B1 – Intermediate
The Aalborg Zoo in northern Denmark has requested pet owners to donate their unwanted pets. They plan to feed pets such as chickens, guinea pigs, rabbits, and small horses to some zoo animals.
Read this article about the zoo’s request to pet owners to donate their unwanted pets to make them as feed for the zoo’s captive predators.
Be ready to answer the questions that follow.
https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2508/250811-zoo-pet-food.html
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “to put down” mean? “The zoo said that the practice of putting down animals to be used as feed was common in Denmark.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym. Also, give another meaning of “put down”.
- What does “waiting list” mean? “There is so much interest in helping the zoo that there are waiting lists to donate horses.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
- What does “tax deduction” mean? “Donors can even receive a tax deduction based on the animal’s value.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- Share your opinion about this news.
- Talk about the good and bad thing about this scheme.
- What is your thought about putting down animals to be used as feed?
- What are your thoughts on this, “Unwanted small creatures as food is practical because nothing goes to waste, and we ensure the natural behaviour, nutrition and well-being of our predators.”?
- Do you think that there will also be so much interest in helping zoos this way in your country? Why or why not?