There is no doubt that we need rehabilitation centres and animal sanctuaries in the world, but we DONT need zoos.

When you think of Zoos in Australia, most people think of Melbourne Zoo or Taronga Zoo in Sydney, but did you know the total number of public zoos, private zoos, wildlife parks and sanctuaries total over 50!

You probably heard the news on Jan 20^th that Melbourne zoo was accused of animal cruelty after a secret report revealed a handler stabbed an elephant named Dokkoon more than 12 times with a sharp metal spike to restrain it. Other claims at the zoo include that a silverback gorilla had been kept in isolation for 16 years and that two seals were going blind because of chlorine in their pool. In further claims it was revealed that at Healesville Sanctuary the death of a four-month-old short-beaked echidna that was taken to Phillip Island by a keeper attending the V8 Supercars meeting last month was being investigated along with further unexplained deaths of a number of birds.

WHATS WRONG WITH ZOOS?

Zoos act as a prison to the animals housed there. According to studies by wildlife welfare experts, around 80% of the animals exhibit stereotypical behaviours, such as pacing, head-bobbing and other types of repetitive movements that show the animal is in distress as a result of confinement and being stared at day in, day out.
Not to mention, animals that are captured abroad are torn from family members or herds.

ARE THEY EDUCATIONAL?

Well if you compare footage taken by cameramen of animals in the wild, then zoos are a really bad example of how animals really behave.

Animals in zoos are fed by keepers at regular times, and do not chase or gather their own food as they would in the wild. So how can they possibly be educational if they are so far removed from their natural surroundings?

WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES?

True conservation does not require keeping animals in captivity. The only way to protect species at risk is to preserve natural habitats and to stop the destructive practices of human beings, such as logging and deforestation, pollution, hunting and the global trade in wildlife. As for the entertainment element – watch a wildlife video instead! You’ll see animals behaving as they really do in the wild, displaying their natural impulses and abilities.

 WHAT CAN YOU DO?

The best thing you can do is to refuse to visit zoos – even if your school plans a trip to one. Let your teacher know that you have a moral objection, and perhaps suggest an alternative day out?