Copenhagen, Denmark – A zoo in Denmark has ignited international outrage after encouraging citizens to donate their unwanted small pets—such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters—as food for its predators.
The zoo claims the controversial request is part of its mission to provide animals with a “naturalistic feeding experience,” replicating how carnivores hunt and consume live prey in the wild. However, this decision has triggered a heated ethical debate, especially among animal rights organizations and pet lovers across the world.
Why the Zoo Made the Request
According to zoo officials, feeding predators live or freshly killed prey mimics wild behavior, enriches the lives of carnivorous animals, and teaches visitors about the food chain.
They say many people abandon their small pets or leave them in shelters, and this donation drive gives them a purpose in nature’s cycle.
Public Backlash and Ethical Concerns
Animal welfare advocates argue that using former pets as food—even if already deceased—is deeply unethical and traumatic for both donors and onlookers. Social media has been flooded with criticism, with many questioning the moral line between sustainability and cruelty.
Animal rights group PETA called the move “disturbing and insensitive,” adding that it “devalues the bond between humans and companion animals.”
Legal and Cultural Perspectives
Denmark’s regulations around live feeding are among the more relaxed in Europe, and similar incidents in the past have sparked debates. In 2014, another Danish zoo caused global backlash after euthanizing a healthy giraffe in front of children and feeding it to lions.
This latest incident may reignite calls for more stringent animal rights legislation and transparent zoo policies across Europe.
Final Thoughts
The zoo stands by its decision, but the public response signals a shift in how people want animals—especially pets—to be treated. While natural feeding may have scientific merit, emotional and ethical boundaries remain under scrutiny.
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