Danish Zoo Seeks Unwanted Pets for Predator Diets

In an innovative initiative, Aalborg Zoo is appealing to the local community to donate healthy pets such as chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs, which will be humanely euthanized by trained staff for feeding their predators. The zoo argues that this practice helps mimic the natural diet of animals like the Eurasian lynx, lions, and tigers, benefiting the health of their residents. Horse donations are also accepted for tax incentives.

The deputy director, Pia Nielsen, emphasized the importance of providing a natural diet, stating that utilizing unwanted animals for food aligns with ethical practices commonly accepted within Danish zoos. The zoo encourages contributions, allowing pet owners to aid in the well-being of both their animals and the zoo's carnivores while keeping the cycle of animal care interlinked.