Danish zoo calls for pet donations to feed predators but draws criticism

A zoo in Denmark has drawn public attention after announcing that it accepts donations of small domestic animals — including rabbits, guinea pigs, and chickens — to feed its carnivores, such as the Eurasian lynx.

In a post shared on Instagram, Aalborg Zoo said these animals form a key part of the diet for its predators, especially the lynx, which prefers prey that resembles what it would hunt in the wild.

“If you have a healthy animal that needs to be rehomed for any reason, you can donate it to us,” the zoo said. Donated animals will be “gently put to sleep by trained staff” before being used as food. The post added: “This way, nothing is wasted and we support our predators’ natural behaviour, diet, and welfare.”

The zoo’s website also mentions that live horses may be donated for the same purpose. Horses under 147 cm in height that are in good health may be eligible for a tax deduction based on their value.

The announcement has provoked widespread outrage on social media, where many users have condemned the move as unethical and insensitive towards companion animals.

Dominic Dyer, a well-known wildlife protection and animal welfare campaigner, criticised Aalborg Zoo’s recent call for unwanted pets as “a dangerous publicity stunt” that could lead to animal cruelty.

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