Controversy Erupts as Danish Zoo Seeks Donations of Small Pets for Carnivore Diets
A Danish zoo has proposed accepting small animals like guinea pigs, rabbits, and chickens as potential donations (Representative Image)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Aug 5,2025 05:59 IST
A recent initiative by a zoo in Denmark is stirring important ethical discussions regarding animal welfare.Aalborg Zoo is inviting the public to donate their unwanted small pets—not for adoption but rather to serve as food for its carnivorous residents.
The facility aims to replicate natural feeding behaviors among its predators by requesting donations of animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and even larger creatures like horses. The zoo’s management believes this approach aligns with their commitment to animal welfare while maintaining ecological integrity.
In a statement shared on social media platforms, the zoo emphasized that all donated animals would be “humanely euthanized” by trained professionals before being utilized in a manner that supports the natural instincts and dietary needs of their carnivorous species. “This way,” they noted, “nothing goes to waste.”
The proclamation included an image depicting a wildcat with its mouth open wide alongside a link directing interested parties to the zoo’s official website. The post also expressed interest in receiving larger pets such as horses.
The message encouraged individuals who possess healthy animals they can no longer care for—regardless of the reason—to consider donating them; however, it did not clarify whether common household pets like dogs or cats would be accepted. Further details from the zoo remain sparse.
This proposal has elicited mixed reactions online; some users commend the transparency and practicality behind this initiative while others express concern over the idea of beloved pets becoming prey within a controlled environment.
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Inputs from Associated Press
Published By:
Rivanshi Rakhrai
Published On:
Aug 5, 2025