A Danish zoo made an unusual request. It asked pet owners to donate unwanted pets, like guinea pigs, rabbits, and even horses. They will be food for the zoo's big cats and other predators. The zoo wants "to imitate the natural food chain of the animals". Using unwanted small creatures means "nothing goes to waste. The zoo added: "We ensure the natural behaviour, nutrition and well-being of our predators." It said all pets would be "gently euthanized".
The zoo said putting down animals for use as feed was common. It said: "Our…guests appreciate the opportunity to contribute." Regardless, there has been mixed reaction online. Some people felt sad. However, a man who donated his horse was satisfied with its treatment. He said his pet was put down peacefully. There is so much interest in donating that there are waiting lists for horses. Donors can get a tax deduction based on their animal's value.
Try the same news story at these levels:
Zoo Pet Food - Level 5 or Zoo Pet Food - Level 6
Sources- https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/04/europe/denmark-aalborg-zoo-pets-predators-intl-hnk
- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/04/danish-zoo-asks-pet-owners-to-donate-rabbits-and-horses-to-feed-its-predators
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/denmark-zoo-donate-small-pets-horses-feed-captive-predators/
Make sure you try all of the online activities for this reading and listening - There are dictations, multiple choice activities, drag and drop activities, sentence jumbles, which word activities, text reconstructions, spelling, gap fills and a whole lot more. Please enjoy :-)