• Aalborg Zoo in Denmark seeks donations of small pets to feed its predators.
• Donated animals will be "gently euthanized" before being used as food.
• The zoo claims this practice mimics natural food chains for animal welfare.
• Public response has been mixed, with both applause and outrage.
• The zoo also accepts horses under specific conditions for donations.

Aalborg Zoo in Denmark has stirred a significant level of interest and controversy by requesting donations of small unwanted pets, such as guinea pigs, rabbits, and chickens, to feed its carnivorous animals. The zoo explains that this initiative aims to mimic the natural food chain for its predators and ensure both animal welfare and professional integrity, stating, "In zoos we have a responsibility to imitate the natural food chain of the animals," according to SCMP and ABC News.

The zoo's Facebook post not only highlights small pets but also mentions the acceptance of horses, which will be euthanized and processed as animal feed. These donations can offer tax deductions for pet owners, an intriguing aspect that has garnered additional attention. This approach has drawn a spectrum of reactions, from approval for its transparency regarding animal welfare to concerns about the ethics of euthanizing healthy pets, according to India Times and NPR.

Underlining its commitment to animal welfare, Aalborg Zoo clarifies that donated pets will be "gently euthanized" by trained staff before being distributed to the predators. The goal of this practice is not limited to feeding but also promotes stimulating natural behaviors within the predatory species, suggesting that whole prey items are essential for this purpose. This perspective aligns with broader practices in animal care, as noted by experts in zoo management and animal nutrition, such as those from the AZA, which emphasizes the importance of varied diets for captive carnivorous animals, as pointed out by ABC News and NPR.

This unusual donation request mirrors past controversies in Danish zoos, where similar practices have been implemented, including the euthanization of healthy animals in an effort to manage populations and provide proper nutrition for other wildlife. As a result, this novel method of sourcing food for zoo predators continues to prompt vigorous debate among the public and experts alike, reflecting deep divides in perceptions of animal care ethics, according to SCMP, India Times, and NPR.