A Danish zoo has drawn heavy criticism after calling on pet owners to donate healthy animals to be used as food for its predators. Despite the controversy, some responded to the appeal—including a woman who handed over her daughter’s pony.
Pernille Sohl, 44, said this week that she decided in 2020 to euthanize “Chicago 57,” a 22-year-old pony, and deliver it to Aalborg Zoo. She said the animal suffered from severe eczema and was in constant pain.
“I understand the decision may sound dramatic and very strange,” Sohl said. “But the animals that are given to the zoo would have been euthanized anyway—it’s not as if they are alive when they’re handed to the predators.”
Sohl runs a small farm in the town of Assens, where children struggling with mental health issues come to spend time with horses.
Aalborg Zoo defended the initiative, saying it was designed to mimic the natural food chain while prioritizing animal welfare and professional integrity. Donors receive a tax credit of 100 Danish kroner ($14) for small animals, and 5 kroner ($0.70) per kilogram for larger animals.
According to zoo data, so far this year it has received 22 horses, 53 chickens, 137 rabbits, and 18 guinea pigs.
Another Danish woman, Helle Hjortholm Andersen, gave her Shetland pony named Paprika to Givskud Zoo, citing the high cost of disposing of a dead animal. She said she supported the effort: “Pets can benefit other animals—even if that means becoming food.”
In a recent post, Aalborg Zoo said pets are euthanized “gently” by trained staff. “Nothing goes to waste,” the zoo wrote. “We ensure natural behavior, nutrition, and welfare for our predators.”