this way,” she told CNN.

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