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The investigation continues - what is the future of UK zoos? 

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The investigation continues - what is the future of UK zoos? 

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Should we close our zoos?, Should We Close Our Zoos?, 2016, Horizon - BBC Two

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Do zoos have some hard questions to answer?

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“ A dead wallaby was left to rot by staff at Tweddle Farm Zoo for two weeks. The Zoo then refused to carry out a post- mortem to establish
why the animal died. “

As well as CAPS investigation into the Tweddle Farm Zoo, the BBC have also produced a report on the events. See the link below to read the report.

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Details of the "precautionary steps" taken by a County Durham petting farm criticised for the care of its animals have been revealed.
The Captive Animals' Protection Society (Caps) claimed sick animals were untreated and dead ones left to rot at Tweddle Animal Farm.

Durham County Council said Tweddle Farm now had restrictions on the handling and touching of animals.

It said an enforcement notice was also in place regarding hand washing.

Caps, which campaigns to end animal captivity, also claimed the farm did not have the legally-required zoo licence.
Supervised feeding
In a statement the local authority said: "This is an extremely complex issue which we are working with a number of partners, including Defra, the Health and Safety Executive and the Health Protection Agency, to resolve.

"No application for a zoo licence has been received although the premises do hold a number of licences related to the keeping of animals."

It said the owners, Denise and Peter Wayman, had agreed to provide a plan with proposals to "voluntarily suspend the exhibition of their wild animals" until they were in a position to apply for a zoo licence.

The statement said Defra had inspected the premises twice in the past three months and had confirmed it had no animal welfare concerns other than the impact of "moving the animals off site should this be necessary".

With regards to the restrictions on the handling and touching of animals, it said it had been agreed that only supervised feeding of lambs would be allowed and participants would be escorted to the nearest hand-washing site following these sessions.

In response to Caps claims, Mr and Mrs Wayman said the farm was inspected by Defra two months ago and no problems were found.
Undercover investigation
Caps said it sent an investigator to work undercover at the farm, at Blackhall Colliery, which keeps monkeys, lemurs, llamas and wallabies, after receiving complaints from the public.

During the five-week investigation, the group claimed it uncovered evidence of animals being kept in inadequate enclosures, being fed junk food, animal staff working in the cafe and food being stored in dirty areas.

It also claims to have discovered E. coli in a petting area.

However Durham County Council said there had been no individual cases of E. coli or outbreaks reported to the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites

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Restrictions on petting at criticised animal farm

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Details of the "precautionary steps" taken by a County Durham petting farm criticised for the care of its animals have been revealed. The Captive Animals' Protection Society (Caps) claimed sick animals were untreated and dead ones left to rot at Tweddle Animal Farm.

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It’s estimated that 5,650 birds in English zoos have been pinioned ILLEGALLY. These birds have been put under stress and have been made to suffer and have had something taken away from them that is natural to them and what they love. Due to these harmful actions, them birds will never fly or be released back into the wild again which means that their natural environment and one of their natural behaviours have been taken away from them forever. This can cause the birds to redirect their attention on to something else, leading them to abnormal behaviours. Cutting their one wing at the carpel joint causes the bird to fly lopsided and can cause them to become extremely weak, mainly their bodies and wings. This can be bad for the birds welfare and health especially in the future.

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You claim that you thrive to keep the welfare of animals in zoo as high as they can be. However, from a study by the University of Bristol "there was a welfare concern for every elephant in the Uk". It states that 75% of elephants were overweight and only 16% of them come actually walk normally. Only less than 20% had no foot problems and 54% of them show stereotypical behaviours. You can't put on your website and leaflets that ALL animals in zoos have amazing welfare when there are statistics showing clearly that welfare in zoos aren't as good as they should be.

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We have also found this research on the subject on the caps website regarding Tweddle Farm Zoo

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Pinioning is a common practice in zoos. Can you tell us more about it as it seams a cruel and evil practice. Look below.....

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Pinioning is a common practice in zoos. Can you tell us more about it as it seams a cruel and evil practice. Look below.....

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How often do welfare inspectors go in zoos, to allow this to happen to the animals at Tweddle Farm Zoo?

