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Zoo in Denmark sparks backlash after asking people to donate their pets to be used as food

A zoo in Denmark has drawn international attention after posting a Facebook appeal for unwanted small pets to be donated and used as food for its carnivorous animals.

Published on 31 July, the post from Aalborg Zoo went on to garner more than 200 comments.

Replicating nature for animal welfare

In its message, the zoo explained that such donations help them replicate the animals’ natural food chain, which is vital for the well-being of predators like the Eurasian lynx.

These animals require whole prey that closely resembles what they would naturally hunt in the wild.

Source: ViktorCap on Canva, for illustration purposes only

“Chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs make up an important part of the diet for our predators,” the zoo wrote, adding that it bears a responsibility to recreate natural feeding behaviours, both for the sake of animal welfare and professional integrity.

To reassure concerned pet owners, Aalborg Zoo stated that all animals donated will be “humanely euthanised” by trained professionals before being fed to the predators.

Source: LindaYolanda on Canva, for illustration purposes only

“That way, nothing goes to waste — and we ensure natural behaviour, proper nutrition, and the overall well-being of our carnivores,” the post continued.

The zoo also clarified that the animals must be healthy, and donations are accepted only under appropriate guidelines, which are detailed on their official website.

Outrage in the comments

The post was quickly met with backlash, drawing critical responses from both local and international commenters.

Many found the idea of using pets as animal feed appalling.

Translation: A deeply perverse and degrading mindset lies behind this sick idea. There’s a terrible trend of indifference towards animals spreading in Denmark, and this only reinforces that sad regression. Imagine giving away your pet as feed — it hardly gets more disrespectful and undignified than that…Source: Facebook

Some expressed disbelief, while others mocked the concept, joking about donating “healthy but annoying” children instead.

Source: Facebook

However, not all reactions were negative.

Some commenters supported the zoo’s initiative, arguing it was more respectful than discarding unwanted pets.

One person shared that handing over her rabbit had been a “nice and professional experience”.

Translation: It’s such a great arrangement… I handed over a rabbit to you, and it was a really nice and professional experience.Source: Facebook

As international attention mounted, the zoo initially restricted comments to users who had followed its page for over 24 hours.

Eventually, due to “significant international interest”, it chose to close the comment section entirely.

“We understand that the post evokes emotions and curiosity, but hateful and malicious rhetoric is not necessary — and we encourage respectful dialogue,” the zoo stated, adding that questions are still welcome via email or Facebook inbox.

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‘Even panthers can’t escape obesity’: ‘Chonky’ panther in M’sia zoo sparks public concern

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Featured image adapted from Aalborg Zoo on Facebook and User10095428_393 on Canva, for illustration purposes only.