Aalborg Zoo in Denmark has launched an unusual request, encouraging the public to donate healthy but unwanted pets to help feed its carnivorous animals.

The zoo is asking for live chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs, which are "gently euthanised" by professional staff before being used as food for its predators. They are also open to receiving live horses, with owners potentially benefiting from a tax deduction for their donation.

In a post on Instagram, the zoo stated it has "a responsibility to mimic the natural food chain" for its animals, noting that small livestock "constitutes an important part of the diet of our predators."

The zoo emphasised that this practice provides animals with food that closely resembles what they would hunt in the wild. This is particularly vital for species like the Eurasian lynx, but lions and tigers at the zoo also benefit from these naturalistic feeding practices.

Pet owners can donate small animals on weekdays, with a limit of four per drop-off unless an appointment is arranged in advance.

Details about horse donations are outlined on Aalborg Zoo’s website. To qualify, horses must have an official horse passport and must not have been treated for any illness within the past 30 days. Donors of accepted horses are eligible for a tax write-off.

Pia Nielsen, the zoo’s deputy director, explained that feeding carnivores with whole prey animals has been a longstanding practice at Aalborg Zoo.

"When keeping carnivores, it is essential to provide them with meat that includes fur, bones, and other natural elements to simulate their wild diet as closely as possible," Nielsen said. "Allowing animals that need to be euthanised for various reasons to be repurposed in this way is a practical and respectful solution. It’s a well-established approach in Denmark, and many of our visitors and partners value the chance to contribute."

The zoo confirmed it regularly receives donations of chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, and horses for this purpose. Photo by Wikimedia commons.