ZooCheck New Zealand

ANZFAS policy on Zoos

ANZFAS is opposed to the keeping of animals in zoos.

ANZFAS calls for a phase-out of zoos.

Until such time, ANZFAS calls for funds collected from zoo operations to be given towards the protection of endangered species habitats.

The quality of life for zoo animals, irrespective of whether they have been taken from the wild or bred in captivity, can be extremely poor. Zoos in their present form provide stressful living conditions because they keep animals confined in unnatural environments. As a result, most zoo animals suffer from caging, lack of exercise and from inadequate social and environmental stimulation. ANZFAS believes that, given the unnatural way most zoos display animals, they have little educational value.

While open-range zoos provide significantly better conditions than most, they contribute to the survival of lower-standard zoos by their demand for, and supply of, animals.

Despite zoos' claims that they play a significant role in the conservation of endangered species, only a minimal number of zoo species form part of endangered species conservation programs. Further, few programs aiming to reintroduce captive-bred animals back into the wild are successful. ANZFAS believes that endangered species would benefit more if funding was given towards habitat protection rather than breeding programs.

ANZFAS believes that zoos should be phased out. Pending the phase-out, animals should be housed in more natural environments and given stimulating equipment and facilities. Defined standards for accommodation, hygiene, transportation, feeding, viewing by the public and veterinary attention should be legally enforceable.