Aalborg Zoo, located in northern Denmark, has asked the public to donate unwanted small pets or horses to feed their big predators like tigers and lions. The zoo explained that in captivity, they try to copy the natural food chain to keep the animals healthy and behave naturally.

They said feeding predators whole animals, just like in the wild, is important for animal welfare and professional care. The zoo said animals like chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs are important in the predators’ diet, as stated by CBS News report.

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How does Aalborg Zoo use donated pets?People who have healthy small animals they can’t keep anymore are encouraged to donate them to the zoo. The donated animals are humanely euthanized by trained staff before being used as food. This process makes sure nothing is wasted and helps the predators stay natural and healthy.

The zoo accepts donations of rabbits, guinea pigs, and chickens only on weekdays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. They limit donations to no more than four animals at a time to manage care properly. The zoo also accepts horses as food donations for their animals, as per the report by CBS News.

Rules for donating horses to Aalborg ZooHorses donated to the zoo are euthanized by both a zookeeper and a veterinarian to make sure it is done properly. There are rules for horses: they must not have been treated for any illness for at least one month before donation. Donated horses must also follow size limits, and must be in a condition safe for transportation.ALSO READ: Sin City in crisis? Las Vegas locals ‘Freaking Out’ as tourists vanish from the strip

Because the horses are donations, people who give them can receive a tax deduction based on the horse’s value. The zoo said their needs for donated animals change throughout the year, so sometimes there could be a waiting list before they can accept more donations, as mentioned in the report by CBS News.

FAQsQ1. Why is Aalborg Zoo asking for pet donations?
Aalborg Zoo wants to feed predators like tigers and lions with whole animals to copy their natural diet in the wild.

Q2. What animals does Aalborg Zoo accept as donations for food?
The zoo accepts chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, and even horses, if they meet health and transport rules.