The Aalborg Zoo in Denmark has recently made headlines due to their unusual demand to not ask for monetary donations but unwanted pets instead like “chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs” to feed their predators, including the European Lynx.
In a public statement issued on July 31, 2025, via their Facebook page, the zoo has urged people to give away their “small pets” as part of a donation drive.
The need for this arises as the big cat requires prey that is similar to the ones they would hunt in the wild.
“In zoos, we have a responsibility to imitate the animals’ natural food chain — for reasons of both animal welfare and professional integrity,” the Facebook post, translated from Danish by People, read. “If you have an animal that needs to leave here for various reasons, you are welcome to donate it to us.”
As per NBC, these pets will be “gently euthanised” by trained staff and then used to feed the bigger animals. They do not want anything to go to “waste” and also want to ensure the “natural behaviour, nutrition, and well-being” of the animals.
The official website of the zoo has also demanded horse donations. The statement reads, “Aalborg Zoo gratefully receives live horses, which we euthanize and slaughter for food at Aalborg Zoo. Our needs vary throughout the year, and there may be a waiting list.”
They have some requirements:
One, you must provide your name, address, and phone number when registering the horse. Two, the horse must be a maximum of 147 cm at the withers. Three, the horse must be in a safe condition for transport and must not have been treated for illness for at least the last 30 days. Four, the horse must have a horse passport.
The zoo has also given specific timings to accept these animals, especially between 10 am and 1 pm, and only four at a time for small pets.
The uncommon demand has left locals outraged, with many calling the move animal cruelty and “unacceptable”.
Soon after the call for donations was posted, people flooded the comment section of the Facebook post with “hateful” comments. As a result, the page later limited the comment section.
The zoo has responded to these comments, “We understand that the post arouses emotions and interest, but hateful and malicious rhetoric is not necessary — and we encourage everyone to maintain a respectful tone.”
Pia Nielsen, deputy director of the Aalborg Zoo, said in a statement shared by 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.
“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.”
An online petition has been started at Change.org titled “Protect pets from unjust killing at Aalborg Zoo” and it has received 100 supporters so far.
“In 2025 alone, Aalborg Zoo has taken in and euthanized 137 rabbits, 53 chickens, 18 guinea pigs, and 22 horses – The thought that beloved animals end this way shakes me profoundly and contradicts all compassion and respect owed to sentient beings,” the petition read.
As per the petition, the actions of the zoo violates European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals (CETS No. 125), specifically Articles 3 and 4 that “prohibit causing unnecessary suffering and require proper care respecting animals’ needs. This treaty must be upheld to protect our companion animals.”