A zoo in Denmark, Aalborg Zoo, has sparked controversy by asking pet owners to donate their animal companions, including guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, and even small horses, to feed its predators. The zoo claims that this practice mimics the natural food chain, ensuring the well-being of its predators by providing whole prey.
The zoo’s website outlines the process for donating animals, stating that certain conditions must be met, such as the animal not having recently been treated for an illness. Donations are accepted during weekdays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., but no more than four at a time.
However, the proposal has drawn swift backlash from animal welfare organizations and critics, who consider it inhumane to feed pets to animals kept in captivity. One commenter described the practice as “a terrible trend of indifference with animals in Denmark,” while others praised the initiative, requesting more details on how to donate their animals.
This is not the first time Denmark’s zoos have faced criticism for their approach to euthanasia and animal management. In 2014, Copenhagen Zoo euthanized a healthy giraffe named Marius due to genetic concerns and fed its remains to big cats. The incident sparked an outcry from animal rights activists but reflects a philosophical divide between transatlantic zoo management.
The Aalborg Zoo’s request has raised questions about the ethics of using pets as food for animals in captivity, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in zoological institutions.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/04/science/zoos-denmark-food-pets.html