A unique appeal has emerged from Aalborg Zoo in Denmark as they encourage the public to contribute their healthy, unwanted pets to help feed the zoo’s predators. The zoo is accepting donations of live animals such as chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs, which trained staff will "gently euthanise" for use as food. Additionally, horse owners can donate their pets, with stipulations in place that allow donors to receive a tax deduction.
On their Instagram page, Aalborg Zoo highlighted the necessity of maintaining a food chain representative of natural ecosystems. The inclusion of smaller livestock in the diets of carnivorous animals, particularly the Eurasian lynx, is emphasized as a means of mimicking their natural feeding habits. Alongside lynxes, the zoo also houses lions and tigers that benefit from this practice.
Donations of small animals can be made during weekdays, with instructions allowing for a maximum of four donations at once, provided no appointment is necessary. The zoo’s website further details the process for horse donations, stipulating owners must present a horse passport and confirm that the animal has not received treatment for illness within the past month.
Pia Nielsen, the deputy director of Aalborg Zoo, shared that feeding carnivores with smaller livestock has been a longstanding practice, ensuring they receive a natural diet comprising meat, fur, and bones. Nielsen stated, "In Denmark, this practice is common, and many of our guests and partners appreciate the opportunity to contribute."
Criticism surrounding animal treatment in zoos has recently emerged in various contexts, emphasized by calls to boycott institutions over serious concerns pertaining to the welfare of great apes, and incidents involving the culling of animals due to overcrowding issues in different zoos in Europe.
On their Instagram page, Aalborg Zoo highlighted the necessity of maintaining a food chain representative of natural ecosystems. The inclusion of smaller livestock in the diets of carnivorous animals, particularly the Eurasian lynx, is emphasized as a means of mimicking their natural feeding habits. Alongside lynxes, the zoo also houses lions and tigers that benefit from this practice.
Donations of small animals can be made during weekdays, with instructions allowing for a maximum of four donations at once, provided no appointment is necessary. The zoo’s website further details the process for horse donations, stipulating owners must present a horse passport and confirm that the animal has not received treatment for illness within the past month.
Pia Nielsen, the deputy director of Aalborg Zoo, shared that feeding carnivores with smaller livestock has been a longstanding practice, ensuring they receive a natural diet comprising meat, fur, and bones. Nielsen stated, "In Denmark, this practice is common, and many of our guests and partners appreciate the opportunity to contribute."
Criticism surrounding animal treatment in zoos has recently emerged in various contexts, emphasized by calls to boycott institutions over serious concerns pertaining to the welfare of great apes, and incidents involving the culling of animals due to overcrowding issues in different zoos in Europe.
