Danish Zoo Offers Tax Deduction For Donating ‘Unwanted' Pets To Feed Predators
Aalborg Zoo in Denmark recently drew both attention and criticism after launching an unusual request: they want people to donate small, healthy pets to feed their carnivores. The zoo shared the appeal on Instagram, encouraging owners of chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs to give up unwanted animals, which would be 'gently euthanised" before being fed to predators like the Eurasian lynx.
The zoo explained that these animals form an important part of the diet for some of their predators, especially the lynx, which needs whole prey similar to what it would hunt in the wild.
'In zoos, we have a responsibility to imitate the natural food chain of the animals, in terms of both animal welfare and professional integrity," the post said. They added that this approach ensures nothing goes to waste while promoting natural behaviour and nutrition among their animals.
Woman Donates Daughter's Pony
The program gained further attention when a woman revealed she had donated her daughter's pet pony to the zoo. Pernille Sohl, 44, told The Times she decided after the pony became ill. While acknowledging that the choice might seem shocking, she explained that many of the animals donated would be put down anyway.
'It might sound very dramatic and bizarre that you would feed your pet to animals in the zoo," she told The Times. 'But they are going to be put down anyway and it is not like they are alive when they are given to the predators," she added.
How the Programme Works
Aalborg Zoo staff confirmed the appeal has already resulted in donations of 22 horses, 18 guinea pigs, 53 chickens and 137 rabbits, as per the Indian Express. Donors receive a small tax deduction, DKK100 (£11.60) per small animal and DKK5 (about 58p) per kilogram for larger animals such as horses. Horses must also have a valid horse passport before they can be donated, the publication adds.
The zoo emphasises that all animals are euthanised humanely by trained staff before being given to predators. Horses and other large donations are processed with their weight determining the tax benefit, the Indian Express also states.
Feeding the Predators
The diet of Aalborg Zoo's predators includes not only the Eurasian lynx but also lions and tigers. The zoo says offering whole prey helps mimic the animals' natural hunting habits, keeping them mentally stimulated and physically healthy.
However, the appeal has sparked mixed reactions online. While some people support the idea as a way to give unwanted animals a purpose, others have strongly criticised it. A social media user even called it a 'sick invention" as per The Indian Express.
The debate continues as more pet owners come forward, either in support of or against this controversial practice.
About the Author
Buzz Staff
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what's creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
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.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
19 hours ago
- NDTV
Denmark Woman Reveals Why She Donated Daughter's Pony To Feed Lions In Zoo
A 44-year-old Danish woman revealed that she once decided to donate her daughter's 22-year-old pony to Aalborg Zoo to be euthanised and fed to lions due to the pet's severe eczema and excruciating pain. Her comments came amid recent backlash against Aalborg Zoo after it asked people to donate small and healthy pets to be used as food for captive predators. The woman, named Pernille Sohl, told The Times that in 2020, she decided that Chicago 57, a German riding pony, had to be put down. While speaking to the outlet, she said she understood how the decision may sound "very dramatic and bizarre". However, the animals being sent to the zoo were "going to be put down anyway". "But they are going to be put down anyway, and it is not like they are alive when they are given to the predators," Sohl added. Sohl told the outlet that she runs a small farm in Assens, Denmark. Children with mental health issues visit the farm and spend time with horses. Aalborg Zoo says it imitates the natural food chain for its predators, citing animal welfare and professional integrity. Donors receive a tax deduction of DKK100 (£11.60) for small animals and DKK5 (58p) per kilogram for larger animals like horses. So far this year, the zoo has received 22 horses, 53 chickens, 137 rabbits, and 18 guinea pigs as donations. Although Sohl did not receive any payment from Aalborg Zoo, she would get a tax rebate. Another woman, Helen Hjortholm Andersen, donated her Shetland pony, Paprika, to Jyllands Park Zoo due to high costs associated with removing a dead animal. She supports the idea of pets benefiting other animals. Aalborg Zoo's Appeal Recently, the zoo asked for "unwanted animals" such as chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs. They said that the pet animals would be "gently euthanized" and then fed to carnivores. "Chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs form an important part of the diet of our predators - especially the European lynx, which needs whole prey that resembles what it would naturally hunt in the wild," the zoo wrote. "In zoos, we have a responsibility to imitate the natural food chain of the animals - in terms of both animal welfare and professional integrity," the post continued. "That way, nothing goes to waste - and we ensure natural behavior, nutrition and well-being of our predators."
