COPENHAGEN: Aalborg Zoo in Denmark has drawn public attention after announcing it will now accept live animals such as chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs—and even horses—for use as natural prey feed for its carnivorous residents. The zoo clarified that all donated animals will be gently euthanised by trained professionals before being used as food.
In a social media post, the zoo stated that its predators require “whole prey” as part of a natural and nutritionally complete diet that mirrors their feeding habits in the wild. The initiative, according to Aalborg Zoo, is designed to support animal welfare, sustainability, and the natural behaviours of its predators.
“If you have a healthy animal that has to leave here for various reasons, feel free to donate it to us,” the statement read. “The animals are gently euthanised by trained staff and are afterwards used as fodder. That way, nothing goes to waste—and we ensure natural behavior, nutrition and well-being for our predators.”
Horses are also accepted under this scheme and may qualify for tax deductions as they are considered donations under Danish regulations. The announcement sparked mixed reactions online, with some praising the zoo’s transparency and ecological approach, while others raised ethical concerns about the sourcing of animal feed.
Zoo officials said the policy reflects practices already common in many European wildlife parks, and that it aims to reduce waste and enhance the health and stimulation of carnivorous species housed at the zoo.
