In a story that has sparked both ethical debate and emotional reactions, a mother in Denmark has drawn widespread attention for her decision to donate her daughter’s pony to a local zoo — where it became food for lions. The story, originating from Aalborg Zoo in northern Denmark, highlights a growing practice in the country: residents donating pets to zoos as whole prey for carnivorous animals. The zoo says this approach supports natural feeding behaviors and reduces waste, but critics question the emotional and moral implications of using companion animals in this way.
The woman at the center of the story is Pernille Sohl, a 44-year-old mother who faced a difficult choice when her daughter’s horse fell ill and was recommended for euthanasia. Rather than opt for traditional disposal methods, Sohl responded to a call from Aalborg Zoo for animal donations. The zoo, which houses over 1,500 animals across 126 species, had launched a “food drive” asking the public to consider donating animals that could no longer be kept. Sohl ultimately decided the horse should be used to feed the zoo’s lions, describing her reasoning as both practical and ecological.
“It might sound very dramatic and bizarre that you would feed your pet to animals in the zoo,” Sohl told The Sunday Times. “But they are going to be put down anyway, and it is not like they are alive when they are given to the predators.” Her statement reflects a perspective shared by others in Denmark who view the practice as a way to contribute to the natural cycle of life — especially when an animal is already facing the end of its life.
This approach is not unique to Sohl. Aalborg Zoo has received numerous pet donations, including 22 horses, 53 chickens, 137 rabbits, and 18 guinea pigs. According to the zoo, chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs are particularly valuable in the diets of predators like the European locust, which require whole prey to mimic their natural feeding habits. The zoo emphasizes that all animals are humanely euthanized by trained staff before being used as food, ensuring that the process aligns with both animal welfare standards and professional integrity.
The zoo’s Instagram account further elaborated on its stance, stating: “In zoos we have a responsibility to imitate the natural food chain of the animals — in terms of both animal welfare and professional integrity. If you have a healthy animal that has to leave here for various reasons, feel free to donate it to us.” The post also noted that donors receive compensation: $15.60 for each small pet, and for larger animals like horses, payment is calculated by weight at 78 cents per kilogram. With adult horses weighing between 380 to 1,000 kilograms, the financial incentive can be significant.
The story of another donor, Helen Hjortholm Andersen, adds further context. Andersen donated her Shetland pony, named Paprika, to Jyllands Park Zoo. She cited the high costs associated with the collection and disposal of deceased animals as a motivating factor. “The idea that she could be of benefit made sense. We would do it again,” Andersen said, according to The Mirror. “We like the idea of the cycle of life, and that a pony can help to create life for other animals.”
I found this detail striking: while the idea of feeding pets to zoo animals might seem unsettling to many, some donors view it as a meaningful contribution to a broader ecosystem. The notion that a beloved animal can support the lives of others — even in death — resonates with those who value ecological sustainability and the natural order.
Still, the practice is not without controversy. Critics argue that the emotional bond between humans and their pets makes this form of disposal ethically complex, even if the animals are no longer alive when used as food. The image of a family pet being consumed by predators can be deeply distressing, particularly for children. Others question whether financial incentives might cloud judgment in making end-of-life decisions for animals that could otherwise be rehomed or treated.
Yet from the zoo’s perspective, the donation of animals aligns with its mission to replicate natural feeding behaviors and reduce waste. Carnivores in captivity often require diets that resemble what they would eat in the wild. Feeding them whole prey not only meets nutritional needs but also stimulates natural behaviors, contributing to their overall well-being. In this light, the practice becomes part of a broader conversation about ethical animal care in zoological settings.
The topic also touches on practical realities. In rural areas, where horses and other large animals are more commonly kept, the logistics and costs of euthanasia and carcass removal can be substantial. For some families, donating to a zoo offers a sense of purpose and closure, transforming a sad event into a contribution to wildlife care.
As the debate continues, Aalborg Zoo and others like it are likely to remain at the center of discussions about how best to balance animal welfare, ecological responsibility, and public sentiment. Whether seen as a pragmatic solution or a troubling trend, the practice of feeding pets to zoo predators challenges us to consider the complexities of human-animal relationships — both in life and after death.
