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The Aalborg Zoo in Denmark has initiated a program that is sparking controversy: it is now accepting donations of unwanted pets, which will be euthanized and fed to its predator residents. The program is part of the zoo’s efforts to replicate the natural food chain for its animals and ensure their well-being and proper nutrition.
The zoo stated that it is looking for donations of small animals like guinea pigs and larger animals, including horses, explaining that these are essential for the diets of its predator animals. The zoo emphasizes that the donated animals are humanely euthanized by trained staff.
However, the program has faced severe criticism, including from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which argues that it is not natural for predators to be fed companion animals originating from different parts of the world. Despite the backlash, the zoo stands by its decision and claims that the program is necessary to provide a natural diet for its animals.
The zoo’s Facebook post explained that the animals are humanely euthanized by trained staff and then used as feed to ensure natural behavior, proper nutrition, and well-being for its predators. The zoo specified that private individuals and businesses can donate chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs, which organizers say are important for the predators’ diets.
PETA argued that the initiative is “not natural behavior” for predators from Asia who roam and hunt for their meals to be fed companion animals confined in cages. PETA also pointed out that the animals originate in South America and are never needed to imitate the natural food chain of the zoo’s animals.
Regardless, the zoo maintains its commitment to providing a natural diet for its predators and has offered clarification and answers to questions via private messages or email. The zoo has disabled comments on its Facebook post due to significant international attention.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/world/zoos-request-people-donate-pets-fed-predatory-animals-draws-peta-blowback
