In a unique initiative, the Aalborg Zoo in Denmark is reaching out to pet owners for donations of specific animals to support its carnivorous residents. The zoo, located in Denmark's fourth-largest city, has taken to social media to request contributions not to expand its collection, but specifically to provide appropriate food for its predators. According to the zoo, animals such as chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs form a crucial part of the diet for the carnivorous species housed there. The zoo emphasized its commitment to maintaining the natural dietary patterns of these animals, underscoring the importance of such practices for both animal welfare and professional integrity. Notably, the European lynx, one of its residents, requires whole prey that closely resembles its natural hunting targets. Interestingly, the zoo also accepts donations of horses, which are processed by trained staff in a humane manner for use as food, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. As of 2025, the Aalborg Zoo has already received a substantial number of donations, including 137 rabbits, 53 chickens, 22 horses, 18 guinea pigs, and 12 cod. The zoo's zoologist, Thea Loumand Faddersbøll, noted that many individuals bring in baby rabbits, often overwhelmed by their rapid reproduction. The zoo's website mentions that the need for such animals varies throughout the year, and there may be a waiting list for donations. There are various reasons why pet owners choose to donate their animals. Some may lose interest in caring for them, leading to a surplus of pets in their homes. According to the zoo's director, Henrik Vester Skov Johansen, each carnivore typically consumes about 20 kilograms of meat weekly, making it crucial that the animals provided for feeding are healthy. The initiative by the Aalborg Zoo is not isolated; other institutions in Denmark have similar programs. For instance, the Copenhagen Zoo has also encouraged the public to contribute their pets to help feed carnivorous animals. This approach has previously generated significant public interest, particularly when it was reported that an otherwise healthy giraffe was euthanized for similar reasons in 2014, which sparked controversy. Recently, the killing of twelve baboons at the Nürnberg Zoo due to space constraints has reignited discussions about animal management practices in zoos. Activists attempted to intervene, but the situation remained unchanged. The Aalborg Zoo's donation program aims to benefit both the animals and the pet owners, as it helps zoos save on food costs while alleviating the financial burden of euthanizing and disposing of unwanted pets, which can be quite expensive. Maintaining the health and wellbeing of the animals is paramount, and the Aalborg Zoo continues to seek community support in this innovative feeding strategy.