Latest news with #Eurasianlynx
Fox News
5 days ago
- General
- Fox News
Zoo's request for donations of pets to be fed to predatory animals draws PETA blowback
A zoo in Europe is inviting the public to turn unwanted pets into prey, calling for donations of fluffy rabbits and family guinea pigs to be euthanized and fed to its predator residents. The Aalborg Zoo in Denmark announced the program in a Facebook post, sparking public uproar, including the ire of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). "If you have an animal that, for various reasons, needs to be rehomed, you are welcome to donate it to us. The animals are humanely euthanized by trained staff and then used as feed," the zoo wrote in the social media post. "In this way, nothing goes to waste — and we ensure natural behavior, proper nutrition, and well-being for our predators." The zoo said private individuals and businesses can donate chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs, which organizers said make up an important part of predators' diets. Specifically, the zoo said the Eurasian lynx requires "whole" prey animals that resemble what it would naturally hunt in the wild. "In zoos, we have a responsibility to replicate the animals' natural food chain — for the sake of both animal welfare and professional integrity," employees wrote in the post. The zoo is also accepting horses, noting owners "can join us all the way if you wish." PETA weighed in on the controversial initiative, saying there is nothing "natural" about the donation request. "It's not 'natural behaviour' for predators from Asia, who roam and hunt for their meals, to be fed companion animals who originated in South America," PETA wrote in an online news release. "Companion animals are never needed to 'imitate the natural food chain of the [zoo's] animals' (as an Aalborg Zoo spokesperson described the program)." PETA added if the Aalborg Zoo "truly cares about animals," it should focus on protecting species in their natural habitats. The zoo later turned off the comments on its Facebook post detailing the program, citing "significant international interest." "We understand that the post evokes emotions and interest, but hateful and malicious rhetoric is unnecessary — and we encourage keeping a respectful tone," leadership wrote. "We're happy to elaborate and answer questions via private messages or email." The Aalborg Zoo and PETA did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
India.com
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- India.com
You Won't Believe These 7 Wild Cats Actually Exist!
Ananya Kaushal Aug 04, 2025 Discover seven rare and fascinating wild cat species that roam the world's most remote corners, each more surprising than the last! The tiger, the largest of all wild cat species, is known for its striking orange coat with black stripes and powerful, solitary hunting prowess. The lion, known as the "King of the Jungle," is a majestic and social big cat celebrated for its strength, mane, and dominant presence in the wild. The jaguar is a fierce and muscular big cat native to the Americas, famed for its powerful bite and striking rosette-patterned coat. The cougars are also known as panthers, mountain lions and puma, cougars are the second largest cat species in the Americas. Leopards are the same as the panther species but have a smaller and lighter physique. The cheetah is the world's fastest land animal, capable of reaching speeds up to 70 mph in short bursts. The Eurasian lynx is a stealthy and powerful wild cat known for its tufted ears and ability to silently stalk prey across forests and mountains. Read Next Story
The Independent
05-08-2025
- General
- The Independent
Zoo urges people to donate their unwanted pets to feed their predators
A zoo in Denmark has appealed to the public to donate their small pets as food for its predators. The Aalborg Zoo has asked for donations of healthy and live chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs to feed its predators, such as the Eurasian lynx. In a post on social media, the zoo said it is trying to mimic the natural food chain of the animals housed there 'for the sake of both animal welfare and professional integrity'. It also offered assurances that the donated pets will be 'gently euthanised' by trained staff. The zoo in northern Denmark explained that 'if you have a healthy animal that needs to be given away for various reasons, feel free to donate it to us.' After being euthanised, the animals will be used as fodder, the zoo said. 'That way, nothing goes to waste — and we ensure natural behaviour, nutrition and well-being of our predators,' the Aalborg Zoo said. The online call for pet donations is accompanied by a picture of a wildcat baring its teeth with its mouth wide open and a link to the zoo's website, noting the facility is also interested in receiving horses. The social media post has had mixed reactions, with one describing the scheme as 'deeply perverse and degrading' and a 'sick invention'. Another user said she had taken her horse to the zoo to be euthanised a few years ago. She described the experience as 'peaceful' for her horse. 'The sweet staff took care of it in the nicest way, and they were grateful for the donation,' she added. Owners who donate their horse are also eligible for a potential tax break, the zoo's website says. The zoo always keeps other predators such as lions and tigers, according to its website. The small animals can be donated on weekdays from 10am to 1pm, with no more than four at a time without an appointment. The zoo says it can arrange a pick-up and delivery service for those willing to donate more than four. Any horse donated to the zoo must have a horse passport, its website said, and this donation comes with the opportunity for a tax deduction on the horse's value, which is calculated based on its weight.
