Donated pets will be “gently euthanized” by trained staff and then used as “fodder” to take care of the well-being of predators, Aalborg Zoo said.

A zoo in Denmark has appealed to the public to donate their healthy unwanted pets as part of a unique effort to provide food for its predators. Aalborg Zoo has asked for donations of live chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs, which it says are "gently euthanised" by trained staff.

A Denmark zoo posted a request online asking for small animals, including chickens and rabbits, to be donated to feed larger predators. The zoo said its goal is to mimic the natural food chain. NBC News’ Gadi Schwartz reports as the request faces backlash online.