Tag: Captivity

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Tell your local leaders: Support stronger exotic pet & mobile animal program rules

Reptiles in small containers at an exotic pet expo
  • B.C. residents: Please call on your local government to endorse a resolution seeking stronger protections for exotic animals and animals used in mobile programs.
  • The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), which serves as the voice for local governments across B.C., will be meeting for their annual convention Sept 22-26 in Victoria.
  • UBCM members will consider a resolution calling on the B.C. government to regulate mobile live animal programs (MLAPs) and update regulations relating to exotic (non-native, undomesticated) species.
  • The UBCM resolution (pg. 173 of Resolutions Book) was put forward by Port Moody Council following a Port Moody decision earlier this year to prohibit MLAPs, such as mobile petting zoos.
  • Port Moody’s decision was a result of animal welfare, environmental, public health and safety, and educational concerns associated with MLAPs. 

TAKE ACTION: Use the quick message tool below to urge your local government to endorse the UBCM resolution seeking stronger protections for animals transported for public display, handling, or sale and for updated regulations related to the import, keeping, breeding, and transport of all exotic species.

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The resolution seeks to:

  1. Regulate mobile live animal programs (MLAPs), which can “create distress for animals and introduce risks of zoonotic disease transmission and injury for people and other animals” as they transport animals for public display, handling, or sale.
  2. Update the Province’s Controlled Alien Species Regulations to equally prioritize animal welfare considerations alongside public safety, and prohibit the import, keeping, breeding and transport of exotic species.

Use the template message to ask your local leaders to back the UBCM resolution.

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What are mobile live animal programs? 

Mobile live animal programs (MLAPs) can take many forms, including travelling petting zoos, presentations, and expos. They involve the transport of animals to a location for display, public entertainment, or sale to the public, and feature a variety of different animals. MLAPs often include exotic animals (wild animals not native to B.C.), such as spiders, snakes, lizards, and tortoises.  

Concerns regarding MLAPs include: 

  • Frequent, and at times long-distance, transport of animals to events; 
  • Small, barren enclosures with little to no opportunity for natural behaviours or the ability to escape the view of the public and other animals; 
  • Frequent public handling, increasing risk of injury and disease spread; 
  • Lack of educational value and the risk of perpetuating misconceptions about animal care and needs. 

What are the issues with keeping exotic animals as pets? 

  • Animal welfare: Exotic animals (wild animals not native to B.C.), even if they are born in captivity, still have the same complex needs they would in the wild. It’s extremely difficult to recreate their natural environment in captivity, and when those needs aren’t met, the animals often suffer. 
  • Public health & safety concerns: Approximately 75% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic, meaning they can spread from animals to humans. In the last decade, there have been seven documented disease outbreaks in B.C. linked to the exotic pet trade, four of which occurred in 2023 and 2024 and were associated with snakes, lizards, and geckos. 
  • Ecological threats: Escaped or released pets can become invasive species, displacing native wildlife, threatening habitats, and spreading new diseases. 
  • Community impacts: Escaped or released animals and the surrender of unwanted exotic pets strain already overwhelmed shelters, rescues, and veterinary services. There have been many documented instances of escaped/released exotic pets in B.C. in recent years. 
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Captive animal deaths reignite calls for urgent protections

Giraffes at Greater Vancouver Zoo

Late last year, the death of Jenga, a male giraffe at the Greater Vancouver Zoo, reignited calls to better protect animals in captivity. Jenga was only eight years old when he was found deceased in his barn on October 23, while giraffes typically live up to 25 years in the wild. He lived with only two other giraffes in a small and barren enclosure, offering little enrichment or opportunities to engage in natural behaviours essential for giraffes’ well-being.

The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) has called on the zoo for many years to address persistent animal welfare concerns and transition away from keeping animals in permanent captivity. In recent years, a VHS campaign has called on provincial decision-makers to take action and update outdated regulations on the keeping, breeding, and transportation of wild and exotic animals.

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Jenga the giraffe dies at the Greater Vancouver Zoo (The Early Edition)

Emily Pickett from the Vancouver Humane Society discusses the tragic life and death of Jenga the giraffe, who died at the Greater Vancouver Zoo on October 23rd, as well as ongoing welfare concerns at the zoo. Originally aired on The Early Edition from CBC News; shared on The Informed Animal Ally podcast.

Jenga’s death gained significant media attention, with coverage from major news outlets and discussions on CBC’s The Early Edition. VHS representatives expressed concerns to news outlets about Jenga’s quality of life prior to his passing, highlighting the challenges of keeping wild, exotic animals in captivity and the stressors they may endure. The zoo has yet to publicly provide a full explanation of the cause of death, prompting calls for an independent investigation.

