Denmark Zoo Seeks Donations of Pets to Feed Predators

Aalborg Zoo in Denmark is accepting donations of euthanized livestock and unwanted pets – including chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, and horses – to feed its carnivorous animals, a practice zoo officials say mimics a natural food chain and reduces waste.

Zoo Director Bastian Nielsen explained in a statement that aalborg Zoo has utilized this method for years, aligning with common practices among Danish zoos. “For many years at Aalborg Zoo, we have fed our carnivores with smaller livestock. When keeping carnivores, it is necessary to provide them with meat, preferably with fur, bones, etc to give them as natural a diet as possible,” Nielsen said. He added that utilizing animals euthanized for othre reasons is a practical and respectful use of resources.

“Thus, it makes sense to allow animals that need to be euthanized for various reasons to be of use in this way,” Nielsen stated. The zoo emphasizes that donations contribute to a more natural diet for animals like lions, tigers, and leopards, enriching their well-being.

The practice isn’t new to Danish zoos and has sparked debate in the past. In 2014, Copenhagen Zoo faced international criticism for euthanizing Marius, a healthy two-year-old giraffe, to prevent inbreeding within the zoo’s giraffe population. The giraffe’s remains were then used to feed the zoo’s carnivores. Shortly after, Copenhagen Zoo euthanized four lions to make way for a new male, aiming to establish a new breeding line.

Nielsen highlighted the ecological importance of carnivores, stating they are “crucial to the balance of nature.” He noted that many guests and partners appreciate the opportunity to contribute to this system.

While the practice is accepted in Denmark, it differs from policies in other countries. Such as, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in the United States has specific guidelines regarding animal nutrition and sourcing, prioritizing commercially available, regulated feed. Aalborg Zoo’s approach focuses on replicating a natural diet and minimizing waste by utilizing animals already slated for euthanasia for unrelated medical or population management reasons.

Aalborg Zoo is located in Aalborg, Denmark, and currently houses over 1500 animals representing approximately 300 diffrent species. The zoo attracts approximately 400,000 visitors annually, according to 2023 figures released by VisitDenmark.