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Denmark zoo requests donations of pets to feed to animals
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Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) with tufted ears and spotted fur walking through snow in a winter landscape. A black and white Abyssinian guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) rests on a person's shoulder, looking toward the camera. The person is wearing a red shirt and is outdoors.
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Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) with tufted ears and spotted fur walking through snow in a winter landscape.
A Eurasian lynx The Aalborg Zoo in Denmark has asked for donations of small animals to feed its predators, such as the Eurasian lynx.

Denmark zoo requests donations of pets to feed to animals

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ProCon debates: Should zoos exist?

ProCon issue in the news: Aalborg Zoo in Denmark has what some view as a macabre request: to send in horses, small pets, and livestock near death to feed to the zoo’s animals.

An English translation of the zoo’s July 31, 2025, Facebook post reads:

Did you know that you can donate smaller pets to Aalborg Zoo?

Chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs form an important part of the diet of our predators—especially the European [Eurasian] lynx, which needs whole prey that resembles what it would naturally hunt in the wild.

In zoos, we have a responsibility to mimic the animals’ natural food chain—for the sake of both animal welfare and professional integrity.

If you have an animal that needs to be euthanized for various reasons, you are welcome to donate it to us. The animals are gently euthanized by trained staff and then used as food. This way, nothing goes to waste—and we ensure natural behavior, nutrition and well-being of our predators.

The post features an image of a Eurasian lynx and a link to the zoo’s page on how to donate a “horse for feed,” which also invites donations of chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small pets on weekdays between 10 am and 1 pm, with a limit of four animals at time.

A black and white Abyssinian guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) rests on a person's shoulder, looking toward the camera. The person is wearing a red shirt and is outdoors.
A guinea pigThe Aalborg Zoo feeds its predators animals such as guinea pigs, which are often kept as pets.

Spokesperson Pia Nielsen told Popular Science that the zoo has fed small livestock to predators for years:

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. Therefore, it makes sense to allow animals that need to be euthanized for various reasons to be of use in this way. In Denmark, this practice is common, and many of our guests and partners appreciate the opportunity to contribute.

The post received quick and furious backlash, with one commenter saying:

A deeply perverse and degrading mindset lies behind this sick invention, which has spread a terrible trend of indifference towards animals in Denmark and this only supports this sad underdevelopment. Imagine giving away your pet/animal as food, it can hardly be more disrespectful and undignified than that.

However, not everyone was disgusted or upset by the idea. Another commenter said:

Took a horse to the zoo, a few years ago. It was the quietest and most serene way it went down. It was the best experience for both horse and I. Sweet staff who took care of it in the finest way, and grateful for the donation. It could definitely be recommended.

Discussion questions

  1. Would you donate a near-death pet to a zoo for an animal to consume? Why or why not?
  2. Consider the comments in the zoo’s Facebook post. Are they helpful social commentary? Or are they the extreme opinions of a few?
  3. Should zoos exist? Explore the debate and explain your answer.

Sources

  • Alexa Robles-Gil and Emily Anthes, “A Zoo in Denmark Wants to Feed Your Pets to Its Predators” (August 4, 2025), nytimes.com
  • Laura Baisas, “Zoo Calls for Small Pet Donations to Feed Its Carnivores” (August 4, 2025), popsci.com
  • Aalborg Zoo (July 31, 2025), facebook.com
  • Miranda Bryant, “Danish Zoo Asks Pet Owners to Donate Rabbits and Horses to Feed Its Predators” (August 4, 2025), theguardian.com