A Danish zoo has asked people to donate their unwanted pets to be fed to its predators.
Aalborg Zoo put a call out for small animals such as chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs to help it to “imitate the natural food chain of animals”.
In an unusual post on Instagram, the zoo wrote: “Chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs make up an important part of the diet of our predators - especially the European lynx, which needs whole prey that resembles what it would naturally hunt in the wild."
The animals are gently euthanised by trained staff before being fed to the predators at the zoo. Up to four animals can be donated at once.
The zoo added that ensuring normal behaviour and nutrition helps the well-being of its animals.
It ensures that nothing is wasted and even live horses can be donated to be fed to the animals.
In a post on its website, the zoo also explained that there can be even be a waiting list for horses throughout the year, adding that people can receive a tax deduction, which is the value of the horse if it is donated.
The horses must be at least 147cm tall and have a pet passport.
All the animals are euthanised and then slaughtered to be fed to other animals.
An information page on the Aalborg Zoo website includes a picture of a tiger biting into an animal carcass.
In a statement, Aalborg zoo said: "For many years at Aalborg Zoo, we have fed our carnivores with smaller livestock.
"When keeping carnivores, it is necessary to provide them with meat, preferably with fur, bones, etc., to give them as natural a diet as possible.
"Therefore, it makes sense to allow animals that need to be euthanised for various reasons to be of use in this way.
"In Denmark, this practice is common, and many of our guests and partners appreciate the opportunity to contribute."
It is not unheard of for zoo animals which die or need to be culled off to be fed to predators.
In 2014, Copenhagen Zoo shocked thousands of people when it euthanised an 18-month-old male giraffe called Marius and fed his body to the lions.
The giraffe was shot dead to prevent inbreeding despite a campaign to save him.
