RSPCA - Phase elephants out of zoos
2008-12-12
RSPCA
The RSPCA is calling for a phase out of zoo elephants
following concerning new scientific studies.
The 69 elephants currently kept in UK zoos commonly
suffer lameness, obesity, and abnormal stereotypic
behaviour linked with handling and limited living space,
according to a new report published today.
The Bristol University study was funded by the RSPCA,
International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Defra
(Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and
the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums
(BIAZA), in an aim to identify how specific aspects of
husbandry affect health, welfare and reproductive
success of elephants in zoos.
Most comprehensive scientific study of its kind
A separate scientific paper, also published today in
Science magazine, echoes these findings across the
entire population of female zoo elephants in Europe.
This paper is the most comprehensive scientific study of
its kind, and also concludes the following.
Adult elephants in European zoos die younger than those
in the wild in Africa, or working in timber camps in
Burma.
Asian elephants are twice as likely to die before their
first birthday if born in European zoos when compared to
those born in captivity in Burmese logging camps.
Over half (58 per cent) of the Asian elephants born to
first time mums in European zoos die before the age of
one, compared to 17 per cent born to first time mums in
Burmese logging camps.
Elephants lead impoverished lives in zoos
"Elephants are having a torrid time in our zoos judging
by this overwhelming evidence, and action must be taken
to alleviate their welfare problems as a matter of
urgency," said Dr Rob Atkinson, the RSPCA's head of
wildlife science.
"We often hear that zoos play a vital role in conserving
elephants, but patently this is not the case. The new
data shows elephants die young in Europe's zoos, and the
rarer Asian elephants born in captivity have a poor
chance of survival.
"Surely the way forward is to encourage conservation
programmes in native habitats rather than condemn
elephants to a shortened and unhealthy existence in our
zoos."
Urgent action needed for elephant welfare in zoos
The RSPCA is appalled to find that despite previous
warnings, currently elephants living in UK zoos are
typically lame, obese, and prone to pacing or weaving
from side to side, seemingly due to small enclosure
sizes and keepers' handling methods.
This is a far cry from the general health and welfare of
their wild and working cousins, according to the Bristol
University research.
Dr Atkinson added: "Elephant populations must be phased
out of European zoos by stopping imports and captive
breeding. Meanwhile, there is a clear and urgent need
for husbandry to be improved for those existing zoo
elephants while they live out their impoverished lives."
|
