What’s on the Menu for the Lions at the Copenhagen Zoo?

The Danes takes recycling seriously, even when it comes to their beloved horses. When there’s an equine loss in the family, Danish horse owners can call the Copenhagen Zoo and donate the carcass; it will become food for the zoo’s lions and other large carnivores. Part of the lure for horse owners is that the zoo picks up the carcass for free, whereas private companies charge as much as 3,700 Danish kroner ($584 USD) to transport a dead horse.

Keeping the big cats happy:

• The service is so popular that some horse owners have been put on a waiting list, sometimes for several months. But it’s worth it, they say, so that their horses can end up as “part of the food chain.”
• Zoo lions eat a lot of horse meat, a Copenhagen Zoo spokesman said, “but they also vary their diet with rabbits, calves and a single goat or zebra every now and then.”
• In the wild, a male lion can eat as much as 90 pounds (40 kg) of meat in one sitting, and then go for many days without eating. Zoo lions typically eat much smaller and more regular meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do lions at the Copenhagen Zoo typically eat?

Lions at the Copenhagen Zoo are fed a diet that closely mimics what they would consume in the wild. This includes large portions of meat such as beef, horse, or chicken, and sometimes includes bones to promote dental health. The zoo ensures that the nutritional content meets the lions' needs for proteins, fats, and vitamins.

How much food does a lion at the zoo consume daily?

An adult lion at the Copenhagen Zoo consumes between 5 to 7 kilograms of meat per day, according to their dietary requirements. This amount can vary based on the lion's age, sex, and health status. The zoo's veterinary team closely monitors each lion to ensure their diet supports optimal health and well-being.

Do lions at the zoo ever eat live prey?

No, the Copenhagen Zoo does not feed live prey to lions. Feeding live animals is considered unethical and is not practiced. Instead, the zoo provides pre-prepared meat that meets the nutritional needs of the lions without causing unnecessary stress or harm to other animals.

Is the meat fed to the lions at the zoo raw or cooked?

The meat provided to the lions at the Copenhagen Zoo is typically served raw. Cooking the meat would remove essential nutrients and alter the texture, making it less similar to what lions would eat in their natural habitat. Raw meat also helps maintain the lions' teeth and digestive health.

How does the Copenhagen Zoo ensure the lions are receiving a balanced diet?

The Copenhagen Zoo employs a team of nutritionists and veterinarians who carefully plan the lions' diets to ensure they receive a balanced intake of nutrients. This includes a variety of meats and supplements as needed to mimic the nutritional profile of their wild counterparts' prey.

Are there any special feeding practices for lions at the zoo?

Yes, the Copenhagen Zoo sometimes uses feeding practices that stimulate the lions' natural hunting behaviors, such as hiding meat within their enclosure to encourage foraging. This not only provides physical exercise but also mental stimulation, which is crucial for the well-being of these apex predators in captivity.