This Mother Donated Her Teen Daughter's Pet To The Zoo, They Fed It To The Lions
A bizarre and emotional incident from Denmark has sparked outrage worldwide. A woman donated her teenage daughter's beloved pet pony to Aalborg Zoo, where it was euthanised and later fed to lions as part of the zoo's natural feeding programme.
The pony, a 22-year-old German riding horse named Chicago 57, had long been suffering from a severe skin disease, eczema. Its condition worsened during the summers, with mosquito bites leaving painful open wounds that often risked infection.
Despite efforts to protect it with jackets and leg covers, the pony's health continued to decline, causing constant suffering. In 2020, it was decided that Chicago 57 would be put down.
Pernille Sol, 44, the mother of 13-year-old Angelina, said she let her daughter decide how to handle the pony's body. The teenager was given options such as burial or donation for research but ultimately chose to donate it to the zoo. Angelina believed this was 'a part of the natural food chain" and felt the pony's body should be useful to other animals.
According to Pernille, zookeepers treated Chicago 57 with compassion during its final moments, stroking it gently and bidding farewell as if it were a member of the family. The pony was euthanised peacefully before being given to the lions as food.
The zoo regularly accepts donations of small, unwanted animals such as rabbits, chickens, and guinea pigs, which are first euthanised and then given to predators including lions, polar bears, and Sumatran tigers. Horses are also accepted as donations, with owners even offered tax benefits. 'Nothing is wasted; everything is used to support the natural food chain and the welfare of predators," the zoo stated.
However, the move has triggered widespread criticism on social media, with thousands calling it insensitive to feed a child's pet to lions. Some argued that such practices could have a negative psychological impact on children, while others questioned the ethics of using domesticated pets in zoo feeding programmes.
view comments
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Loading comments...
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
7 hours ago
- Economic Times
Are weight-loss jabs for dogs the next big thing? Scientists exploring new solutions for pet obesity
Synopsis As pet obesity becomes a growing concern, scientists are exploring weight-loss solutions for dogs, drawing inspiration from human drugs like Ozempic. Biotech firm Vivani Medical is testing OKV-119, a GLP-1 mimic delivered via implant, aiming to help overweight dogs manage their weight. While promising, some experts caution about potential consequences, emphasizing that balanced diets and exercise remain crucial. iStock As pet obesity becomes a growing concern, scientists are exploring weight-loss solutions for dogs, drawing inspiration from human drugs like Ozempic. (Image: iStock) Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have been making headlines for their role in human weight loss, but the conversation is now shifting from dinner tables to dog bowls. With obesity in pets increasingly described as a 'crisis,' scientists are exploring whether the same drugs used by humans could soon help overweight pups shed extra pounds. A recent report by the Daily Mail highlights how biotech firm Vivani Medical is partnering with Okava to test a dog-friendly version of GLP-1 mimics, the same compounds behind popular 'skinny jabs.' If trials succeed, your Labrador's 'Ozempup' injection may not be science fiction for long. Unlike humans who take semaglutide injections weekly, the canine version—called OKV-119—would be delivered via a tiny implant, similar in size to a tracking chip. The device would sit under the skin and release a steady stream of medication for up to six months. Trials so far suggest it is safe in cats, and if approved for dogs, the product could hit the market as early as 2028. Certain breeds such as pugs, beagles, and labradors are notorious for overeating, often putting them at risk of arthritis, heart disease, and reduced lifespan. Professor Alex German, an obesity specialist at the University of Liverpool, told the Daily Mail that managing weight in dogs is rarely simple. 'There's a massive genetic component that drives the animal to be hungry all the time. Having an alternative approach, such as drugs, could be useful for clinicians on the ground to have an extra option,' he explained. Veterinarians warn that obesity in pets mirrors human struggles. Diet restrictions and exercise plans often fall short, especially for dogs genetically prone to weight gain. While 'therapeutic diets' remain the standard, German stresses that weight management is a 'years-long, often life-long challenge' that leaves many owners frustrated. Not everyone is sold on the idea of medicated pups. Dr. Helen Zomer of the University of Florida cautions that while the science is promising, unanswered questions remain. 'We don't have definitive answers whether it would be a good solution or potential consequences,' she noted, emphasizing that balanced diets and physical activity are still the best strategies for weight control. This isn't the first time pharmaceutical weight-loss solutions have been pitched for pets. Back in 2007, Pfizer introduced Slentrol, a drug designed to suppress canine appetites. While initially welcomed, it was later discontinued after owners reported that their dogs seemed less energetic and less happy. For now, weight-loss jabs for dogs remain in trial stages. But if successful, they could reshape how vets address pet obesity. With the first commercial availability projected for 2028, the question looms: will dog owners embrace medicated implants, or will healthy diets and long walks remain the gold standard?
News18
11 hours ago
- News18
'Still Struggles While Speaking, Pray For Him': Vinod Kambli's Brother Shares Concerning Update
Former India batter Vinod Kambli faces serious health and financial challenges. Despite treatment, he struggles with speech and mobility. His brother urges public prayers. Former India batter Vinod Kambli has been dealing with serious health challenges in recent times. Last year, he was seen at a public event with legendary Sachin Tendulkar, where he appeared to have difficulty walking. Shortly after, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar extended his support, assuring Kambli of the required assistance. With that help, Kambli underwent rehabilitation and also received medical treatment. However, his younger brother Virendra has now made a concerning revelation about his condition. Speaking on The Vickey Lalwani Show, Vinod Kambli's younger brother shared that the former cricketer is yet to fully recover from his health issues. Currently residing at his Bandra home, Kambli is undergoing recovery but continues to face challenges, particularly with his speech. 'He is at home right now. He is getting stable, but his treatment is on. He is having difficulty speaking. It will take him time to recover. But he is a champion, and he will come back. He will start walking and running, hopefully. I have a lot of faith in him. I hope you can see him back on the ground," said Virendra. 'He underwent rehab for 10 days. He had a comprehensive body check-up, including brain scans and a urine test. The results were fine; there weren't too many issues, but since he couldn't walk, he was advised to undergo physiotherapy. He still slurs in his speech, but he is getting better. I want to tell people who pray for him, so that he gets better. He needs your love and support," he added. Alongside his health struggles, Vinod Kambli is also facing financial difficulties. Earlier in January, his wife, Andrea Hewitt, disclosed that she had filed for divorce in 2023 but later withdrew it after witnessing her husband's 'helpless state'. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Loading comments...
News18
11 hours ago
- News18
Fortis ties up with Ekana Group for 550-bedded hospital in Lucknow
New Delhi, Aug 20 (PTI) Fortis Healthcare on Wednesday said it has inked a pact with Lucknow-based Ekana Group for operations and management of a 550-bedded greenfield super speciality hospital to be constructed near Gomti Nagar. Once completed, the facility will be positioned as Centre of Excellence for tertiary care services, bringing advanced medical infrastructure and global best practices to the state capital of Uttar Pradesh. 'This collaboration marks Fortis Healthcare's third major presence in Uttar Pradesh, joining our network hospitals in Noida and Greater Noida," Fortis Healthcare MD & CEO Ashutosh Raghuvanshi said. Fortis currently operates 33 healthcare facilities (including JVs and O&M facilities) across 11 states. PTI MSS MSS SHW view comments First Published: August 20, 2025, 20:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Loading comments...
