Aalborg Zoo wants unwanted pets to feed their predators

A zoo in Denmark turned to the public to donate its healthy unwanted pets as part of unique efforts to provide food for their predators.

Aalborg Zoo has requested donations to live chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs, which they believe are “gently euthanized” by trained staff.

The zoo also accepts donations to live horses – with owners who can benefit from potential tax relief.

Posting on InstagramThe zoo explains that it has a “responsibility to imitate the natural food chain of animals” and the smaller livestock “make up an important part of the diet of our predators.”

The zoo says that the food provided in this way is “reminiscent of what would naturally hunt in the wild” – and that this is especially true for Eurasian Lynx.

Other predators stored in the zoo include lions and tigers.

Small animals can be donated on weekdays, with no more than four at a time without meeting.

On his website, under a photo of a tiger, absorbing a piece of meat, a zoo from Aalborg sets out the conditions for donating horses.

In order to be eligible, they must have a horse passport and cannot be treated for the disease within the previous 30 days.

If they are successful in handing over their animals, horse donors may get tax deduction.

In a statement, Zoo Deputy Director Pia Nielsen said that carnivorous animals were fed less livestock “for many years”.

“When they keep carnivorous animals, it is necessary to provide them with meat, preferably with coat, bones, etc., to give them the most natural diet,” she explained.

“Therefore, it makes sense to allow animals that need to be euthanized for various reasons to be used in this way. In Denmark, this practice is common and many of our guests and partners appreciate the possibility of contributing. The livestock we receive as donations are chickens, rabbits, pigs and horses.”