Aalborg Zoo Pet Donation Feeder Program Sparks Controversy

Aalborg Zoo in Denmark has drawn international attention and controversy after asking the public to donate healthy unwanted pets—including chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, and horses—to be euthanized and used as food for its predators such as lions, tigers, and the European lynx. The zoo defends the initiative as a way to replicate natural feeding behaviors, enhance animal welfare, and minimize waste, stating that donations of this kind are common and valued in Denmark. All donated animals must meet health standards and are euthanized humanely by trained staff before being fed to the zoo's carnivores. While supporters say the practice provides a responsible alternative to abandonment, animal rights activists and some members of the public have criticized the ethics of feeding pets to zoo animals. The zoo offers tax deductions for horse donations if specific criteria are met. The program has ignited wider ethical discussions about animal welfare and the role of zoos.