Aalborg Zoo is making headlines as it asks local residents to part with their unwanted pets in a creative approach to animal care. The zoo specifically seeks live chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs, which are "gently euthanised" by trained professionals for feeding its carnivorous animals. The initiative encourages pet owners to consider donating instead of euthanising their pets, with the additional benefit of potential tax deductions for horse donations that meet specific criteria.
The zoo aims to replicate the natural diet of predators like tigers and the Eurasian lynx, emphasizing the importance of live, whole prey which reflects what these animals would hunt in the wild. As part of this process, Aalborg Zoo provides guidelines for pet donations, allowing up to four small animals on weekdays without appointments.
Pia Nielsen, the deputy director of the zoo, elaborated on the necessity of fresh, natural diets for carnivores, highlighting that this practice is not only beneficial for the zoo’s residents but is also accepted within Danish culture. Many community members appreciate the chance to contribute to wildlife conservation in this innovative way.
