Aalborg Zoo Sparks Controversy by Encouraging Donations of Unwanted Pets for Predator Feeding
Aalborg Zoo in northern Denmark has come under fire for its controversial initiative to encourage pet owners to donate healthy animals such as guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, and even small horses for feeding to its carnivorous animals. The zoo’s Facebook post, which sparked this controversy, claimed the practice aimed to mimic natural food chains and ensure proper nutrition for its predators. In addition, the zoo’s website provided detailed guidelines for horse donations, including requirements for animals to be under 147 cm tall, in good health, and accompanied by proper documentation. Donated horses are euthanized and slaughtered by zoo staff, with owners eligible for a small tax deduction based on the animal’s weight.
The announcement has ignited fierce debate online, with some commenters supporting the idea as practical and humane, while others have condemned the zoo for promoting a ‘terrible trend of indifference’ toward animals. One user described the initiative as ‘a deeply perverse and degrading mindset,’ while another sarcastically asked if the zoo could donate ‘healthy but annoying neighbourhood children.’ These comments reflect the broader public sentiment, which has been divided on the ethical implications of the zoo’s approach.
This is not the first time Aalborg Zoo has faced controversy. In 2024, the zoo euthanized its last two African elephants, one due to age and the other due to the lack of suitable companions. This marked the end of elephant keeping at the facility. A year earlier, another elephant was also put down under similar circumstances. These decisions have raised questions about the ethics of animal management in zoos and the treatment of animals in captivity.
Denmark’s zoos have faced international criticism in the past for controversial culling practices. In 2014, Copenhagen Zoo killed a healthy giraffe named Marius because his genes were deemed too common for breeding purposes. The zoo publically dissected the carcass and fed it to lions, triggering global condemnation. This incident highlighted the complex ethical dilemmas faced by zoos in balancing animal welfare with conservation efforts.
In neighboring Sweden, Furuvik Zoo faced scrutiny in December 2022 after staff shot and killed three chimpanzees that had escaped their enclosure. The zoo claimed the decision was necessary due to the risk posed by the animals, despite the park being closed to visitors at the time. These incidents have contributed to ongoing discussions about the role of zoos in animal conservation and the ethical responsibilities they bear towards the animals in their care.
The controversy surrounding Aalborg Zoo’s initiative raises important questions about the intersection of animal welfare, conservation, and public perception. As zoos continue to play a role in both education and conservation, the ethical considerations of such practices remain a topic of significant debate within the scientific and animal welfare communities.