Aalborg Zoo in Denmark is appealing for donations of healthy small pets to be “gently euthanised” and fed to its predators.
In an Instagram post, the zoo has asked for donations of chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs, which “make up an important part of the diet of our predators”, especially the Eurasian lynx, “which needs whole prey” as it is “reminiscent of what it would naturally hunt in the wild”.
“In zoos we have a responsibility to imitate the natural food chain of the animals – in terms of both animal welfare and professional integrity,” Aalborg Zoo added.
For various reasons, small animals can be donated on weekdays between 10am and 1pm, but no more than four animals can be handed over at a time, the zoo’s website says.
Aalborg Zoo said the small animals “are gently euthanised by trained staff” and then fed to the predators such as lions and tigers.
“That way, nothing goes to waste – and we ensure natural behaviour, nutrition and wellbeing of our predators,” it added.
“Nothing goes to waste,” said Aalborg Zoo
Also on its website, the zoo provides conditions for donating horses to be euthanised and fed to its animals.
To be eligible, horses need to have a horse passport and must not have been treated for an illness within the previous 30 days. Successful horse donors can obtain a tax deduction for the value of the horse, the zoo says.
Pia Nielsen, deputy director of Aalborg Zoo, said in a statement (via the Guardian): “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.”
She added, “Therefore, it makes sense to allow animals that need to be euthanised for various reasons to be of use in this way. In Denmark, this practice is common, and many of our guests and partners appreciate the opportunity to contribute. The livestock we receive as donations are chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, and horses.”
Last week, a zoo in Nuremberg, Germany prompted outcry after killing 12 healthy Guinea baboons due to overcrowding in their enclosure.
Images courtesy of Aalborg Zoo
