URGENT UPDATE: A Danish zoo is facing intense backlash after a controversial Facebook post solicited donations of unwanted pets to feed their carnivorous animals. Aalborg Zoo, located in northern Denmark, made the shocking announcement on July 31, 2025, which has since sparked global outrage.
The zoo’s post encouraged pet owners, particularly those with small animals like chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs, to consider donating their pets for feeding European lynxes and other predators. The message claimed that this practice would help simulate a natural diet for the animals, a stance some users found alarming.
While the zoo asserted that such feeding practices are standard in professional zoological institutions and beneficial for animal welfare, critics were quick to respond. Many Facebook users condemned the request, labeling it as “disgusting,” and accusing zoo officials of lacking compassion. One commenter declared, “You have no heart whatsoever,” echoing the sentiments of those who believe the request crosses an ethical line.
Despite the backlash, Aalborg Zoo defended its position, stating that the initiative was ecologically responsible and aimed at minimizing waste. The zoo emphasized that any animal received would first be euthanized by trained personnel before being offered as food. The post read, “In zoos, we have a responsibility to mimic the animals’ natural food chain – for the sake of both animal welfare and professional integrity.”
The zoo’s post included a link to guidelines for potential donors, indicating that the practice aligns with a broader mission to ensure the well-being of captive animals.
As outrage continued to build, Aalborg Zoo updated their original Facebook post, closing comments due to what they described as “hateful and malicious rhetoric.” They encouraged further inquiries via private message or email, seeking to redirect emotional reactions toward more constructive discussions.
The viral nature of this request has raised critical ethical questions about animal welfare and zoo practices. Animal rights advocates and concerned citizens have begun to call for boycotts of the zoo, further amplifying the conversation surrounding the treatment of animals in captivity.
The situation is developing, and the global community is closely watching how Aalborg Zoo will navigate this controversy. Stay tuned for further updates as this story evolves.
For now, the zoo’s appeal has ignited a heated debate about the responsibilities of zoos and the moral implications of using domestic pets as food for wild animals. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding animal care and the ethical considerations that must be addressed in the world of animal husbandry.
What happens next? The zoo plans to manage the fallout from this incident, and further actions will likely emerge as public sentiment continues to take shape.
