Aalborg Zoo in Denmark asked people on social media to donate their unwanted pets and horses to feed their predators. However, it prompted a furious fallout from across the globe
A Danish zoo, which caused international outrage after asking the public to donate their unwanted “healthy pets” for predators, has defended its actions, stating that the animals need “fur and bones.”
Aalborg Zoo in North Jutland posted a plea on social media for live rabbits, chickens, and guinea pigs to be donated, which its trained staff would “gently euthanise”.
The zoo explained that these animals are “an important part of the diet of our predators – especially the European lynx, which needs whole prey that resembles what it would naturally hunt in the wild.”
Aalborg Zoo, which is home to 1,500 animals belonging to 126 species, also sought donations of live horses under 147cm tall with a pet passport. Furthermore, it mentioned that if pet owners need to rehome animals “for various reasons”, they could bring up to four small species at a time. It comes as a millionaire hunter was gored to death by ‘Black Death’ buffalo he was trying to kill.
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The zoo’s statement read: “In zoos, we have a responsibility to imitate the animals’ natural food chain – for the sake of both animal welfare and professional integrity,” adding, “Nothing goes to waste – and we ensure natural behaviour, nutrition and well-being of our predators.”
Pet owner Kristina Meincke recounted her experience of surrendering her rabbit, which was then humanely put down and served as food for the carnivores. She commended the zoo for the “super nice” process.
Her feedback was positive, writing on social media: “This is such a fine arrangement. I have delivered a rabbit to you, and it was a super nice and professional experience.”
Despite this, the zoo’s social media call-out went viral, attracting thousands of comments from around the world, with numerous pet owners expressing outrage over the request.
The zoo, which has 375,000 visitors each year, had to shut down comments and restrict interactions due to the onslaught of criticism.
Pia Nielsen, the zoo’s deputy director, was compelled to justify the appeal, stating it was “necessary” to supply the animals with “meat, preferably with fur and bones.”
She told The Mirror: “At Aalborg Zoo, we have always had various carnivores. Carnivores represent an important and diverse group of animals in nature. They fill a central niche in ecosystems and play a crucial role in the balance of nature. At the same time, predators evoke both fascination and curiosity – and help communicate important messages about the connections in nature and biodiversity.
“We have both large and small carnivores in Aalborg. We place great emphasis on the animals’ health. We monitor them daily, have daily veterinary checks, and assess their welfare based on these daily observations.
“For many years we have fed our carnivores with smaller livestock. 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.
“Therefore, it makes sense to allow animals that need to be euthanized for various reasons to be of use in this way. In Denmark, this practice is common, and many of our guests and partners appreciate the opportunity to contribute. The livestock we receive as donations are chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, and horses.”
Dr Mark Jones of Born Free, an international wildlife charity dedicated to rescuing and safeguarding animals from exploitation, has slammed the zoo’s recent appeal as a betrayal of their supposed commitment to animal welfare.
Speaking to The Mirror, he said: “Companion animals have a particular place in human-animal relationships. The very idea of a zoo offering to take unwanted pets in order to kill them and feed them to their predators will horrify most right-minded people.
“Moreover, Born Free has always maintained that big cats and other predators don’t belong in zoos and should be phased out. Zoos cannot provide for the complex needs of these animals, and the idea that feeding them former pet animals will somehow compensate for the poor welfare they experience is preposterous.
“This announcement by the zoo undermines any claim that animal welfare is their top priority. Anyone who cannot keep a healthy pet animal should secure its future through established rescue and rehoming organisations, rather than giving it to a zoo to be killed and used as ‘fodder’ in order to perpetuate the keeping of wild animals in captivity for our entertainment.”