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As a member of Blackpool zoo for the last 8 years who has completed numerous educational courses instructed by members of staff at the zoo I fully support the work involved in project elephant as one of the main pillars of project elephant is the care in which they provide for the elephants living at Blackpool zoo. “The project aims to provide world class care” for the elephants living at Blackpool zoo whilst focusing on the animals physiological and psychological well being. More than 500,000 people visit the zoo every year this giving visitors a chance to be able to learn about elephants through experience as the elephant based camp offers visitors a personal connection with the herd. The elephants area provided with a stimulating environment with a choice of natural herd structure with new ways of mental stimuli being provided for the animal by introducing new smells, substrates or textures in to the enclosure whilst also allowing the animals are able to socialise through natural interactions and build up relationships between the elephants involved in the project as this allows the elephants to continually strengthen their bonds and learn how to behave like an elephants and exhibit natural behaviours.

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Welfare - Project Elephant | Blackpool Zoo

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Project Elephant has developed a unique Elephant Care System which aims to provide world class care for the elephants living at Blackpool Zoo. We do this by looking at a wide range of factors, with a special focus on their physiological and psychological well being.

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We are doing amazing conservation work for lots of UK species that face extinction. We have extended are current nature reserve by 600%, so now we have a 600,000 squaremeter nature reserve. This means we can bring species that populations have critically dropped such as the common hedgehog who's numbers have gone from 30 million to less than 1 million in under 30 years. Also bumblebees. 7 out of 25 species of bumblebees numbers have dropped to under 50% and without bees in the environment the entire ecosystem will collapse. This project was part funded by WREN's FCC Community Action Fund and by Chester Zoo. All the funded money that was granted by WREN's FCC Community Action Fund has been donated to the company.Find all theinforation below.

ttps://www.actforwildlife.org.uk/conservation-news/celebrating-chester-zoos-nature-reserve-expansion/

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You say you want freedom for animals yet there is so many animals becoming extinct across the world and many more animals are getting much closer to extinction. Zoos help a species of animal from becoming extinct, so without zoos there would be much less species alive now. The rothchilds giraffe is one of the most endangered giraffe species around due to poachers and without zoos where would this species be?

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In response to Chester zoo conserstion and science team

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In response to Chester zoo conserstion and science team

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Here is the evidence from one of the leaflets made by animal aid. The box I have drawn is the information that is most relevant. Feel free however to read the rest of it

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There are many animals that have become endangered due to extreme hunting practices in other countries. Zoos provide a safe place to rehabilitate a potentially lost species, and preserve it for future generations. Once these animals are gone they will not come back. Good zoos, do ensure that they make their animals environments a safe and happy place for the animals to live there. We do accept the fact that the enclosures we provide will never be as good as the wild for these animals. Would you rather them be murdered in the wild for fun or in a safe, happy environment?

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Having worked as a primate keeper, i can say that primates are suffering. They are social, live in close family groups and express a variety of natural behaviours. Captivity has led to a number of abnormal or stereoptypical behaviours that indicate mental suffering. This is just one example, have humans become that far removed from nature that we find his funny? If it were a human we would offer help and support as this really is not "normal". Is it time we listened to these captive animals and stopped keeping them in these prison cells we call "enclosures"

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Having worked as a primate keeper, i can say that primates are suffering. They are social, live in close family groups and express a variety of natural behaviours. Captivity has led to a number of abnormal or stereoptypical behaviours that indicate mental suffering. This is just one example, have humans become that far removed from nature that we find his funny? If it were a human we would offer help and support as this really is not "normal". Is it time we listened to these captive animals and stopped keeping them in these prison cells we call "enclosures"

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Chimpanzee eats his own poo at Chester Zoo. Recorded 7th September 2011. Copright Reserved (C)

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As animal aid activists, we campaign peacefully against all forms of animal abuse and promote cruelty free living. We believe that zoos are unnatural prisons. Zoos thrive in conservation of animals but we think it's a con!! Animals are almost never released from zoos but those who do are not prepared for life in the wold and don't do as well, leading to them dying. Zoos do not educate people, all that they do is misinform the public about the lives of the animals to hide the real truth. We feel that zoo culls are completely wrong and we are fully prepared to challenge any pro-zoo statements based on our experience working with animal aid.

