Aalborg Zoo in Denmark requested donations of unwanted healthy small pets to feed its predators. The zoo posted the appeal on Facebook on 31 July. More than 200 comments appeared before staff closed the comment section.
The facility seeks chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Trained staff will “humanely euthanise” these animals before feeding them to carnivorous animals, including the Eurasian lynx.
The zoo accepts live horse donations. Horses must come with a “horse passport” and offer tax deduction opportunities based on weight value.
Donated pets will be eaten whole by predators. This feeding method replicates what these animals hunt in the wild.
“Chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs make up an important part of the diet for our predators,” the zoo stated in its Facebook post. The institution cited responsibility to recreate natural feeding behaviors for animal welfare and professional integrity.
“That way, nothing goes to waste and we provide natural behavior, nutrition, and well-being of our predators,” the zoo added.
All donated animals must be healthy. The zoo accepts donations under specific guidelines on their website.
Public Backlash Triggers International Attention
The Facebook post drew immediate criticism from local and international commenters. Many users expressed outrage at using pets as animal feed.
“Shame on you,” multiple users wrote. Some called the practice inhumane. Critics described the initiative as having a “deeply perverse and degrading mindset” behind a “sick idea.”
Some commenters mocked the program by asking if the zoo would accept children as donations.
Several supporters defended the initiative as more respectful than other disposal methods for unwanted pets. One commenter shared their positive experience, stating that handing over a rabbit was a “nice and professional experience.”
The zoo initially restricted comments to users who had followed the page for over 24 hours. Officials closed the comment section as international attention mounted.
“We understand that the post evokes emotions and curiosity, but hateful and malicious rhetoric is not necessary — and we encourage respectful dialogue,” the zoo stated. Questions remain welcome through email or Facebook messages.
Comments were disabled on the original Instagram post. Users moved to other posts by the organization to express views on the program.
