A zoo in Denmark is asking the public for donations of unwamted small pets or horses to feed its captive predators.
"In zoos, we have a responsibility to imitate the natural food chain of the animals - in terms of both animal welfare and professional integrity," Aalborg Zoo said in a post on social media.
The zoo in northern Denmark said that chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs were an important part of the diet of its predators, which need "whole prey," reminiscent of what they would hunt in the wild.
"If you have a healthy animal that has to leave here for various reasons, feel free to donate it to us. The animals are gently euthanized by trained staff and are afterwards used as fodder. That way, nothing goes to waste - and we ensure natural behavior, nutrition and well-being for our predators," Aalborg Zoo said.
The zoo said it accepts donated rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens on weekdays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., but no more than four at a time.
It also accepts horses for feeding its animals, which it says on its website are euthanized by a zookeeper and a veterinarian.
Horses to be donated for animal food must not have been treated for illness for at least a month, and are subject to size restrictions, the zoo said on its website. They must also be in a condition where it is safe for them to be transported.
Given that the horse is a donation, the donor can receive a tax deduction for the value of the horse.
"Our needs vary throughout the year, and there may be a waiting list," Aalborg Zoo said.
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