Scottsbluff, Neb. ? A western Nebraska zoo is accepting donations of deer meat from hunters this season that will go to the zoo’s big cats.

Hunters will need to check their deer in at check stations at the Riverside Discovery Center zoo in Scottsbluff prior to donating the meat. Hunters wishing to donate meat will also need to complete a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Big Game Transfer/Storage Tag, which will be made available.

Zoo staff would prefer the deer be skinned before being donated, but doing so is not mandatory.

Zoo director Kelly Jensen says the deer provide variety in the big cats’ diet and help the zoo’s budget. The donations are tax deductible for hunters.