In a move that’s raising eyebrows — and not without reason — a zoo in northern Denmark is taking a hardline approach to feeding its carnivorous animals by incorporating a so-called “natural food chain” model. Aalborg Zoo recently announced it will accept donations of small domestic animals — including rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, and even horses — to be euthanized and fed to its predators, including lions, polar bears, and Sumatran tigers.
According to the zoo, this controversial initiative is rooted in a commitment to animal welfare and “professional integrity.” In a Facebook post, the zoo stated plainly: “In zoos we have a responsibility to imitate the natural food chain of the animals — in terms of both animal welfare and professional integrity.”
The facility is asking for donations of “healthy animals that need to be given away for various reasons,” emphasizing that all animals will be “gently euthanized” by trained staff before being offered as food to their carnivores. The zoo also stated on its website that horse owners can receive a tax deduction for donating animals, which will then be slaughtered on site.
Aalborg Zoo framed the move as one that ensures “natural behavior, nutrition and well-being of our predators.” This includes three of the world’s top carnivores: Asiatic lions, polar bears, and Sumatran tigers — all on exhibit at the zoo.
Critics have slammed the idea as grisly and unnecessary, while supporters argue it’s a more ethical and ecologically sound alternative to factory-farmed meat — and a reflection of principles of stewardship, sustainability, and realism in dealing with the natural order.
Notably, the zoo has not clarified whether dogs, cats, birds, or other household pets would be accepted under the program. Aalborg Zoo has so far declined to comment further.
