Overview

• On Aug. 4, Aalborg Zoo issued a social media appeal for unwanted chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs and small horses to be donated as feed for its carnivores
• Donated animals are euthanized by trained zookeepers and veterinarians before being served to species such as Asiatic lions, Sumatran tigers and European lynx
• Deputy director Pia Nielsen says the practice has been in place for years to mimic natural diets and enhance animal welfare
• Horse donations must meet strict criteria—including a horse passport, height under 147 cm and no illness treatment in the past 30 days—with owners eligible for tax deductions
• The appeal has prompted divided public reactions, recalling past controversies such as Copenhagen Zoo’s 2014 giraffe euthanasia to feed its lions