Zoos: For whose benefit – man’s or animal’s ?
View(s):
Close zoos, Do not close zoos, Close some zoos – this is the current debate worldwide.
A debate has now begun in Sri Lanka.
DOC ZONE in Zoo Revolution : History of Zoos traces zoo history from 3500 BC to 2007, some milestones being: 3500 B.C, recent excavations near Hierkonpolis, Egypt discovered the earliest zoo, when remains of exotic animals were found buried;1500 B.C.,Egyptian Queen Hatshepsut maintained a zoo; 1752, the oldest existing zoo,Tiergarten (Austria) opened; 1793, the first modern zoo opened in Paris; 1828,London zoo opened with a template for modern zoos with taxonomic displays and wrought iron cages; 1752,Tierpark(Germany) became the first zoo to combine naturalistic landscapes and barless enclosures; 1963,the first safari park Tama(Tokyo)opened; 2007,the first game reserve Gondwana (South Africa)opened.
DOC ZONE says that the belief was that Pharaohs would have demanded that wild animals be captured for their amusement, enemy intimidation or hunting, to show their wealth and power.
WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquariums) founded in 1946 to guide zoos and aquariums on animal welfare, education and global conservation, has over 280 members, reportedly including the Dehiwela Zoo.
Animal rights expert Doris Linsays, “Not all animal rights activists love animals. Some respect them because they understand animals have a place in the world. Zoos, especially the ones that are doing everything right, present a special challenge to the animal-loving advocates because they would like to see and interact with the animals. Zoo advocates present the argument that they save endangered species and educate the public, but animal rights activists believe the costs outweigh the benefits, and the violation of the rights of the individual animals is unjustifiable.”
Zoo defenders argue that zoos help conserve endangered species, support research, provide education and entertainment, affording the only opportunity for many to see wildlife.
Zoo opponents contend that zoos deprive animals of their natural habitat, caging restricts freedom and social life, causes behavioural problems, reduces life spans, some kill surplus animals and teach children that imprisoning animals for human entertainment is acceptable.
Chained elephants repeatedly swaying or leopards constantly pacing their enclosures, according to animal behaviourists, are signs of deep emotional trauma. Activist Mandy, who witnessed a trial against the Los Angeles zoo where many elephants were dying allegedly due to poor conditions, narrates how its veterinarian believed that swaying elephants indicated anticipation of being fed, like a dog wagging its tail. Elephant scientists conclude that these are direct causes of confinement and social interaction deprivation.
Roman Emperors maintained zoos, then called menageries, with exotic animals for amphitheatre games to entertain the masses,by goading animals to fight each other.Though no such cruel practices prevail today, there are heartless ones, like “tortoise baiting”, in China’s Qingdao zoo where elastic bands are tied around tortoises’ necks to prevent their heads retracting and visitors throw coins –with the “marketing claim” that hitting one on the head, while making a wish, will make the wish come true.
Unethical practices and tragedies include Copenhagen zoo euthanizing a surplus giraffe and killing a lion to accommodate another; a German zoo killed three bear cubs for being hybrid; Dehiwela zoo employees, to win their demands, held animals hostage, starving them.Over one hundred animals died in Prague zoo during floods, with elephant Kadir gifted by Sri Lanka, having to be euthanized as he was a threat. Due to food shortages, many animals died of hunger in Caricuao zoo.
Some zoos have closed; some are being re-designed.Costa Rica is “getting rid of cages and reinforcing the idea of interacting with biodiversity in botanical parks in a natural way”; Brookefield children’s zoo is planning wildlife and nature oriented displays; Smithsonian National Zoo’s invertebrate exhibits are shifting focus to “a biome-based exhibit model on how animals live together”; Buenos Aires zoo is relocating animals in nature reserves as wild animal displays are degrading; elephant exhibits in North American zoos are closing since they cannot meet elephant needs.
Many zoos are enhancing animal welfare, discarding barren concrete cages and simulating natural habitats.
And the debate in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka’s national zoo at Dehiwela opened in 1936; Pinnawela zoo opened in 2015 and the Ridiyagama safari park in 2016.
Since recently,the media has frequently highlighted the Dehiwela zoo’s deteriorating state and some corruption,the most damning being the Life Times expose, with animal rights activists demanding solutions.
Our private zoos are known for their shameless disregard for animal welfare. Two Sundays ago, an amusement event had a “Petting Zoo”where terrified rabbits in tiny enclosures, a goat on a leash, pitifully bleating near the barbecue station, an exotic parrot, probably de-winged,a traumatized baby monkey and a python repeatedly gyrated, were exhibited to entertain the children. Petting zoos found in some countries are condemned for exposing animals to suffering in strange surroundings, to be gawked at and touched. Why are we copying such cruelty?
A campaign “The Time is Now to Free the Innocents” urging the closure of the Dehiwela zoo, and visioning instead “23 Acres of Joy Managed by the Government”,with an animal rescue and rehabilitation plan,has attracted controversy with an Association claiming to be the saviour of the zoo alleging that the campaign is a conspiracy to de-stabilize the zoo and deprive it of revenue.
Eighteen activists have sought a court ruling directingthe authorities to fully enforce existing animal protection laws, and for policy reforms to promote animal welfare. Citing the pathetic state of the Dehiwela zoo as one concern, they have recommended legal and administrative reforms, stating that zoo animal welfare is no longer limited to providing food, water, shelter, sanitation and veterinary care, but is a complex issue including captive animal handling and training, their psychological wellbeing, environmental enrichment, species preservation and captive breeding.They opine that zoos should be sanctuaries, not commercial enterprises.
The National Zoo Department’s Performance Report (2015/2016) states that in line with modern zoo concepts, renovations commenced in 2011 to provide spacious animal enclosures and modernize the reptile park.
The Department’s aspiring vision is “to become an institution which maintains the best zoological gardens in the world” and a Key Mission is “to ensure the survival, wellbeing and natural behavioural characteristics of captive animals”.
Last September, as requested by the Wildlife Minister, a conservationist group visited the Dehiwela zoo and proposed areas requiring priority.In February, the Minister appointed a committee whose mandate includes inquiring into animal management in government zoos and reviewing relevant laws. Another committee has reported on animals dying at the Dehiwela zoo.
Animals are increasingly receiving global recognition as sentient beings. They are no longer chattel, but non-human persons.
In zoos, the “stars” are the animals: thus, their welfare is paramount.Income generation is ancillary.
Some hope for better treatment of zoo animals; some wish that zoo animals will not be commodities exploited to enhance state coffers; and some dream that zoos will soon become history.