News18
20 hours ago
- News18
Danish Zoo Offers Tax Deduction For Donating ‘Unwanted' Pets To Feed Predators
A woman claims she gave her daughter's pony to Aalborg Zoo in Denmark, where it was 'gently euthanised' and fed to the zoo's predators. Aalborg Zoo in Denmark recently drew both attention and criticism after launching an unusual request: they want people to donate small, healthy pets to feed their carnivores. The zoo shared the appeal on Instagram, encouraging owners of chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs to give up unwanted animals, which would be 'gently euthanised" before being fed to predators like the Eurasian lynx. The zoo explained that these animals form an important part of the diet for some of their predators, especially the lynx, which needs whole prey similar to what it would hunt in the wild. 'In zoos, we have a responsibility to imitate the natural food chain of the animals, in terms of both animal welfare and professional integrity," the post said. They added that this approach ensures nothing goes to waste while promoting natural behaviour and nutrition among their animals. Woman Donates Daughter's Pony The program gained further attention when a woman revealed she had donated her daughter's pet pony to the zoo. Pernille Sohl, 44, told The Times she decided after the pony became ill. While acknowledging that the choice might seem shocking, she explained that many of the animals donated would be put down anyway. 'It might sound very dramatic and bizarre that you would feed your pet to animals in the zoo," she told The Times. 'But they are going to be put down anyway and it is not like they are alive when they are given to the predators," she added. How the Programme Works Aalborg Zoo staff confirmed the appeal has already resulted in donations of 22 horses, 18 guinea pigs, 53 chickens and 137 rabbits, as per the Indian Express. Donors receive a small tax deduction, DKK100 (£11.60) per small animal and DKK5 (about 58p) per kilogram for larger animals such as horses. Horses must also have a valid horse passport before they can be donated, the publication adds. The zoo emphasises that all animals are euthanised humanely by trained staff before being given to predators. Horses and other large donations are processed with their weight determining the tax benefit, the Indian Express also states. Feeding the Predators The diet of Aalborg Zoo's predators includes not only the Eurasian lynx but also lions and tigers. The zoo says offering whole prey helps mimic the animals' natural hunting habits, keeping them mentally stimulated and physically healthy. However, the appeal has sparked mixed reactions online. While some people support the idea as a way to give unwanted animals a purpose, others have strongly criticised it. A social media user even called it a 'sick invention" as per The Indian Express. The debate continues as more pet owners come forward, either in support of or against this controversial practice. About the Author Buzz Staff A team of writers at bring you stories on what's creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. 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.
News18
a day ago
- News18
Man Rescues 20-Foot Python From Dumpster With Bare Hands, Says ‘I Feel Honoured'
Last Updated: The man claimed the snake, whom he named 'Apples,' was abandoned in a small bin inside the dumpster. A heart-stopping video from Los Angeles shows a reptile expert rescuing a massive 20-foot python from a dumpster. Wearing his casual clothes without any safety gear, Joseph Hart climbed into the dumpster after locals spotted the giant snake near an apartment complex. Known as 'Reptile Hunter" on social media, Hart approached the python, which was resting along the edge of the dumpster, and waited for the right moment. He then swiftly grabbed it just behind the head to prevent a bite. Once secured, he climbed out, allowing the massive snake to coil around him as stunned bystanders looked on. He posted the video of the rescue on social media and expressed his excitement about the opportunity for 'some good old-fashioned reptile wrangling." The Sad Reality Behind The Rescue Hart revealed that the snake, whom he named 'Apples," was abandoned in a small bin inside the dumpster. He discovered that Apples was suffering from a serious mouth infection, a condition common in snakes kept as pets but often neglected. He believes the previous owner was overwhelmed by the cost of treatment, saying, 'This breaks my heart because the previous owner was most likely overwhelmed with the idea of treating the medical condition, as vet bills can be pricey. But dumping or abandoning the animal is no solution either." No Help From Authorities Before Hart arrived, the police department, animal control and reptile rescue groups were notified, but none were willing to assist. Hart revealed, 'I was even told that the snake would have been 'put down'." His decision to step in made all the difference for Apples. 'I am so honoured to have had the opportunity to give Apples a second chance. She's strong, beautiful, and I can tell you right now, has the WILL TO LIVE!! Sometimes all we need is a second chance," he added. Hart Hopes For A New Beginning He thanked everyone who supported the rescue and reminded pet owners never to abandon their animals, even when things get tough. 'So to all pet owners, there may be times when our animals get sick, or we're simply overwhelmed with them. PLEASE do not commit animal cruelty or abandonment. There are people who can help," Hart wrote. He further shared that Apples is on the path to recovery and is expected to live a long life as an educational animal. About the Author Buzz Staff A team of writers at bring you stories on what's creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. News18's viral page features trending stories, videos, and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : los angeles python viral news view comments Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: August 11, 2025, 09:45 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.