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In zoo’s animals are forced to live in cages without the appropriate space to perform natural behaviour for example wild Lions can have a territory of an average of 259 square kilometres but in zoo’sonly provides 2500 square feet for the lions which adds up to 0.000232 square kilometres. This space difference is absolutely shocking as these lions naturally travel large spaces in the wild and in zoo’s they aren’t not allowed to express this behaviour and this commonly cause abnormal behaviour like pacing the area of the enclosure.

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It states that more than 1,300,000 people (mainly children) go to BIAZA organisations per year to “educate” them about the animals and teach them about “sustainable” and conservation efforts. However this will teach the children specifically how the animals would act, presenting abnormal behaviours, in the zoos which they will think is their normal behaviours and teach them the wrong way. Also it prevents the people from understanding and learning about the animals natural environment and lifestyles because they  basically have a controlled life in a zoo.

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The ex primate keeper at the South lake zoo have stated captivity has lead to a number of abnormal and stereotypical that indicate mental suffering. Do you have any response to this statement?

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I hope that this is better for you. This shows that there are clear abnormal behaviours in elephants from last year, if you want to know the true reasons for these behaviours feel free to pay for the full report to explain why.

scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?as_ylo=2017&q=elephant+welfare+in+zoos+&hl=en&as_sdt=0,5#d=gs_qabs&p=&u=#p=7-m7n15b9lAJ

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"We have over 21,000 animals at the zoo from 500 different species, including some of the most exotic and endangered in the world.

We're a registered charity and one of the world's leading centres for conservation, working in the UK and around the world to help protect animals and plants from extinction.

We're devoted to caring for own animals too. Every effort goes into ensuring the highest standards of wellbeing and the best care is given to all our animals, from the tiny snails to the tall giraffes!

As we learn more, we can do more to Act for Wildlife and protect threatened species around the world. It’s incredibly important work. And not just because animals are lovely, but because what happens to wildlife affects everyone on Earth." - Chester zoo website

Chester zoo has a whole campaign ensuring that the animals that they care for are actually being very well cared for, they have many scientists and animal specialists that are working with these animals to ensure they're in a better place.

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You a currently just focusing on the mental states of animals in zoos however have you thought about how having animals present in zoos this could help to save the overall population of many animals? Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) is a deadly virus which affects young elephants globally. I am sure many of you have never heard of the deadly virus and this is because not enough is currently known about this virus however thanks to zoos vital research can be carried out to hopefully get closer to prevent it killing many elephants yearly. There has been studies to show EEHV effecting young elephants in the wild so therefore reducing the overall population due to it being deadly. Factoring out the disease gives the population of elephants a greater chance of survival. We, the Chester zoo science and conservation team, are currently working to find a solution to this disease. In 2016 we launched the ‘Never forget’ campaign and since the launching we have recruited Conservation fellow, Dr Tanja Maehr to a post-doctoral position, run in collaboration with the University of Surrey and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). They are working towards tackling the threat of the disease. How can zoos be so bad when by having the presence of elephants in zoos means vital research can be carried out to find a solution to the deadly disease therefore helping to save the overall population of elephants. Surely this can’t be a negative aspect? The research that has been currently carried out can be found in the link below.

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EEHV doesn't discriminate - it doesn't matter whether it's a two year old elephant calf at Chester Zoo, at a zoo in the USA or in the wild in Asia. We're part of the global conservation community committed to the conservation of Asian elephants, so we will continue to carry out intensive research and work to discover more about this virus and how to treat it.

THANKS TO YOUR AMAZING SUPPORT SO FAR...
Your incredible donations have meant we've been able to move forwards with trying to find a solution to this deadly disease. Since the campaign launched in 2016, we've recruited Conservation Fellow, Dr Tanja Maehr to a post-doctoral position, run in collaboration with the University of Surrey and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

Dr Tanja Maehr is working to tackle the threat this disease poses to young elephants and here she tells us more about working with Chester Zoo and the important research she's carrying out:

"My research involves identifying some of the key mechanisms and key elements of the Asian elephant immune system, as little is currently known about this. This is necessary to identify certain cells that are involved in the innate and adaptive immune responses, to find a treatment against EEHV and identify what components of the immune system are involved in the defence against this virus.

"We also want to answer the question ' why is it that only young elephants are susceptible to this disease '; we will therefore try to characterise the immune responses from young and older animals too.

