Aalborg Zoo in Denmark is inviting members of the public to donate unwanted but healthy pets to be used as food for its carnivorous animals. The initiative, which the zoo says is designed to replicate the natural food chain, has sparked widespread discussion.

Among the animals accepted for donation are live chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs, which are euthanized “gently” by trained staff before being fed to predators such as lynxes, lions, and tigers. Larger animals, including horses, may also be donated under specific conditions. Horse owners could potentially benefit from tax deductions, provided the animals have valid passports and have not received medical treatment within the past month.

The zoo emphasized that this feeding practice is not new. According to Deputy Director Pia Nielsen, feeding carnivores with whole prey, including fur and bones, is essential to maintaining a natural and nutritious diet. “When you keep carnivores, it is necessary to provide them with meat — preferably whole animals — to simulate their natural diet,” she explained. “This is a common practice in Denmark, and many visitors and partners appreciate the chance to contribute in this way.”

Donations are accepted on weekdays without an appointment, with a maximum of four animals per day.

In a post on Instagram, the zoo stated, “We have a responsibility to mimic the natural food chain of our animals.” The post explains that small animals are an important part of the diet for predators like the Eurasian lynx and other large carnivores housed at the facility.