COPENHAGEN, Denmark — A zoo in Denmark has ignited international attention — and controversy — after publicly asking people to donate their small pets to be used as food for captive predators.
In a bold and unapologetic Facebook post, Aalborg Zoo, located in northern Denmark, said it is seeking donations of animals such as guinea pigs, rabbits, and chickens — and even horses — in an effort to recreate a more natural food chain for its carnivorous residents. The zoo says this is being done “for the sake of both animal welfare and professional integrity.”
The post explains that any donated pets will be “gently euthanized” by trained professionals before being served as food to the zoo’s predators. A striking image of a wildcat baring its teeth, mouth wide open, accompanied the post — driving home the reality of nature’s raw, unfiltered cycle.
“If you have a healthy animal that needs to be given away for various reasons, feel free to donate it to us,” the zoo wrote.
According to zoo officials, the practice ensures nothing goes to waste and promotes the natural behavior, nutrition, and overall well-being of its predators. “This approach reflects the wild reality,” the zoo said. “Feeding live or recently euthanized whole prey is more enriching and beneficial than commercial alternatives.”
The zoo’s request comes with strict guidelines. Only healthy animals are accepted, and there’s no indication that common household pets such as dogs or cats are included in the program.
Still, the idea of turning beloved pets into predator food has sparked strong reactions online. Some praised the zoo for its honesty and commitment to animal welfare in captivity, while others found the idea disturbing.
Despite the uproar, Aalborg Zoo stood firm in its approach, emphasizing that this is about respecting natural instincts and ecological balance within the zoo environment.
For those interested, the zoo’s website contains more information about the donation process — though it remains unclear how many animals, if any, have already been contributed.
The concept may seem harsh to some, but for Aalborg Zoo, it’s simply nature, unfiltered.
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