"I heard about the post-doctoral position through Chester Zoo's Never Forget campaign and I became interested in the position as it's quite a complex and curious disease, in the sense that it only affects young animals. From an immunological side, it's a very interesting research question. EEHV is very complex as there are different strains of the virus.

"I applied for this research as I'm a zoologist and an immunologist and for me this meant I would come full circle in a way. As a zoologist, that's why you start doing such a degree because you want to work with animals and then it becomes very scientific, but then you would like to apply that science directly to help animals.

"This research is vital in protecting elephants going forwards, they are an endangered species and other studies have shown that EEHV also occurs in the wild. So, if you factor out this disease then the population has a greater chance of survival. Plus it will help vital conservation breeding projects in raising young elephants successfully.

"Working on this project has meant two of my research interests are coming together; plus I want to collaborate with a zoo that does great work on the conservation of so many other species. I think Chester Zoo is leading the campaign against EEHV and really trying to find a solution to this devastating disease. I feel the zoo will support me in my research, through collaboration with other zoos and organisations that also want to tackle this virus.

"Several groups are already investigating this virus, and there are already efforts to collaborate to find a solution together. This is a really big and complex problem therefore it's really necessary to collaborate and use joint efforts to find a solution.

Dr Maehr is working to understand more about the elephant immune cells. There are different types of immune cells need to be characterised first, which can be done through a method called flow cytometry which isolates the cells using antibodies. Establishing an elephant's antibodies that react with these cells needs to be discovered first, as currently little is known about this.

As part of the research we're also going to use a real-time 'polymerase chain reactor' (PCR) method to characterise some immune responses and do some gene expression analysis and antibodies testing.

As a result of the incredible donations from the Never Forget campaign has meant we've been able to bring a PCR machine in house.

John O'Hanlon, Chester Zoo's Laboratory Assistant, works in our endocrinology lab looking at the hormones of the different species at the zoo. He tells us why having this machine at the zoo is so important:
"We're able to test for the EEHV virus using the PCR machine. PCR is a molecular biology technique which helps to amplify segments of DNA you want to analyse. It replicates the DNA by going through a number of cycles which help the amplification of the DNA.

"We currently look for EEHV DNA using the PCR machine, as early detection of the virus is critical for treatment. Symptoms don't appear until later on when the viral load is already quite high and the PCR testing enables us to detect the viral loads quickly and start treatment.

"With having the PCR machine on site at the zoo, it really helps us to have a quick turnaround testing. If a blood sample or swab arrives to the vet lab in the morning, within hours we can have results! If an elephant is suspected of having EEHV we can carry out tests as soon as possible and pass the results on to the vets. We can do that day after day, sample after sample, until we're 100% sure about the course of the treatment for the animal.

Dr Tanja Maehr, concludes:
"For the elephant species it's really important that we find a solution because in the wild the populations are small, they're fragmented. It is therefore thought that there is a greater chance disease could impact these smaller populations. It's important to gain a sustainable population in the wild and in zoos to preserve our elephants.

"It's an honour to be part of this project and to see the support that it has received so far, to see so many people wanting to help make a difference, is amazing."

After last year's success, we're holding our second Summer Stampede event at the zoo on World Elephant Day (Sunday 12 August). Together with your friends and family, you can give a big boost to our Never Forget campaign and help us continue our work to find a solution to EEHV, by taking part in our sponsored walk.

The day is a special opportunity for you and your herd to walk around the zoo before we're open to the public, with plenty of staff lining the route to answer any questions you may have on your way round. Find out more here.

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EEHV doesn't discriminate - it doesn't matter whether it's a two year old elephant calf at Chester Zoo, at a zoo in the USA or in the wild in Asia. We're part of the global conservation community committed to the conservation of Asian elephants, so we will continue to carry out intensive research and work to discover more about this virus and how to treat it.

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Sorry for the miscommunication, here is the full report. I hope you read the full report

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In response to Chester zoo conservation and science team

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In response to Chester zoo conservation and science team

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It can be classed as both because walking is one of the main natural behaviours for elephants as they need this to be able to survive in the wild. You say that they don’t need this in captivity but really they do because walking is a natural behaviour and your basically taking that away from them which will cause abnormal behaviours to happen. Your basically preventing them from learning the survival skills that they would need. The next generation of animals won’t be able to adapt to survival skills that they need in the wild because the elephants in captivity now don’t know how to adapt to the wild themselves. This is supposed to be a natural part of their lives but zoo’s are taking this away from them. No wonder they might go extinct if you release them in to the wild because you haven’t educated/ trained them properly about one of the main survival skills.