Media stories

Jenga’s death is not an isolated incident. His death adds to a concerning history of animal fatalities at the facility. Between 2003 and 2015, reports indicate that four giraffes, four zebras, two hippos, and two Siberian tigers died at the zoo.

Recent reports have also revealed a troubling pattern of animal fatalities in zoos across Canada. In Calgary, the deaths of several animals at the Calgary Zoo have raised similar concerns. Over the past year, multiple animals have died under the zoo’s care, including a western lowland gorilla named Eyare who was injured moving between back-of-house spaces. A polar bear named Baffin drowned after sustaining a bite to the throat. Conservationists have called for a systemic review of the facility’s practices, emphasizing the need for increased oversight and transparency.

Conservationists call for greater transparency, systemic review of Calgary Zoo

The sudden death of a two-year-old gorilla at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has prompted some conservation experts to push for change.

This past year, multiple animals have died globally as well, including Roxie the red panda who died due to noise stress from fireworks in Edinburgh, and twelve monkeys who died from a bacterial outbreak in a zoo in Hong Kong.

These incidents fuel ongoing debates about the ethics of keeping wild animals in captive environments that may not adequately meet their needs. The recent deaths of Jenga and other captive animals are a sad reminder that although zoo visitors may leave at the end of the day, animals cannot.

For more information on how you can support efforts to protect captive animals, visit this blog post.

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Port Moody could soon ban mobile petting zoos

Is it time to ban petting zoos in Port Moody?

A report being presented to Port Moody councillors on Tuesday, Jan. 21, says mobile live animal programs have little educational value

“Petting zoos and other mobile displays featuring live animals could soon be banned in Port Moody.”

Last week, a representative from the Vancouver Humane Society attended a Port Moody City Council meeting to speak in support of a ban on mobile petting zoos, following a presentation from the BC SPCA recommending a ban.

Mobile petting zoos pose many animal welfare concerns:

  • Transportation to different locations can be an inherently stressful process for many species.
  • The animals used in these zoos are typically transported and kept in undersized cages or units that may also lack other elements they need to engage in important natural behaviours, like appropriate substrate and enrichment items.
  • Animals can develop chronic stress and health issues as a result of disrupted eating, sleeping, and drinking patterns, and from being exposed to unfamiliar sights, sounds, smells and human handling and interactions. 

A report will be presented to council’s governance and legislation committee on Tuesday, January 21, recommending restrictions on mobile live animal programs in the city.

The VHS has reached out to City Council with further recommendations to help ensure exemptions do not compromise the well-being of animals.

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Speak up for exotic animals
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Exotic animals: wildlife, not pets

  • Exotic, non-domesticated animals are being caught, bred, and sold across Canada as part of the inhumane and risky wildlife trade.
  • These animals are then kept as pets, sold commercially, and used at events.
  • Captive environments cannot replicate exotic wild animals’ natural habitats, leading to welfare concerns.
  • The wildlife trade poses a risk to wild animal populations both at home and abroad due to poaching of animals for the pet trade and release of exotic animals into the local ecosystems.

Can you take action to speak up for wild exotic animals caught, bred, and sold in the wildlife trade?

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Issues with captive exotic animals

It’s estimated that 1.4 million exotic animals (non-domesticated, non-native animals) are kept as pets across Canada. This includes species like ball pythons, bearded dragons, red ear slider turtles, savannah cats, and crested geckos. Across the Canadian provinces and territories, British Columbia comes in fourth for exotic pet ownership.

Exotic animals may be:

  • kept as pets in people’s homes;
  • bred and sold commercially; or
  • used for public display or entertainment at events.

Welfare concerns

Regardless of whether these animals are wild-caught or captive-bred, they retain their complex social, physiological, and behavioural needs that they would have in the wild.

This makes it impossible to fully meet their unique needs when kept captive as pets, which can lead to significant animal welfare issues and suffering.

Public health risks

The exotic pet trade also poses public health and safety risks.

Stressed animals are more susceptible to disease and to spreading disease to humans. In fact, 75% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic (transmitted from non-human animals to humans).

Impact on wild animal populations

The exotic pet trade is also a major threat to wild populations, as a result of the poaching of wild animals to be sold into the pet trade.

The accidental or intentional release of exotic animals into the wild can also have a negative impact on native species and local ecosystems.

Exotic pet events

Exotic pet events, where animals are on display for public entertainment or are being sold, highlight many of the animal welfare, public health, and safety issues associated with the exotic pet trade. These wild animals are:

  • kept in cramped and unnatural containers;
  • transported to and from events; and
  • handled by adults and children in a noisy environment.

Will you help stop the suffering by signing up to receive action alerts? You will be contacted with key actions to help protect exotic animals.

