Please donate your pet...Controversy over its use as carnivore food
Aug 06, 2025
|
Denmark's Alborg Zoo has recently been criticized for posting a post on social media that reads "Please donate small pets to carnivores as food."
The zoo said in a post that "It is essential to recreate the food chain in its natural state for the welfare of predators such as Eurasian lynx" "They require a similar 'complete food' to that of hunting in the wild, and chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc. are used as the main food. "
He stressed that "We have a responsibility to reproduce natural feeding behavior, which is a matter of professionalism as well as animal welfare."
It added that donated animals are humanely euthanized by trained professionals and then provided as food for carnivores, thereby ensuring nothing is wasted, natural behavior, adequate nutrition, and the overall welfare of carnivores.
Conditions for endowable animals must be in good health.
The post sparked a backlash online. Many were shocked by the idea of using pets as food, with some mocking the idea, saying "Can a healthy but annoying child donate?"
On the other hand, some agreed with the purpose of the zoo, saying, `It is better to be used meaningfully than abandoned pets.'
In fact, one user said that he had donated his rabbit and that it was a kind and professional procedure.
As the controversy grew, the zoo initially restricted only users to comment for more than 24 hours following. Since then, as international interest has grown, the comment function has been completely blocked.
The zoo said it understands that the post may cause offence, but it does not want malicious and hateful expressions.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