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In response to Olivia (Animal Aid Activist

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In response to Olivia (Animal Aid Activist

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Elephants in zoos are not being restricted from walking and displaying this behaviours. I agree that walking is a natural behaviour, as it is for most animal species, captivity does not prevent them from expressing this behaviour. In zoos you will always see elephants walking around and exploring their enclosure. Due to captivity unfortunately it would never be possible to provide the amount of space they would have in the wild however like I stated earlier, they only travel the distances they do in the wild for resources such as food and water, whereas in captivity this is provided for them so they have no need to travel them distances. Here at Chester zoo our ‘Elephants of the Asian forest’ enclosure has a total size of nearly 1 ha including service and visitor areas. The main yard for elephants has a size of 5900 m² (including a planting bed of 160 m² and a separation yard of 227 m²) and the bull yard is 550 m². Two off-show yards have a total size of 270 m². The building itself has a footprint of 2730 m². This is a large amount of space allowing elephants to walk around, expressing this natural behaviour you are referring to. My point was that it is not necessary for them travel the distances they do in the wild as they do that for survival. Walking is a natural behaviour that they should be allowed to express and they are allowed to express this in zoos.
The link for the size of the Chester zoo elephant enclosure can be found below.

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In response to sophie (Chester zoo conservation and science team)

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In response to sophie (Chester zoo conservation and science team)

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If we look at the idea of survival of the fittest (natural selection-Darwin’s evolution theory)it is clear that the elephants which are being held in captivity at Chester zoo and other zoo’s can most certainly not be released back into the wild this is the fault of you and your team at Chester zoo and other zoos, as you clearly stated above you have made it easier for them by providing them with their food. This behaviour is most certainly not natural and it can be implied that you and your team have made the captive elephants lazy and a lazy elephant would definitely not be able to survive in the wild. That said again is your fault as a business, or what you call it a “zoo”. Below you can find Darwin’s theory.

https://www.darwins-theory-of-evolution.com/

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Elephants are not the only animals who are experiencing the benefit of zoos due to projects in zoos all round, in September 2016, there was a large scale refurbishment of an open topped lagoon exhibit. The aim of the project was to create a space that was more interesting to look at both above and below the waterline. There has been over 1000 artificial corals planted within the exhibit, which has been moulded directly from real coral skeletons to give them natural texture and shape. Appearance isn’t the only thing that has been improved, a hidden wave surge device has been installed alongside new pumps which has dramatically increased flow within the exhibit, this combined with modifications to the protein skimming and nutrient export systems it will benefit animal health. The ceiling was also removed above the exhibit and the lighting system was upgraded which now includes sunrise, dusk and moon phases. This helps replicate conditions from the animals natural environment, ensuring that they feel more comfortable in the display and demonstrate natural behaviours that you see within wild populations.

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Within Britain many of the wildlife faces serious threats that cause extinction, including pollution, habitat loss, invasive species and climate change. Here at Chester zoo we have a range of conservation projects in the uk securing the future of animals and their habitats. We also work alongside many other conservation partner organisations. Our key priorities are species reintroduction and research, habitat restoration and protection, and promoting appreciation and interest in nature throughout local communities. To claim that ‘conservation is a con’ based on the fact that not all animals are released is a very bold statement to make. Conservation isn’t not only about the release of animals but is also ensuring their habitats are protected and threats to extinction are reduced in order to save the species. An example of one of our conservation project; The pine marten recovery project, can’t be found below. Including the research we also carried out after releasing pine martens back into the wild, which you claimed doesn’t happen.

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Pine Marten Recovery Project | Conservation & Science at Chester Zoo

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We're the UK's number one zoo with over 12,000 animals and 400 different species, including some of the most endangered species on the planet.

