Denmark Zoo Seeks Unwanted Pets for Predators’ Diets
A zoo in northern Denmark is urging pet owners to donate unwanted animals, including guinea pigs, rabbits, and chickens, to feed its carnivorous predators. The Aalborg Zoo announced on Facebook that this initiative aims to mimic the natural food chain, stating that these animals are a vital part of the diet for their predators. The post featured a striking image of a lynx, showcasing the zoo’s commitment to providing a natural environment for its inhabitants.
In its message, the zoo emphasized that the donations would not go to waste. “By utilizing these animals, we ensure natural behavior, nutrition, and well-being for our predators,” the post explained. According to the zoo’s website, animals donated will be “gently euthanized” by trained staff before being served as food. The Aalborg Zoo is home to several carnivorous species, including the Asiatic lion, European lynx, and Sumatran tiger.
Controversy surrounding this practice has ignited a lively debate online. Some individuals strongly oppose the idea of converting pets into prey, while others support the zoo’s efforts to maintain natural feeding behaviors among its animals. In a statement shared with The Guardian, Pia Nielsen, the deputy director of Aalborg Zoo, defended the initiative. She noted that it has been a common practice in Denmark for years.
“For many years at Aalborg Zoo, we have fed our carnivores with smaller livestock,” Nielsen stated. “When keeping carnivores, it is necessary to provide them with meat, preferably with fur, bones, etc., to give them as natural a diet as possible.” She added that it makes sense to allow animals that need to be euthanized for various reasons to serve a purpose in this manner.
Many visitors and partners of the zoo appreciate the opportunity to contribute to this initiative, as the livestock received through donations typically includes chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, and even small horses.
The practice of using unwanted animals as food for zoo predators is not without precedent in Denmark. In 2014, the Copenhagen Zoo faced backlash when it euthanized a healthy young giraffe named Marius to prevent inbreeding. Despite a petition attempting to halt the action, Marius’s carcass was used for research purposes and as food for the zoo’s carnivores, which included lions, tigers, and leopards. The situation worsened weeks later when the zoo euthanized four lions to make way for a new male, aiming to breed a new generation.
The Aalborg Zoo’s current initiative has sparked renewed interest in the ethical considerations surrounding animal care and management in zoos. It raises important questions about the balance between animal welfare and the natural behaviors that zoos strive to replicate.
As discussions continue, the zoo has not yet responded to requests for further comments on the unfolding situation.
