We are shocked and deeply disturbed by the recent appeal made by a zoo in Denmark asking members of the public to drop off unwanted companion animals—such as rabbits or guinea pigs—so they can be fed to the carnivores held in captivity.

This request is distressing on multiple levels, and we cannot remain silent. While this raises questions such as:

• How will the zoo determine that animals brought in were not simply picked up off the street or stolen from people’s homes?

• How do they intend to “gently euthanise” these animals before feeding them to others?

• How can they guarantee that the animals used as feed are free from disease?

These questions, while important, pale in comparison to the overarching ethical concern: how can anyone who claims to care for animals kill one, and then feed them to another?

Yes, carnivores in captivity require meat—but it is deeply troubling to consider that someone employed to care for animals in a zoo could also be the person killing them. This disturbing contradiction only underscores what we’ve long known: this industry is more than willing to kill innocent individuals to continue running, and profit off their captivity

Zoos do not exist for the welfare of animals—they exist for profit

Just last week, Nuremberg Zoo faced widespread condemnation after it killed 12 healthy baboons, a stark reminder of how expendable animals are seen within this industry.

Promoting the unnecessary killing of animals, whether from within or outside the zoo, is completely out of step with what the public expects from institutions that claim to care for animals. Yet, the truth is this: killing ‘surplus’ animals is standard practice in zoos.

It is estimated that zoos across Europe kill up to 10,000 animals each year that are deemed ‘surplus’. According to the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), killing is an acceptable population management strategy if no other zoo wants the animal—because such individuals take up space and keeper resources.

If the general public were aware of this, many would surely rethink visiting zoos altogether.

This is just one of many issues highlighting the fundamental flaws in the zoo industry. Animals in captivity can never have their full needs met—from lack of space and separation from their families, to the boredom and frustration that often result in repetitive, unnatural behaviours (known as stereotypies). These are all signs of suffering.

The public outcry following the killing of baboons in Nuremberg was loud and clear. Now, as more disturbing practices come to light, that outcry is growing. But the crucial question remains: will people stop buying tickets and supporting these places? 

Unfortunately, this Danish zoo’s appeal is unlikely to be an isolated case—just one that happened to grab media attention. It is time for full transparency within the zoo industry.

The public deserves to know the truth

You can join us in demanding change. We are calling on the government to ensure that all zoos are transparent about their animal welfare practices, euthanasia policies, and population management strategies.

Take action today by contacting DEFRA and demand that they make ALL zoos and aquariums transparent HERE

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