When a family pet grows seriously ill, most parents brace themselves for an emotional farewell at the veterinarian’s office. But in Denmark, one mother made a decision that sparked global debate — choosing to donate her daughter’s ailing pony to a zoo, where it became part of the natural feeding process for predator animals.
The story has divided public opinion, raising difficult questions about animal welfare, education, and how people understand nature’s cycles.
A Zoo Policy That Sparked Worldwide Attention
On July 31, Aalborg Zoo in Denmark shared a Facebook post explaining its long-standing policy of accepting certain animals to feed its predators. According to the zoo, providing whole prey supports natural behaviors and nutritional needs for animals such as lions and other large carnivores.
The zoo emphasized that all donated animals are humanely euthanized by trained professionals before being used as feed. Officials explained that the approach mirrors natural food chains and reduces waste, while supporting animal welfare and enrichment.
Still, the announcement quickly drew intense reactions online, with many readers expressing discomfort and confusion about the concept.
A Family’s Difficult Choice
Among those who participated in the program was Pernille Sohl, a Danish mother and horse caretaker who runs a small farm where children with mental health challenges spend time with horses.
Sohl’s daughter, Angelina, had grown up with a German riding pony named Chicago 57. By the time the pony reached 22 years of age, he was suffering from a severe skin condition caused by mosquito bites. The condition led to painful irritation and recurring complications that significantly affected his quality of life.
After consultations and careful consideration, the family concluded that the pony could not recover.
Letting a Child Take Part in the Decision
Rather than making the decision alone, Sohl chose to involve her daughter in the process.
“I gave Angelina the different options,” Sohl later explained in interviews. “She chose the zoo, because to her, it made the most sense.”
Angelina had previously experienced the emotional difficulty of watching another horse being taken away for euthanasia. This time, she felt strongly that Chicago 57’s passing could serve a purpose beyond loss.
“She wanted him to benefit other animals,” Sohl said. “She wanted to follow the food chain.”
The Final Goodbye
Sohl transported Chicago 57 to Aalborg Zoo, a journey of approximately 150 miles. She later explained that she would not have done so if the pony had not been accustomed to traveling in a trailer.
At the zoo, trained professionals handled the procedure. Sohl was present, describing the moment as calm and respectful. According to her account, zoo staff treated the pony with care until the very end.
Afterward, she was informed that the pony would be used to feed the zoo’s lions.
For Sohl and her daughter, the experience offered a sense of closure rather than distress.
Online Backlash and Strong Opinions
Despite the family’s explanation, the story prompted widespread backlash online.
Some critics accused the zoo of normalizing the disposal of companion animals, while others questioned whether such practices align with public expectations of modern zoos. Several commenters argued that pets should never be viewed as part of a feeding system, regardless of circumstance.
In response to the growing controversy, Aalborg Zoo temporarily disabled comments on its social media post, stating that while it welcomes discussion, hostile language was unnecessary.
The Zoo’s Perspective
Zoo officials maintained that the policy is neither new nor uncommon within professional zoological practices. Aalborg Zoo has accepted animal donations since its founding in 1935, according to its leadership.
Chief zoologist Anette Sofie Warncke Nutzhorn explained that predators benefit from whole prey, including bones, fur, and organs, which support natural behaviors and enrichment.
The zoo clarified that cats and dogs are not accepted and that all donations are evaluated carefully.
Education, Ethics, and Nature
For Sohl, the experience became an educational moment for her daughter rather than a traumatic one.
“She understood that nature isn’t always easy,” Sohl said. “But she also understood that nothing was wasted.”
The story continues to spark debate across social media and news platforms, highlighting how differently people view animals, responsibility, and the role of zoos in modern society.
A Conversation Without Easy Answers
While opinions remain divided, the case underscores a broader discussion about how humans interact with animals — both as companions and as part of larger ecosystems.
For one family, the decision offered meaning during a painful goodbye. For others, it raised uncomfortable questions about ethics and tradition.
What’s clear is that stories like this resonate deeply, not because they offer simple answers, but because they challenge how people think about life, loss, and responsibility.