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Denmark’s Aalborg Zoo is asking pet owners to donate certain animals, such as horses, rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens.
The Zoo shared the announcement on its Facebook page.
“The zoo is responsible for mimicking the natural food chain of animals, both for animal welfare and professional integrity,” according to a social media post translated.
Animals donated to the zoo were humanely euthanized by trained staff before being used as feed in line with animal welfare standards, zoo officials told the Guardian.
The aim is to avoid waste and ensure the well-being and nutritional needs of its predators.
Aalborg Zoo argues that donated animals are considered livestock rather than pets, and that the program is voluntary.
The zoo’s demands attracted international attention and sparked ethical debate. Animal rights activists who spoke with the Guardian have expressed concern over the practice.
However, a zoo spokesperson emphasizes that using whole prey is common in modern zoos to support endemic behaviour and to prevent carnivorous health issues.
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