There’s Nothing ‘Natural’ About the Aalborg Zoo Feeding Guinea Pigs to Tigers

This zoo in Europe is asking for donations—of “unwanted” animal companions. That’s right, the Aalborg Zoo in Denmark asked the public to “donate” guinea pigs, rabbits, horses, and other aging companion animals so that the facility can feed them to predators held there. Learn why there’s nothing “natural” about the Aalborg Zoo’s ask, and how you can take action for animals exploited for entertainment.

There’s Nothing ‘Natural’ About the Aalborg Zoo’s Animal Donation Ask

It’s not “natural behaviour” for predators from Asia, who roam and hunt for their meals, to be fed companion animals who originated in South America. Companion animals are never needed to “imitate the natural food chain of the [zoo’s] animals” (as an Aalborg Zoo spokesperson described the program).

If Aalborg Zoo truly cares about animals, it should focus on protecting these species in their natural habitats.

Under the Guise of ‘Conservation,’ Animals Are Routinely Traded, Sold, and Killed

Exhibitors around the world routinely trade, lend, sell, barter, warehouse, and even kill animals they no longer want. Despite critical voices and protests, twelve healthy Guinea baboons were killed at the Nuremberg Zoo on July 29, 2025. According to the German zoo, the baboons were killed because their enclosure was apparently too small for the number of primates.

In nature, many baboons stay in the same social group their entire lives, and female baboons bond closely with their mothers, aunts, and other relatives. Because baboons are so family-oriented, the Nuremberg Zoo’s killing of twelve baboons may be extremely detrimental to the well-being of the surviving primates.

How You Can Help Animals Suffering in Roadside Zoos in the U.S.

The international zoo community must quickly and systematically shift focus from breeding yet more animals to feed and house to transitioning to a sanctuary model. People who want to make a difference should support organizations that work to preserve animals’ natural habitats and real animal sanctuaries that rescue and care for animals but don’t sell or breed them. Visit the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries to learn more.

You can also help animals by taking action for animals suffering at shabby roadside zoos across the U.S. and at countless other tourist traps around the world.