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Zoos
Zoos engender strong feelings from both advocates and opponents. Because of the complexity of the issues surrounding them, it is problematic to characterize zoos and similar exhibitions of wild animals as a homogenous entity. One basic standard, however, can and must be applied to these institutions: If they are unable to provide animals with appropriate and humane care, they should not have those animals in their facilities.
HSI Asia strongly believes that under most circumstances wild animals should be permitted to exist undisturbed in their natural environments. However, we recognize the widespread existence of zoos and acknowledge that some serve a demonstrable purpose in the long-term benefit of animals, such as the preservation and restoration of endangered species, and the education of people to the needs of wild animals and their role in ecosystems.
Yet it is critical for the public to understand that the antiquated zoo of yesteryear did not disappear with the advent of state-of-the-art exhibits that now dominate publicity about modern zoos. The dark side of the story is that thousands of wild animals, many endangered, continue to languish in roadside zoos and menageries. Often the care for these creatures barely meets the minimal legal requirements for exhibiting animals.
The HSI Asia believes that zoos must serve the purposes stated above, must maintain animals in conditions that simulate their natural habitats as closely as possible, and must treat them with the highest degree of humaneness, care, and professionalism. We believe it is extremely important that these requirements be met not only for the welfare of the animals, but also because inhumane conditions when viewed by the public, especially children, provide a negative educational experience and seemingly condone indifference or cruelty toward animals.
The HSI Asia works to
improve the conditions and treatment of animals in zoos wherever possible.
The reality of most zoos, however, is that external pressures routinely take
precedence over humaneness, and animals are forced to endure lives of
deprivation and cruelty. We believe that, to be acceptable, every zoo must
meet its responsibility to provide every animal with humane, professional
care.
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