Aalborg Zoo in Denmark sparked controversy after asking on social media for surplus pets to be donated for feeding captive animals. The zoo explained that chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs are essential for the diet of predators like the European lynx, which require whole prey similar to their natural diet. Many commenters criticized the idea of euthanizing healthy pets, while others defended the zoo's approach to maintaining a practical food supply. The zoo clarified that dogs and cats are excluded from this feeding program, which has been a long-standing practice in Denmark.
The Aalborg Zoo in Denmark asked people to donate unwanted pets that would be 'gently euthanized' and fed to predators in captivity.
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.
In zoos we have a responsibility to imitate the natural food chain of the animals - in terms of both animal welfare and professional integrity.
In Denmark, this practice is common. The Aalborg Zoo says dogs and cats are excluded from the program.
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