Got unwanted pets? Denmark zoo says they're dinner now
Prey items are crucial for simulating hunting behaviour and maintaining the natural diet of the Aalborg Zoo's meat-eating residents.
A zoo in northern D enmark is encouraging pet owners to hand over animals they no longer want, not for adoption, but to feed its predators.
In a social media post on July 31, Aalborg Zo o in North Jutland said th at live rabbits , guinea pigs and chickens can be accepted during weekdays without prior appointment.
The animals will be put down by trained professionals before being used as food for carnivores such as the European lynx, lions and tigers.
The zoo explained on Instagram that such prey items are crucial for simulating hunting behaviour and maintaining the natural diet of its meat-eating residents. It added that this method supports both animal welfare and good zoo practice.
BBC on Aug 5 reported that donations are capped at four small animals at a time.
The zoo may also take in horses unde r 147cm tall for the same purpose, provided they have the correct paperwork and have not received medical treatment in the past 30 days . Owners who meet the conditions may be entitled to a tax deduction.
In a statement, Aalborg Zoo's deputy director Pia Nielsen said: 'When keeping carnivores, it is necessary to provide them with meat, preferably with fur, bones etc to give them as natural a diet as possible.'
A statement cited by Sky News on Aug 4 said: 'It makes sense to allow animals that need to be euthanised for various reasons to be of use in this way.'
This approach, according to the zoo, has been practised for years and is supported by many of its visitors and partners.
Feeding predators with carcasses is not new in Denmark. In 2014, Copenhagen Zoo sparked international criticism after putting down a healthy giraffe named Marius and using its body to feed lions.
A similar case in Germany occurred in 2023 when Leipzig Zoo put down an ageing zebra – which was 15 years old – and served it to its big cats after rehoming attempts failed.
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