
The show can’t go on: help end wild animal abuse in ‘top’ zoos and aquariums all over the world by emailing the CEO of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)
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The show can’t go on: help end wild animal abuse in ‘top’ zoos and aquariums all over the world by emailing the CEO of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)
Along with Change For Animals Foundation, we surveyed more than 1,200 zoos and aquariums linked to WAZA, which claims to represent 'the world’s leading zoos and aquariums' and found that 75% of venues offered at least one type of animal visitor interaction.
We visited 12 of the 'top' zoos and aquariums and confirmed that cruel and demeaning performances and activities, known to cause great physical and mental distress, are taking place, including:
These awful types of visitor attractions have no place in modern zoos and aquariums, especially not those linked with WAZA.
Dear Mr Zordan,
I am writing to you because I love animals.
I want to know that leading organisations like yours are taking responsibility for animal welfare, rather than supporting cruel and demeaning shows and visitor interactions.
World Animal Protection’s report, The Show Can’t Go On, highlights 12 WAZA-linked venues offering these kinds of appalling attractions, which have no place in a modern zoo.
You can read the report here: www.worldanimalprotection.org/waza.
Because your organisation prides itself on offering leadership and guidance to ‘the world’s leading zoos and aquariums’, you should proactively take steps to ensure all your members follow your animal welfare guidelines.
I urge you to lead the way by offering clear animal welfare guidelines. You should also monitor and active working with your members to ensure they do not offer cruel and demeaning shows and activities.
Thank you,
Concerned animal lover
WAZA has 282 direct members and approximately 1,200 associated member facilities through 24 different national and regional associations.
WAZA guidelines state that members should not involve animals 'in animal shows, displays or interactive experiences where animals perform demeaning and unnatural behaviours'. Clearly, many venues do not follow these guidelines.
We’re demanding WAZA fulfils its role as the global alliance of 'the world’s leading zoos and aquariums'.
It should clarify and communicate its position and revoke membership status from venues which provide irresponsible animal visitor attractions.
A lion in a show at Puy de Fou, France
Until WAZA responds to our demands or these venues drastically improve animal welfare, we urge everyone to avoid the following venues:
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