Aalborg Zoo seeks pet donations for animal feeding

A Danish zoo seeks unwanted pets to sustain its carnivorous animals.

Aalborg Zoo encourages pet donations to feed predators

Aalborg Zoo in northern Denmark has initiated a campaign inviting pet owners to donate their unwanted pets, including guinea pigs, rabbits, and even small horses, as food for its carnivorous predators. In a Facebook post, the zoo explained its goal of recreating a natural food chain for its animals, which include species like Asiatic lions and Sumatran tigers. The zoo ensures that these animals are gently euthanized by trained staff before being used as food, stating this maintains proper nutrition and behavior for the predators. While the practice aligns with the zoo’s longstanding approach to animal care, it has generated heated discussions online, drawing both support and criticism.

The decision by Aalborg Zoo to seek donations for pet food starkly highlights the ongoing debate about animal welfare in zoos. While some argue that this initiative promotes sustainability and respects natural ecosystems, others perceive it as troubling. The mention of previous controversies—such as the euthanizing of healthy animals at other Danish zoos—raises pressing ethical questions about how animals are valued and the public's emotional connection to pets versus wild animals. This effort reflects a deeper tension in animal care practices, where the balance between education, conservation, and humane treatment of all life forms is continually tested.

Highlights

As the debate unfolds, more discussions on the ethics of animal care in zoos will likely emerge.