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In captivity it is unrealistic to provide primates with an enclosure with the space they would roam and travel in the wild however enclosures in good zoos are not boxes, they do provide a large amount of space for the primates to explore and live. They have both outdoor space for them to explore and play, and indoor space providing shelter and privacy. Unfortunately some primates can be seen to be displaying abnormal or stereotypical behaviours however we do not stand by and do nothing as you are implying, we do offer help and support as we would if it was a human. We do this by providing enrichment. Enrichment allows the primates to express natural behaviours so therefore prevents or discourages abnormal/stereotypic behaviours. Examples of enrichment for primates are climbing apparatus, scent trails and scatter feeding. Primates respond well to food related enrichment as it encourages their feeding and foraging behaviour. They also respond well to physical enrichment and benefit from enclosures designed for their locomotion. Primates are also always kept in groups therefore providing social enrichment and providing complex social groups they would develop in the wild.

In Chester zoo we have a primate enclosure that holds seven Sumatran orangutans and three silvery gibbons, two of the worlds most endangered primates. The exhibit includes state-of-the-art breeding facilities and a host of climbing poles reaching heights of 15 metres using ropes, rockwork, trees, webbing and sway poles – carbon fibre poles that ‘sway’ similarly to trees when orangutans move from one to another above the forest canopy when foraging for food.

We ARE listening to our captive primates. We are providing them with improved enclosures and enrichment, and constantly carrying out research looking for ways to improve every day in order to help and support them, allowing them to express natural behaviours and have a happy, healthy life in zoos.

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We're the UK's number one zoo with over 21,000 animals and 500 different species, including some of the most endangered species on the planet.

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The survival of endangered species is increasingly more reliant on the sustainability of zoo populations. Here at Chester zoo we investigate factors that could negatively impact the reproductive viability of populations, so can make informed management decisions to boost the reproductive success of threatened species. By managing zoo populations effectively we are also increasing the chance of captive bred individuals being successfully reintroduced to the wild.

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Abnormal behaviours can and do sometimes happen in zoos but we are always looking to prevent them from happening. Like Sophie said they’re provided with different enrichment such as climbing equipment, this can help prevent any boredom. Monkeys will live in trees which mean they will climb most of the day in the wild. Things such as branches and hanging tunnels which are at different heights will help them to move and climb much more like they would in the wild and this then helps prevent abnormal behaviours from occurring in primates. The enclosures for every animal will always have improvements to be made to make sure they have the best life as possible.

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I didn’t realise that in the wild animals climb metal structures 🤔

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Like it has been said there is so many endangered animals that are getting help from zoos, they are mostly endangered due to humans.

The Amur leopard is an endangered species which are often hunted for their fur, there is now only around 35 of them left in the wild and there is so many more in captivity which is helping thing from becoming extinct.

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Some animals are released back into the wild after recovering from injuries or other problems.

In welsh mountain zoo, there were seals which weighed less than 12kg when they was found in March this year. Thanks to the help of zoos they now weigh over 40kg and have produced a thick layer of blubber to keep them warm during winter months, they’re also to reach their full adult weight of around 300kg. The seals were microchipped to be able to monitor their progress and it is always important we try to release them in the area where they were realised if it’s possible.

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"Zoo's provide a safe place to rehabilitate a potentially lost species and preserve it for future generations" - a quite from Chester zoo
Chloe do you believe zoo's do provide a safe place for these wild animals?

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Chester Zoo conservation and science team

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Chester Zoo conservation and science team

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Here at Chester Zoo conservation and science team wildlife conservation is at the heart everything we do. We use scientific evidence to help identify and address many of the challenges our natural world faces. We aim for our conservation research to help in decision making that improves the management of the animals in our care, influence the sustainability of wild populations, and inspire others to join us in our challenge to Act for Wildlife and protect the living world.
Our conservation work involves our highly skilled and experienced zoo staff. We're a global conservation charity leading the way by using our expertise in the zoo, across the UK and in over 30 countries around the world with projects in the UK, Latin America, Africa, South Asia, South East Asia and many more areas around the world. Feel free to have a look at the link below and see some of our various projects around the world.

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Where We Work | Conservation & Science at Chester Zoo

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We're the UK's number one zoo with over 12,000 animals and 400 different species, including some of the most endangered species on the planet.

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Wild animals should be kept in the wild!

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Wild animals should be kept in the wild!

