Wild animals should not be separated from nature

The number of zoos in Turkey and the world, where commercial concerns are at the forefront and far from scientific rules and nature conservation principles, is increasing. The Society for the Protection of Natural Life emphasized in a statement that wild animals should not be taken from nature and used for show purposes in zoos. The number of zoos in Turkey, where commercial perspectives are at the forefront and far from scientific rules and nature conservation principles, has been increasing recently. The statement made by the Society for the Protection of Natural Life (WWF) emphasizes that inspections in such establishments should be tightened, incorrect practices should be detected and the establishments in question should be closed, and wild animals should not be taken from nature and used for show purposes.

Here are the zoo facts

The Society for the Protection of Natural Life summarizes the problems that arise in businesses that are operated for commercial purposes without adhering to scientific rules and ignoring nature conservation principles, and where the species exhibited are clearly struggling to survive, as follows:

• The use of charismatic and attractive species for public entertainment purposes,
• Taking endangered animals from nature at regular intervals to ensure species continuity in the facilities,
• Animals in the facilities are forced to have new offspring during the time they are cared for, as the offspring are used to attract visitors and for income-generating purposes such as taking photos.
• Since the needs of charismatic species such as nutrition and health are very costly and the necessary conditions cannot be provided, animals in the facilities die before their lifespan in nature,
• Failure of breeding and reintroduction programs,
• The rapid increase in the number of businesses around the world whose primary purpose is to display endangered wildlife, such as ‘Tiger Farms’, and similar examples.

The impact is much greater than expected

According to the statement by the Society for the Protection of Natural Life; the use of wild animals for display purposes is a problematic issue in many ways. There are no international standards for the use of animals in zoos or special facilities for display purposes. The removal of animals from their natural habitats poses a serious risk, especially for species under threat. For example, scientific studies have shown that the mortality rate is high among marine mammals taken from their natural habitats and that the life spans of these animals are shortened. The care of some species, such as big cats, elephants, and polar animals, which have special requirements in terms of creating environments similar to their natural habitats in terms of appropriate nutrition and shelter conditions, is extremely costly and difficult, and requires expertise in many aspects, especially health. For this reason, zoos and aquariums should not undertake this work without being sure that they have the expertise, facilities, infrastructure and long-term investments to care for these species for their entire lives.

Ethical rules must be put into action

WWF accepts that only accredited zoos and aquariums can have a legitimate role in nature conservation, education and research. According to WWF Turkey; the general principle regarding the creatures to be kept in zoos, aquariums and other theme parks is that these animals should not be selected from nature but from individuals who already live in such facilities. However, this alone is not a sufficient condition. At this point, compliance with the WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquariums Code of Ethics and Animal Welfare) Ethics Code regarding the Display of Animals in Zoos and Aquariums should be accepted as the minimum standard. Accordingly; wild animals can only be included in activities that meet indispensable standards and conditions such as the activity in question containing a solid nature conservation message or aiming at nature conservation education; taking the behavior of animals in their natural habitats as a basis and not including any elements aimed at devaluing them. However, if there is the slightest suspicion that the health and well-being of the animal is at risk during the activity, the activity should be terminated immediately. Wild animals should never be allowed to be taken from nature and used for show purposes. In addition, businesses that keep wild species in captivity and do not meet international standards should not be visited and wrong practices should not be supported; inspections should be carried out by the authorities and necessary measures, including closure decisions, should be taken.