Aalborg Zoo Seeks Small Pet Donations to Feed Predators

Aalborg Zoo in northern Denmark has issued a public appeal for donations of small pets, including guinea pigs, rabbits, and chickens, to serve as food for its captive predators. The zoo emphasizes that this initiative aims to replicate the natural food chain and enhance animal welfare. Donated animals will be humanely euthanized by trained staff before being used as fodder.

In a Facebook post, the zoo stated, "If you have a healthy animal that needs to be given away for various reasons, feel free to donate it to us." The zoo also accepts horses under specific conditions, such as a maximum height of 147 cm and a valid horse passport.

The zoo's website outlines that donated horses must not have been treated for illness within the last 30 days and should be in a condition suitable for transport. Donors can receive a tax deduction for the value of the horse, calculated at DKK 5 per kilogram.

This practice aligns with the zoo's responsibility to imitate the natural food chain of the animals, ensuring their natural behavior, nutrition, and well-being.