Danish Zoo Asks Public to Donate Unwanted Pets—To Feed Its Predators
In a move sparking international controversy, a zoo in northern Denmark has made a highly unusual request: it’s asking pet owners to donate their unwanted animals—not for adoption, but as food for the zoo’s carnivorous predators.
The request, made public in July 2025, specifically asks for donations of guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, and even miniature horses. While such animals are often viewed as companions or farm animals, the zoo has emphasized that these are not for display or care, but intended as live or fresh prey for lions, snakes, and other meat-eating residents.
Why Is the Zoo Accepting Pets as Predator Feed?
The ecological reasoning behind the decision is straightforward: carnivores in the wild don’t eat processed meat—they hunt and consume whole animals. According to the zoo’s statement, this initiative is part of its effort to maintain the natural diets and hunting behaviors of its predators.
“We want our animals to live as naturally as possible,” said a spokesperson. “This includes feeding them in a way that mimics their diet in the wild. Using whole prey is one part of that.”
The zoo claims it only accepts animals that are already being euthanized or are unwanted, and that it’s a more ethical use of those animals compared to disposal.
What Kind of Animals Are Being Accepted?
The list of acceptable donations is raising eyebrows globally. It includes:
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Guinea pigs
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Rabbits
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Chickens
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Pigeons
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Miniature or Shetland horses
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Goats
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Farm fowl
All animals must be healthy and free of disease, and the zoo reportedly conducts checks before accepting them.
In some cases, the animals are euthanized humanely before feeding. In others—particularly in the reptile house or among certain bird species—the prey may be given live, as a means of natural hunting enrichment.
Ethical Backlash and Public Outcry
Animal rights activists and members of the public have expressed shock and anger over the zoo’s policy. Critics argue that turning once-loved pets into meals for lions or pythons is inhumane and disrespectful.
Online forums and social media platforms have exploded with debate. “I gave my child a rabbit last Easter,” one Danish commenter wrote. “Now you’re telling me it could end up in a snake enclosure?”
Others argue that this practice may encourage irresponsible pet ownership, with people more willing to abandon animals knowing they’ll be “taken care of” by the zoo—albeit as food.
Some ethicists are also questioning the line between conservation and exploitation, especially when it involves animals with emotional or companion value.
Zoo Defends Its Approach to Predator Welfare
Despite the backlash, the zoo maintains that their approach is ethical, sustainable, and backed by zoological science. The spokesperson added that zoos in many parts of the world already use rabbits and chickens as part of predator diets, and that this just brings that practice into the open.
“It may seem shocking to people because we’re talking about ‘pets,’” the spokesperson said. “But the truth is, these are prey animals. Their role in the ecosystem doesn’t change because they lived in someone’s backyard.”
They also argue that using donated prey reduces reliance on commercial meat sources, cutting costs and environmental impact.
A Global Conversation About Animal Hierarchies
This case has opened a larger conversation about how societies assign value to animals. Why is feeding a cow to a lion acceptable, but a guinea pig isn’t? Is the distinction purely emotional? Cultural?
While zoos are generally trusted to balance education, conservation, and animal welfare, the lines can blur when decisions like this come into public view.
Animal welfare organizations across Europe have issued mixed responses—some condemning the practice, others acknowledging its biological validity but recommending more transparent policies.