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.

The zoo is not asking for unwanted pets as many people online are saying, the program is looking for animals that would be nearing the end of their lives anyway.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — A zoo in Denmark is asking for donations of small pets as food for its predators. The Aalborg Zoo said it is trying to mimic the natural food chain of the animals housed there “for the sake of both animal welfare and professional integrity” and offers assurances the pets will be “gently euthanized” by trained staff.