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Danish zoo requests donations of small animals for predators

Aalborg Zoo has asked the public for unwanted animals to feed its carnivores, causing public outcry.

August 5, 2025 at 02:37 PM
blur Danish zoo asks people to donate small animals to feed its predators

Aalborg zoo's appeal for small animal donations has drawn significant public criticism.

Danish zoo invites donations of small animals to feed predators

A Danish zoo, Aalborg, recently sparked controversy by asking the public to donate small animals to feed its carnivores. The zoo stated on Facebook that those with healthy animals no longer wanted could contribute to the dietary needs of its predators, including European lynxes. Potential donations include guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, and even horses, which would be euthanized by trained staff before being used as food. This practice has drawn mixed reactions online, with some defending it as a way to maintain natural feeding behaviors, while others expressed outrage at the use of healthy pets as prey. According to the zoo's chief zoologist, this method has been part of their feeding process for some time, emphasizing the importance of such donations in ensuring the well-being of their animals.

Key Takeaways

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Aalborg zoo is asking for donations of small animals to feed its predators.
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The practice aims to mimic natural feeding behaviors observed in the wild.
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Healthy pets like guinea pigs and rabbits are seen as viable food sources by the zoo.
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The zoo's leaders claim this is a common practice viewed as natural by the institution.
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Public backlash has emerged, challenging the ethics of using healthy animals as prey.
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Previous incidents in Denmark show a pattern of controversial animal management decisions.

"We've always done it, and we see it as very natural to do it this way."

The chief zoologist defends the practice, stating it's a routine part of zoo operations.

"I'd rather donate them to something like this than put them in the ground where the meat goes to waste."

A perspective from the zoo aiming to rationalize the donations amid controversy.

The appeal from Aalborg zoo highlights the ongoing tensions between animal welfare and public perception of zoo practices. While the zoo promotes the donation as a way to support the dietary needs of predators, many see it as ethically troubling to sacrifice healthy pets. This situation reflects broader societal concerns over animal rights and the management of wildlife in captivity. Historically, zoos have often faced backlash over their controversial decisions, indicating a delicate balancing act between maintaining ecological principles and appeasing public sentiment.

Highlights

  • Not every unwanted pet deserves a death sentence.
  • Healthy pets should not become prey for zoo animals.
  • How much do we value animal life in captivity?
  • Using healthy animals for food raises ethical questions.

Controversy over animal welfare in zoo practices

Aalborg zoo's appeal for donations of small animals has ignited public backlash regarding animal ethical standards. Many are troubled by the idea of sacrificing healthy pets for the zoo's predator diet, revealing broader concerns about how zoos manage animal care.

This controversy may influence future discussions on animal ethics in zoos.

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