Should Zoos Feed Carnivorous Animals Donated Pets?

A zoo in Aalborg, Denmark, has sparked controversy by requesting donations of pets to feed its carnivorous animals. The zoo argues that offering animals like horses, chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs as food mirrors the natural diet of carnivores, promoting their health and wellbeing. This initiative is part of a broader trend observed in European zoos, including the Nuremberg Zoo in Germany, where similar practices have been implemented. The Nuremberg Zoo attracted criticism after culling twelve baboons for feeding to predators, a move defended by the zoo as a means of providing natural nutrition to its animals.

Despite the zoo's claims about the benefits of such practices, the approach has drawn criticism from animal rights activists and zoologists. Critics argue that the practice is unethical and have voiced concerns over animal welfare, urging zoos to find alternative methods to sustain their carnivorous inhabitants. Nonetheless, the Aalborg Zoo maintains that using natural prey is vital for reflecting the authentic diet and behavior of its predators, suggesting that it is an essential component of their care strategy.