Aalborg Zoo in northern Denmark is asking pet owners to donate animals such as guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, and even small horses—not for display, but to feed its carnivorous predators.
In a Facebook post, the zoo explained the move as an effort to mimic the natural food chain and promote the physical and psychological well-being of its animals, which include lions, lynx, and tigers. Donated animals will be euthanized by trained staff before being fed to the zoo’s predators.
The request sparked debate online, with critics expressing discomfort over pets becoming prey, while supporters praised the zoo’s commitment to maintaining naturalistic feeding practices. “Chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs form an important part of the diet of our predators,” the zoo wrote, noting that this method ensures "nothing goes to waste" and supports species-appropriate behavior.
Deputy director Pia Nielsen clarified in a statement shared by The Guardian that the practice is not new and is widely accepted in Denmark. “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,” she said.
People love to see wild animals up close, and spending a day at the zoo is a popular activity for all ages. But there are many behind-the-scenes goings-on that occur at zoos around the world. Click on and learn some facts about animals in captivity and about zoo operations in the following slides.