Any chickens or rabbits to spare? Denmark’s Aalborg Zoo is seeking animals to feed to its predators — after they have been euthanised – a plea that has sparked a public backlash.

LONDON -- A Denmark zoo is asking the public to donate their pets -- particularly chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs -- so that they can feed them to the zoo’s predators.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — A zoo in Denmark is asking for donations of small pets as food for its predators. The Aalborg Zoo said it is trying to mimic the natural food chain of the animals housed there “for the sake of both animal welfare and professional integrity” and offers assurances the pets will be “gently euthanized” by trained staff.