Denmark Zoo Sparks Outrage With Plea for Euthanized Animals

Aalborg Zoo’s request for animals to feed predators ignites public backlash

Aalborg Zoo in Denmark has ignited a firestorm of public criticism by soliciting donations of euthanized farm animals, including chickens and rabbits, to serve as food for its resident predators. The zoo defends the practice as a natural part of its feeding regimen.

Zoo Seeks “Small Livestock” for Predator Diet

Zoo manager Anette Sofie Warncke Nutzhorn clarified the appeal, stating, “We are looking for small livestock, not pets.” She elaborated that a chicken no longer producing eggs, for example, would be suitable. “Predators usually catch prey of this size, so it’s like the natural course,” she explained to AFP.

“If you have an animal that, for various reasons, has to go, you are welcome to donate it to us.”

The zoo specifically mentioned chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, and horses as desired donations. It stressed that animals are humanely euthanized by qualified staff before being processed for consumption. Only healthy animals are accepted, and the zoo has a history of taking in donated animals for several years.

Public Outcry and Social Media Response

The zoo’s social media appeal last week quickly drew ire, prompting them to disable comments due to what they described as “hateful” responses. This incident echoes past controversies surrounding practices at Danish zoos, which have faced international condemnation for activities such as the euthanasia of healthy animals to manage inbreeding risks.

A notable past event occurred in 2014 when Copenhagen Zoo euthanized a young giraffe named Marius. The animal was then publicly autopsied before being fed to the zoo’s lions, a practice that drew widespread international condemnation.

Broader Trends in Animal Feeding

The debate over animal feeding practices in zoos comes amidst evolving considerations in pet food production. For instance, some pet food manufacturers are exploring alternative protein sources due to rising pet ownership and increased owner concern for their animals’ nutrition. A 2023 report indicated that the global pet food market is projected to grow significantly, further highlighting the demand for diverse and sustainable protein sources (Fortune Business Insights, 2023).

Despite the backlash, Ms. Warncke Nutzhorn characterized the social media post as merely a “friendly reminder” of an established zoo practice.