Zoo in Denmark Asks People to Donate Small Pets to Be Used as Food for Captive Predators

A zoo in Denmark is turning to the public to help feed its various captive predators, asking people to donate their small pets to be used as food.

In a recent Facebook post, the Aalborg Zoo asks, "Did you know that you can donate smaller pets to Aalborg Zoo?" The post continues, "Chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs make up an important part of the diet of our predators - especially in the European lynx, which needs whole prey, which is reminiscent of what it would naturally hunt in the wild."

However, the zoo says the donated animals won't be fed to predators while they're still alive, saying, "If you have an animal that has to leave here for various reasons, feel free to donate it to us. The animals are gently euthanized by trained staff and are afterwards used as fodder. That way, nothing goes to waste - and we ensure natural behavior, nutrition and well-being of our predators."

The post adds, "In zoos we have a responsibility to imitate the natural food chain of the animals - in terms of both animal welfare and professional integrity."

Unsurprisingly, many flocked to the comment section of the post to let their voices be heard ... some showing support, while others were upset. In total, the post has received hundreds of reactions and comments.

One Facebook user said they donated a horse to a zoo years ago and were happy with their decision. Another commented, "How sick are you to think of something like that?" While another person who was clearly upset at the notion of donating a pet wrote, "yikes."

Some users even joked, asking if the zoo would take "healthy but annoying" children. The zoo responded to one of the jokesters by saying, Your children are very welcome at the Zoo but not as food... here we only accept animals with feathers or fur."

Unclear if the post has generated any donations so far, but it certainly is getting some serious attention.