Families visit zoos to see the different species of animals, which provides a chance to learn about wild animals. However, a recent investigation by the Aspinall Foundation, which is a Kent-based charity, found that there is troubling treatment towards animals in UK zoos.

 
Known Violations in UK Zoos

Aspinall Foundation discovered the horrific issues happening with the management of zoos, where zoos were found guilty of neglecting animal welfare rules. Colchester Zoo is a known case which highlighted 17 breaches of animal welfare standards. It was known that an ostrich, a rhinoceros and a zebra were left outside for six hours without any shelter. The animals sadly experienced the harsh weather conditions, and the zoo wasn’t properly equipped to look after the animals in zoos.

Chester Zoo also found to have 12 beaches of wild welfare. These types of breaches of welfare reflects the UK zoo systems failing to look after the exotic animals and were unable to meet the right animal welfare performance.

Are there any Legal Laws in Place?

British zoos since 1984 are required to follow the Zoo Licensing Act 1981. In the UK, many authorities are responsible for inspecting zoos and ensuring all welfare standards are being followed. Government-appointed zoos inspected are known for carrying out inspections every 3-4 years, with their operating licenses being renewed every six years.

The Secretary of State’s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice offers guidance on animal welfare, zoo practices and accommodation.

In 2022, DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) held a consultation on proposed updates to the Standards of Modern Zoo Practice for Great Britain. Born Free actively participated in this process by providing detailed feedback.

Under the Zoo Licensing Act, zoos are required to contribute to species conservation and educate the public about biodiversity. This can be done formally, through activities like school visits and educational materials, or informally, with tools such as informative signage.

The Act was updated to align with the EU Zoos Directive (European Council Directive 1999/22/EC). In Northern Ireland, separate regulations apply, with zoos licensed under the Zoo Licensing Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003.

 
What are the Realities of UK Zoos? 

The sad reality is zoo animals are sometimes kept in confined spaces and not within their natural environments in UK zoos. Many animals, such as elephants, big cats and other large mammals, are known to suffer from physical and psychological issues due to confined spaces and standards of care. Signs of mental distress known as “zoochosis” involve symptoms of depression, anxiety and repetitive behaviours.

Animals that are naturally inclined should be able to roam around in vast areas and interact within their natural habitats. However, sometimes this isn’t the case in UK zoos and some animals re forced to perform tricks for entertainment purposes.

Zoos can also claim that seeing the animals up close offers beneficial and educational purposes to visitors. Critics argue that the presence of animals in zoos is more about providing a spectacle for human entertainment than fostering a genuine understanding of the animals’ behaviours and habitats.

Captivity vs. Conservation

One argument made to favour UK zoos is the role of conversation. This means that due to climate change, habitat losses, or human encroachment, zoos are used to protect endangered animals and ensure their well-being. At the same time, some UK zoos do help with breeding programs and offer meaningful contributions to keep animals safe. Moreover, critics point out that animals raised in zoos are often ill-prepared for life in the wild. Even if released, they may lack the necessary survival skills, making their chances of reintegration slim. In this sense, the argument that zoos are essential for species conservation can sometimes be misleading.

What Can Be Done to Stop This?

For readers there are some ways to protect the welfare of animals in zoos and for readers who are concerned about this:

1. Avoid Visiting Zoos: By choosing not to support zoos, supporters can learn to take a stand against breaches of animal welfare and against animal entertainment in zoos. Instead, they can seek out ethical alternatives, such as wildlife reserves and sanctuaries that focus on rehabilitation and the protection of natural habitats.

2. Support Habitat Conservation: Learn to support organisations that work to protect animal environments and habitats by combating pollution and deforestation.

3. Learn from Online Resources: Everyone can learn about animals and their habitats online, from BBC programs to Netflix shows. There is a wide range of educational resources available to read.

4. Advocate for Stronger Zoo Regulations: Supporting legislation that holds zoos accountable for their treatment of animals can lead to better welfare standards. Pressuring governments to adopt stricter laws on animal welfare and making regular inspections more transparent could ensure that zoos either improve their conditions or face closure.

Conclusion:

To conclude, UK zoos can be both troubling and eye-opening to the general public. Some zoos do their best to ensure they can protect animals and follow the correct welfare standards. Some UK zoos don’t follow these guidelines and cause animal distress to the different wild animals. For those who care about animal welfare, it’s important to support habitat organisations and learn about the different animals online. This will work towards creating a more ethical and safer future for animals.