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..
Union of B.C. Municipalities calls on province to regulate mobile live animal programs and strengthen exotic animal rules
The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), which represents local governments across B.C., recently voted to…
Take action for animals at Marineland!
Humane Canada, of which the VHS is a member organization, needs our help to speak…
Open letter: B.C.’s wild and exotic animal captivity rules due for update
VHS and residents from across B.C. and Canada call for better protections for wild and…
Protect wild, exotic animals in captivity: Petition
Wild, exotic animals suffer in captivity Zoos and aquariums cannot replicate the size and complexity…
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers hope study on coyote grief will grow compassion for misunderstood species
Parrots still imported and bred in Canada as experts warn of growing crisis
A rare return: What Jorge the turtle reveals about captivity
Union of B.C. Municipalities calls on province to regulate mobile live animal programs and strengthen exotic animal rules
Help push Canada toward a future without animal testing
DONATE TODAY TO SEE AN END TO KEEPING WILD ANIMALS IN CAPTIVITY!
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.
Help push Canada toward a future without animal testing
Image credit: Jo-Anne McArthur We Animals Media UpdateThis petition is now closed. Thank you to…
UPDATE: UBCM Executive to vote on mobile live animal programs & exotic pet regulations
Success!After 2,450 messages were sent to speak up for exotic animals and mobile live animal…
Tell your local leaders: Support stronger exotic pet & mobile animal program rules
UpdateThis action has ended. Thank you to everyone who sent a message to their local…
Update: Speaking up for sled dogs and wild animals in captivity
This summer, the VHS ramped up calls for changes to B.C.’s regulations on two…
Call on your B.C. MLA to act for sled dogs and wild animals in captivity
UpdateThis action has now ended. Thank you to the 452 advocates who signed up to…
