Aalborg, Denmark – Aalborg Zoo in northwest Denmark is at the center of international controversy after a blunt online memo called on the public to donate unwanted pets—including old chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, and even small horses—to be euthanized and fed to the zoo’s lions and other big cats. According to the post, trained staff will perform a “gentle kill” before the animals are used as whole-prey feed for carnivores, with small horse owners even promised a tax deduction for healthy animals under 4 feet 10 inches tall.
According to the zoo, this call is part of a push to mirror the “natural food chain” and improve the welfare of their predators by offering a hunting-like experience. The memo stated, “If you have a healthy animal that has to leave here for various reasons, feel free to donate it to us,” adding that the process ensures the “well-being of our predators.”
The public response was immediate and heated, with animal lovers and advocacy groups across Europe slamming the zoo for encouraging people to hand over aging or unwanted pets for slaughter. Social media erupted with outrage, prompting Aalborg Zoo to close comments and urge civility, while standing by the controversial policy.
This isn’t the first time a Danish zoo has drawn fire over feeding practices. In 2014, Copenhagen Zoo sparked worldwide debate after euthanizing a young giraffe and feeding it to lions in public view.
Aalborg Zoo has not responded to further requests for comment but indicated more updates may be released as the situation develops.
