Cruelty Free Living
Issue 2: July-September 1998

Animal Concern visits Edinburgh Zoo

In April of this year Animal Concern, after receiving a letter about conditions at Edinburgh zoo, paid them a visit. They found that there were several areas of concern relating to security and the big cat enclosures in particular. Some animals showed signs of boredom or illness. Animal Concern concluded that improvements are required and some, such as enclosure enrichment could be carried out now, not put off until funds are raised to build new enclosures.

"No matter how much money is raised or how much land is provided you can never recreate the natural habitat of wild animals. Edinburgh zoo has, to some extent, recognised this. The only elephant in the zoo is a fibre glass model. Their remaining polar bear will be the last to be kept there.
Zoos should be working towards the day they cease to exist. They can make claims on conservation and education but these are as valid as a ticket to see Scotland in the second round of the World Cup. Zoos should stop breeding animals and provide sanctuary for animals rescued from circuses, laboratories and zoos which have to close down. Dealing with these casualties of exploitation by humans would require zoos to provide good sanctuaries for decades to come.
Zoos which do not adapt are doing a disservice to animals."

Taken from the latest issue of "Animal Concern News", copies of which are available from Animal Concern PO Box 3982, Glasgow G51 4WD or tel (0141) 445 3570.