Denmark Zoo Asks Public: Donate Your Pets to Feed Our Predators!
Unusual Request: Aalborg Zoo Seeks Pet Donations for Predators
A zoo in Denmark has made an unusual appeal to the public: donate your unwanted small pets and horses to feed its captive predators. Aalborg Zoo, located in northern Denmark, says the practice is essential for maintaining the natural food chain and ensuring the well-being of its animals.
According to a social media post by the zoo, chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs are crucial to the diet of their predators, providing “whole prey” that mimics their natural hunting behavior in the wild. The zoo assures potential donors that the animals are “gently euthanized” by trained staff before being used as fodder.
"In zoos, we have a responsibility to imitate the natural food chain of the animals – in terms of both animal welfare and professional integrity," Aalborg Zoo stated.
Donation Guidelines and Tax Benefits
Aalborg Zoo accepts donations of rabbits, guinea pigs, and chickens on weekdays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., with a limit of four animals at a time without prior arrangements. The zoo also welcomes donations of horses, which are euthanized by a zookeeper and a veterinarian, as detailed on their website.
However, certain conditions apply to horse donations. The horses must not have been treated for any illness in the past month and must meet specific size restrictions. They must also be in a condition suitable for safe transportation. Donors of horses may be eligible for a tax deduction based on the animal's value.
Why This Practice?
The zoo emphasizes that this practice is not new and aligns with standard practices in Denmark. Pia Nielsen, the zoo's deputy director, explained that carnivores have been fed smaller livestock for many 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," she said.
Aalborg Zoo believes that utilizing animals that need to be euthanized for various reasons is a sensible way to ensure natural behavior, nutrition, and overall well-being for their predators, including the Eurasian lynx, lions, and tigers.
- Donations accepted: Rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, and horses.
- Euthanasia: Animals are gently euthanized by trained staff.
- Tax benefits: Horse donors may be eligible for a tax deduction.