Animals in captivity

Wild animals in captivity are deprived of their freedom and natural environment.

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Wild animals are suffering in captivity.

Keeping wild animals for public display, entertainment, or as pets deprives them of the ability to freely engage in instinctual behaviours in their natural environment.

Even when bred in captivity, exotic animals retain the behavioural and biological needs that they would have in the wild.

They cannot be considered domesticated and they can suffer if they are confined in unnatural environments.

Quick actions for animals in captivity

Take action to help protect animals in captivity! These quick actions take less than 2 minutes to advocate for meaningful change..

Areas of focus

For decades, the Vancouver Humane Society has advocated to protect wild and exotic animals from suffering in captivity. Read about the history of this work.

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Zoos

The VHS is fighting to improve the conditions of animals living in zoos. Working with Zoocheck Canada, the VHS has exposed poor conditions and called the Greater Vancouver Zoo to account for the welfare of animals in their care, including in a 2019 report.

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Aquariums

The VHS worked tirelessly to end the captivity of cetaceans (whales and dolphins). In 2019, Canada banned their captivity but they and other marine mammals continue to be held in aquariums around the world. The VHS has been calling for in-depth provincial regulations on the keeping of exotic and wild animals.

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Wildlife trade

The VHS opposes the sale and keeping of exotic pets. We have successfully campaigned for municipal bylaws that ban or restrict exotic pet ownership and sale, and have drawn public attention to the cruel wildlife trade.

Latest updates

Stay informed on the latest issues affecting animals in captivity. Explore recent updates, actions, blog posts, and media to learn how you can help advocate for their protection.

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In the media

Follow key moments in the fight against animal suffering in captivity. This timeline highlights major news, developments, and advocacy efforts shaping the conversation on animal welfare.

Past actions for animals in captivity

Explore past actions for animals in captivity and the impact they’ve made.