Animal rights activist doubts new owner will improve conditions at Mols Laboratory rewilding project

A long-time critic of Denmark’s most high-profile rewilding project has expressed scepticism over its new owner, Hempel Foundation, saying she does not believe conditions for the animals will improve. The comments come as the foundation takes over management of Mols Laboratory in Djursland, reports Danish broadcaster DR.

Annette Klit, a pensioner and neighbour to the site, has repeatedly reported the project to police, alleging that horses and cattle in the National Park Mols Bjerge have been left to starve. Despite the foundation’s pledge to prioritise animal welfare, Klit remains unconvinced.

“I don’t dare believe things will change, though of course I hope they will,” she told DR.

The foundation has outlined a nine-point action plan, promising adequate year-round feeding to ensure all animals maintain “an acceptable body condition.” However, Klit dismissed the assurances, arguing that past experience shows rewilding advocates fail to follow through on feeding commitments when necessary.

“What bothers me is that they say there will be plenty of inspections—but animals can’t live on inspections,” she said.

Klit also called for the dismissal of staff she holds responsible for what she describes as years of animal neglect. “They need to fire the personnel who’ve starved these animals all this time. Many of us are unhappy that the same people are still in charge out there,” she said.

The foundation has warned that illegal feeding by critics—some of whom have previously intervened—will be reported to police, stating that such interference risks undermining animal welfare.

Meanwhile, Rasmus Ejrnæs, a professor of biodiversity at Aarhus University, defended the project as a groundbreaking experiment in Danish nature conservation. “It’s an extraordinary achievement in a country dominated by agriculture to restore space for wild nature, especially large animals,” he said, praising the project’s success in minimising human intervention within legal limits.