'Nothing goes to waste': Denmark zoo asks people to donate their pets to feed its predators; assures animals will be 'gently euthanized'
If you have a pet you can no longer keep, one zoo in Denmark is offering an unusual option.
Aalborg Zoo is asking the public to donate small pets — not for rehoming, but to be used as food for its captive predators.
Aalborg Zoo, located in northern Denmark, said in a Facebook post that the move is meant to mimic the natural food chain of animals housed there.
The zoo says this effort supports 'animal welfare and professional integrity,' and assures that any donated pets will be 'gently euthanized' by trained staff.
'If you have a healthy animal that needs to be given away for various reasons, feel free to donate it to us,' the post said.
The zoo lists rabbits, guinea pigs, horses and chickens as examples of suitable donations.
Once euthanised, the animals will be used as fodder for the zoo's carnivores.
'That way, nothing goes to waste — and we ensure natural behaviour, nutrition and well-being of our predators,' the zoo claimed.
The post is accompanied by a picture of a wildcat showing its teeth with its mouth wide open. It also includes a link to the zoo's website.
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About the zoo
Aalborg Zoo was founded in April 1935. The facility is located near the centre of Aalborg and spans 8 hectares. It houses more than 1,500 animals across 126 species and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
According to the zoo's official website, Aalborg Zoo focuses on conservation, sustainability and education.
It takes part in international breeding programmes for endangered species and supports global efforts in animal conservation, research and fair trade. It was also the first zoo in Denmark to receive an environment certificate and is known for its work in protecting nature and the environment.
The zoo maintains that the practice of using donated pets as prey aligns with its mission to support natural behaviours in captive predators.
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