Denmark Zoo Asks People To Donate Unwanted Pets Like Rabbits & Guinea Pigs To Feed Captive Predators

Aalborg Zoo in Denmark has made headlines across the world for asking pet owners to donate their unwanted pets, like rabbits, guinea pigs, and more, to the zoo. They apparently want these animals to be used as food for the predators in captivity. What’s more? They want the pets to be healthy!

Denmark Zoo Appeals For Pet Donations To Feed Their Predators 

 

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Located in Denmark, Aalborg Zoo houses more than 1,500 animals. But in a move to feed their predators, they are now appealing to pet owners to donate unwanted guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, and horses. As per their Instagram post, these animals will be fed to the predators inside the zoo.

This initiative is aimed at imitating the natural food chain of wild animals. The zoo further stated that it’s their responsibility to maintain this food cycle. Animals like chickens, rabbits, pigs, and more form an important part of the diet of predators like the Eurasian lynx, Asiatic lion, Sumatran tiger, and others.

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Pets To Be Euthanised Before Feeding Predators 

They also added, “If you have a healthy animal that has to leave here for various reasons, feel free to donate it to us. The animals are gently euthanised by trained staff and are afterwards used as fodder. That way, nothing goes to waste – and we ensure natural behaviour, nutrition and well-being of our predators”. This statement clarified their requirement for the donated pets to be healthy. The zoo also assured that all animals will be gently euthanised before being used as fodder. 

This initiative by Aalborg Zoo has sparked mixed reactions online. Some people slammed the zoo and strongly objected to the idea, asking how beloved pets could be used as prey. However, many others expressed support, saying that abandoned animals are common, and this initiative would at least ensure they are euthanised gently and not left to suffer in the world. 

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What do you think about Aalborg Zoo’s move in Denmark? Let us know.

Cover Image Courtesy: Aalborg Zoo/ Website