Zoo asks public to donate unwanted pets to help feed its animals
A zoo in Denmark shocked the public with its request for donations of unwanted pets, which it would serve as food to its captive predators.
The Aalborg Zoo in Aalborg, Denmark made a post on Facebook informing the public that they can "donate small pets" to the zoo.
"Chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs make up an important part of the diet for our predators—especially the European lynx, which needs whole prey animals similar to what it would naturally hunt in the wild," the translated statement read.
The zoo explained that it has a responsibility to "replicate the animals’ natural food chain" for the sake of "both animal welfare and professional integrity."
"If you have an animal that, for various reasons, needs to be put down, you are welcome to donate it to us. The animals are humanely euthanized by trained staff and then used as food," the Aalborg Zoo said.
"This way, nothing goes to waste—and we ensure natural behavior, proper nutrition, and well-being for our predators," they added.
They also included a link to a page on their website dedicated to the donation of horses as feed. They have listed down requirements such as the horse having a maximum of 147 cm at the withers, must not have been treated for illness for at least the last 30 days, and more.
"The horse will be delivered alive to Aalborg Zoo, where the horse will be euthanized by a zookeeper and a veterinarian and then slaughtered," the Zoo said.
Their post has since appalled social media users, who called the practice "disturbing" and "inhumane."
"How disgusting. Having your healthy pet killed. This is how people are encouraged to stop thinking twice before getting a pet, because, well, they can get rid of it anyway thanks to the Aalborg Zoo!" one user commented.
Another wrote, "I can‘t believe that so many people give their pets to the zoo! Pets should be kept, loved, and cared for properly. They have souls just like humans and are not trash! If Aalborg doesn‘t have enough money to buy food for their animals, it should be closed: The carnivores should be transferred to reservations in Africa or somewhere else."
Because of the criticisms, the zoo made an update to the post saying that they have chosen to close the comment section.
"We understand that the post evokes emotions and interest, but hateful and malicious rhetoric is not necessary—and we encourage maintaining a respectful tone. We’re happy to elaborate and answer questions in our inbox or via email," they said.
The Aalborg Zoo describes itself as one of Denmark's most distinctive zoos since it opened in 1935.
