Aalborg Zoo faces backlash over feeding donated animals to lions

A Danish zoo’s call for donated animals to be euthanized and fed to predators has sparked a global debate on welfare and the ethics of how zoos dispose of large animals.

Aalborg Zoo Faces Backlash Over Feeding Donated Animals to Lions

In northern Denmark, Aalborg Zoo posted a request for animal donations to euthanize and feed to predators such as lions and tigers, saying whole prey is needed for enrichment and welfare. The post noted it accepts small animals but not cats or dogs, and it quickly drew sharp comments on social media. The zoo later closed its comments section as backlash grew, and reports emerged about people who have used the service in the past.

The zoo defended the practice by citing benefits to carnivores, including dental health, and framed it as a way to avoid waste and give the animal a meaningful farewell. The Times highlighted a case where a 13-year-old girl chose the option for her horse because of a belief in the circle of life, a story that intensified public interest. Other zoos in Europe have faced similar scrutiny after announcing culls or feeding some animals to predators, underscoring a broader debate about welfare, ethics, and the role of captivity in conservation.

The episode spotlights a clash between traditional animal-management practices and modern expectations of welfare and transparency. Proponents argue that whole-prey feeding supports health and enrichment for predators, while critics see it as difficult to square with humane treatment of animals and public values. The daughter’s participation adds a personal, human angle to the policy debate, revealing how family beliefs and emotions can shape institutional choices. As social media amplifies every policy decision, zoos face increased pressure to justify methods publicly and to align them with evolving standards of care and accountability.

Moving forward, this incident could push zoos toward clearer welfare guidelines, independent oversight, and more open dialogue about disposal options. It also raises questions about the balance between conservation goals, visitor experience, and the ethics of sourcing and using large animals for predator health and education. What matters most is transparent standards that the public can trust and that genuinely reflect animal welfare.

Highlights

Clear welfare standards and ongoing dialogue will determine the future of practices like this.