Danish Zoo Sparks Debate with Novel Predator Feeding Initiative

Pets Solicited to Sustain Carnivore Diets

Aalborg Zoo in Denmark has ignited a passionate discussion among its patrons by launching a unique appeal: donations of unwanted pets to nourish its predatory animal inhabitants. The initiative, making waves on social media, has divided opinion sharply.

Unconventional Food Source Request

The zoo is actively seeking contributions of various domestic animals, including chickens, guinea pigs, rabbits, and even horses. These animals are intended to serve as natural prey for the zoo’s carnivores, mimicking their wild diets. The zoo assures potential donors that the animals will be humanely euthanized by trained staff, emphasizing a no-waste policy.

Replicating Natural Food Chains

Zoo officials explain that the inclusion of these animals is crucial for replicating natural food chains. An Instagram post highlighted the importance of such prey, stating, “Chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs form an important part of our predators’ diet. Especially the lynxes of islands need all the prey, which is as similar to the one he would catch in the wild.”

Tax Incentives for Horse Donations

For equine contributions, the zoo requires a horse passport. Donors can receive a tax deduction based on the horse’s assessed value, determined by its weight. This aspect of the initiative aims to encourage larger donations for the zoo’s bigger carnivores.

Director Defends Practice

PIA Zoo Nielsen, the zoo’s director, defended the program, noting its long-standing practice. “We have been feeding our carnivores for many years with smaller livestock. If you keep predators, they need to provide meat in what more unnatural form,” she commented. This reflects a commitment to providing a more naturalistic diet for the animals under their care.

Mixed Public Reaction

The zoo’s social media campaign has generated a torrent of responses, with some visitors expressing understanding and support for the zoo’s pragmatic approach. Conversely, others have voiced strong condemnation, finding the practice ethically objectionable. Similar initiatives, like the Philadelphia Zoo’s “Zoo-to-Table” program that sources meat locally for carnivores, highlight the broader, ongoing debate about ethical animal husbandry and feeding practices in zoological settings (Philadelphia Zoo).