Mother gave her daughter's pony to be eaten by lions (5 photos)

Pernille Soule has donated a German pony to the Aalborg Zoo. Chicago 57 was once her daughter Angelina's pet. The Danish zoo recently called on locals to feed their pets to predators.





Zoo workers are planning to recreate the natural food chain by feeding the predators small domestic animals.

"The decision to feed a pet to be eaten may seem strange and even cruel," Soule, 44, told the British newspaper The Times. — But he will still be put to sleep before being given to the predators."



Aalborg Zoo is looking for healthy animals that need to be given away for various reasons. Among them are guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, ponies and horses.

"We have a duty to recreate the natural food chain for the animals. This is important for their well-being," the institution says.

The animals will be euthanized and sent to slaughter. The owners of the horses will be able to receive a tax deduction.

The zoo emphasized: "Nothing will go to waste. We care about the natural behavior, nutrition, and well-being of our predators."





Chicago 57 suffered from eczema due to mosquito bites. In the summer, the insects caused irritation and caused open wounds that easily became infected. Towards the end of his life, he had to wear a jacket and protective gloves. He was 22 years old at the time of his euthanasia.

Sol gave her 13-year-old daughter a choice: donate the pony's body to the zoo or not.

"I gave her a few options and she decided to give the pony to the zoo because it made more sense. My daughter wanted Chicago 57 to benefit other animals," the Danish woman added.



The woman runs a small farm where hippotherapy sessions are held for children with mental health problems. She asked Aalborg Zoo to euthanize the pony and was present during the procedure.

"The keeper hugged and kissed him - as if I was standing next to him," she said.

Sol was so impressed that she was ready to donate another horse, but she was refused. The animal was too big to fit in the freezer. The farmer used its remains for dog food.

This year, the organization has received 22 horses, 137 rabbits, 53 chickens and 18 guinea pigs. Cats and dogs are not accepted.