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A recent survey suggesting the public would support the phasing out of large animals in zoos doesn’t ‘seem to relate to the real world’, according to BIAZA
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 16 Feb 2023
The Born Free Foundation believes large captive animals such as rhinos should be phased out of British zoos Credit: Chris Curry on Unsplash
The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) has said that a recent survey suggesting that a majority of people want zoos and wildlife parks to phase out large animals in captive enclosures doesn’t “seem to relate to the real world”.
The research by Opinion Matters and released by the Born Free Foundation sampled 2,000 adults from each UK region. According to the results, more than 75% of respondents said it was very or quite important that the next UK government starts to phase out large captive animals such as elephants, lions, tigers, giraffes and rhinos.
The Born Free Foundation said that the statistics show “a tide of public support” and that “politicians and decision-makers can no longer afford to ignore those seeking to end the archaic, unethical, and damaging practice of keeping large animals in zoos.”
BIAZA, however, believes the figures don’t add up when compared with those by YouGov, which show completely different results.
“We agree the government should prioritise the protection and restoration of UK wildlife, which is why we’ve supported campaigns to maintain and strengthen protections for native species,” said a BIAZA statement.
“We agree the government should do more to tighten the trade and keeping of exotic pets, which is why we have been a leading voice on calling for the outlawing of primates as pets.
“BIAZA zoos and aquariums are enormously popular, welcoming over 35 million visits in a normal year. Just this week our members zoos and aquariums are enjoying packed out crowds learning about nature and supporting conservation here in the UK and across 105 different countries.
“It is overwhelmingly clear that the great British public support good zoos and aquariums to care for animals and to make our planet a better and wilder place.”
Further results in the survey found that 83% of respondents agreed that the government should tighten controls on keeping exotic pets and that 82% would support government trade deals aimed at ending animal cruelty overseas. 85% also agreed the next UK government should introduce a ban on British hunters bringing ‘trophies’ of endangered or vulnerable animals into Britain.
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