When needing to rehome a beloved pet, the Aalborgun Zoo in Denmark steps in to provide a unique solution, using animals as food for their tigers and lions.
Aalborg Zoo's Controversial Animal Donation Initiative
Aalborg Zoo in Denmark has stirred up controversy and astonishment with its recent appeal for live donations of chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, and horses to feed its tigers, lions, and lynxes. The zoo, located in the northern part of Denmark, has been practicing this method for many years.
The initiative, which involves using animals that are no longer wanted by their owners, has attracted international attention, with coverage from BBC and CNN. Pia Nielsen, the deputy director of the zoo, explains that providing meat with fur and bones is essential for the most natural diet possible for carnivores.
Nielsen further notes that using animals that have to be euthanized for various reasons makes sense in this context. Donated horses, for example, must have a horse passport and not have been treated for illness in the 30 days prior to delivery.
The practice of using live animals as food for predators in zoos is a subject of debate and surprise. Some argue that it mimics the natural food chain of animals and is an important part of the predators' diet. Others find it inhumane and controversial.
It's important to note that this practice is not unique to Aalborg Zoo. Other Danish zoos, including the Copenhagen Zoo, have a history of similar methods. For instance, in 2014, the Copenhagen Zoo fed a euthanized giraffe to its carnivores.
Despite the controversy, many of Aalborg Zoo's visitors and partners appreciate the opportunity to contribute to this practice by donating livestock. Horses donated to the zoo may even qualify for potential tax deductions for their owners.
The zoo has posted a message about this initiative on social media, stating that it aims to demonstrate the interdependence of living beings and the importance of each level for the survival of the ecosystem as a whole.
In Denmark, the practice of using euthanized animals as food for predators is common. The food provided in this way is said to remind us of "what natural hunting would be like in nature", particularly suitable for the lynx.
This news has sparked a lively discussion among animal rights activists, zookeepers, and the general public. As the debate continues, it serves as a reminder of the complexities and nuances involved in managing wildlife and zoos.