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Wouldn’t you rather have the animals live a short/medium life in the wild where they can enjoy everything about their natural environment. Or do you prefer them missing the out on the wild or never even be able to see it because they was born in captivity.

They ARE called wild animals for a reason, in other words they ARE meant to be kept in the wild and Not captivity!

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Olivia: Our projects in the Uk and Europe

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Olivia: Our projects in the Uk and Europe

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Our Projects in the UK & Europe | Science & Conservation at Chester Zoo

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We're the UK's number one zoo with over 21,000 animals and 500 different species, including some of the most endangered species on the planet.

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In response to Olivia (Animal Aid Activists) 

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In response to Olivia (Animal Aid Activists) 

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I do agree that WILD animals should be kept in their own environment because it allows them to be themselves and feel free. It also educated people on the animals properly allowing them to learn the animals lifestyle rather than teaching them false information

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Cages aren’t homes, like Charlie said animals are clearly forced to live in cages. Cages causes some animals to get stressed out. That’s why many animals are attacking people at zoo’s, they do this because they want to be free because they’re tired of being in limited space. Just think would you want to be locked into a cage and call that home for the rest of your life and have no freedom, I think not!

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You say that “thanks to the help of zoo’s they now weigh over 40kg” . Well wasn’t it’s a zoo in the first place that basically made them under weight? 🤔

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Tweddle Farm Zoo is not the only UK zoo that has been allowed to let animal welfare and health and safety for staff to decrease. South Lakes zoo has been in the news a lot recently regarding the mistreatment of animals as over 4 years they had almost 500 animals die in their zoo. In the article below it can be read about how standards dropped for this zoo after this being allowed to go on for years.

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Almost 500 animals have died in four years at a zoo where a keeper was mauled to death by a tiger, a report has said.

South Lakes Safari Zoo in Dalton-in-Furness opened in 1994 and now houses more than 1,500 animals, including tigers, giraffes and rare birds.

Barrow Council is considering whether to grant the site a new zoo licence.

Owner David Gill has "stepped away from all trading and management activities", a spokesperson said.

The zoo was fined £297,500 for health and safety breaches when keeper Sarah McClay, 24, was mauled to death by a tiger in 2013.

Overweight giraffe

Recent inspections have revealed poor veterinary care, uncontrolled breeding and overcrowding.

A report compiled by the local authority shows that between December 2013 and last September, 486 animals died.

They included two snow leopards that were found partially eaten, a pair of squirrel monkeys diagnosed with septicaemia and a giraffe which a post-mortem examination showed was overweight.

Previous inspections called for improvements to be made at the zoo, focusing on the safety of staff, the visiting public and the animals.

But earlier this year government inspectors said any progress had been "seriously undermined" by "deplorable" welfare standards.

Owner David Gill has faced criticism for his "intrusive" style, with inspectors recommending the zoo's licence should not be reissued until new management was in place.

A spokesman for Mr Gill said: "The current arrangement sees the entire zoo site leased to Cumbria Zoo Company Limited under a six-month lease.

"Mr Gill remains the licence holder, but otherwise has stepped away from all trading and management activities connected with the zoo."

He has since brought in a new management company to oversee the zoo's operation.

However, the council is being recommended to refuse the licence renewal, which could see the zoo close.

A spokeswoman for the charity Captive Animals' Protection Society (Caps), which has conducted its own inspection visits, said: "The conduct of this zoo has been some of the worst we have seen in many years and feel that a cause for closure is strong.

"We have urged the council to take the opportunity to prevent more animal suffering at this zoo."

Barrow councillors will make a decision on the new application on 6 March.

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Hundreds of animals die at maul death zoo

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Almost 500 animals have died in four years at a zoo where a keeper was mauled to death by a tiger, a report has said. South Lakes Safari Zoo in Dalton-in-Furness opened in 1994 and now houses more than 1,500 animals, including tigers, giraffes and rare birds.

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I am glad to say that with the combined efforts with Blackpool Zoo we are currently working in 4 different countries in South-Asia to conserve the remaining, less than 50,000, Asian elephants left in the wild and also to educate local people on how to care for the elephants and how to increase populations for the species.
http://www.chesterzoo.org/conservation-and-science/where-we-work/south-asia
https://www.blackpoolzoo.org.uk/programs/biodiversity-and-elephant-conservation-trust