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Podcast: Jenga the giraffe dies at the Greater Vancouver Zoo (The Early Edition)

Giraffes at the Greater Vancouver Zoo

Jenga the giraffe dies at the Greater Vancouver Zoo (The Early Edition)

Emily Pickett from the Vancouver Humane Society discusses the tragic life and death of Jenga the giraffe, who died at the Greater Vancouver Zoo on October 23rd, as well as ongoing welfare concerns at the zoo. Originally aired on The Early Edition from CBC News; shared on The Informed Animal Ally podcast.

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On October 23rd, Jenga the giraffe died in his enclosure at the Greater Vancouver Zoo.

The Vancouver Humane Society’s Emily Pickett sat down with Stephen Quinn from The Early Edition on CBC Radio to share the heartbreaking story of Jenga, a giraffe who died at the Greater Vancouver Zoo. Interview shared with permission.

Take action for animals in captivity

Note: This written discussion has been edited for length.

Table Of Contents
  1. Jenga's death at the Greater Vancouver Zoo
  2. The lives of captive giraffes
  3. Ongoing welfare concerns at the zoo
  4. Zoo accreditation doesn't reflect welfare
  5. Calling for change
  6. Next episode

Jenga’s death at the Greater Vancouver Zoo

Stephen: Another animal has died at the Greater Vancouver Zoo. This time, an eight year old giraffe called Jenga. Now the zoo called him an iconic member of the Greater Vancouver Zoo family. According to the zoo, Jenga was found dead in his barn stall on Wednesday afternoon.

Jenga is one of four young giraffes to die at the facility since 2006. And for more on this, we’re joined by Emily Pickett. She’s the Campaign Director for the Vancouver Humane Society. Good morning to you, Emily.

Emily: Good morning.

Stephen: We don’t know all of the details yet. The zoo says it is still awaiting the results of a necropsy.

But what has been your reaction to this news? This was an eight year old giraffe.

Emily: Well, we at the Vancouver Humane Society are deeply saddened to learn of the death of yet another animal at the Greater Vancouver Zoo. And certainly we were surprised. The giraffe Jenga was only eight years old when he died, which is really a fraction of the lifespan for giraffes in the wild where they can live for up to 25 years.

The lives of captive giraffes

Giraffes exhibit abnormal neck twisting stereotypic behaviour at the Greater Vancouver Zoo

Stephen: Right. And tell me more about Jenga’s life in the zoo, or I guess the lives of giraffes generally there, because this is one of four young giraffes to die at that facility since 2006.

Emily: Giraffes are very sensitive animals that we know do not fare well in captivity. In fact, they can have shorter lifespans than their wild counterparts.

The life of Jenga was very different than the life of a wild giraffe, and I think that really points out the concerns that we at the Humane Society have.

In the wild, giraffes live in large herds, they have a large home range. Their natural habitat is typically arid and dry. They’re browsing animals that are adapted to foraging and feeding predominantly on on leaves and stems of trees and shrubs.

But at the Greater Vancouver Zoo, Jenga lived a very different life. He lived with only a couple of other giraffes in a pretty small and barren enclosure, with little to no opportunity to engage in many of those natural behaviours, and certainly in a very different climate than what his wild counterparts would be in.

Stephen: And when you’re talking about that warm, arid climate, it’s exactly the opposite here, especially through the wintertime, I would imagine.

Emily: Yes, absolutely. And that’s a big problem for giraffes, too. They struggle as a species to regulate their body temperatures. And so the colder winter months can be a real problem for them in these environments.

Ongoing welfare concerns at the zoo

Stephen: Tell me about the Vancouver Humane Society and the reports that you have commissioned by Zoocheck. I guess the last one would have been in 2019. Is that right?

Emily: That’s correct. Yeah, the Vancouver Humane Society has had longstanding concerns around the welfare and conditions of animals at the Greater Vancouver Zoo.

And we’ve commissioned reports by Zoocheck as experts in this area for a number of years now. I think our first report on the Vancouver Zoo was back in 1997, and the most recent one, as you mentioned, was in 2019.

The report found a number of key issues overall.

A lot of the issues zoo-wide were about a lack of environmental and behavioural enrichment for the animals, which we know is very important for wild animals. They need to engage in these natural behaviours.

Another concern was inappropriate housing for social animals and indoor enclosures that were really basic and barren.

There were water issues, issues with groundwater and waterlogging of their enclosures, specifically for the giraffes.

Our 2019 report found similar issues as well.

Zoo accreditation doesn’t reflect welfare

Stephen: The zoo is an accredited zoo. Is it not?

Emily: It is, yes, through CAZA. The concern is that it is really a private industry association of zoos and aquariums. They represent their members and the accreditation is really kind of the zoos and aquariums accrediting themselves.

So, that’s a bit problematic for us. It certainly sounds good on the surface, but it isn’t necessarily an indicator of best practices or high animal welfare standards. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the animals are doing well.

And as you mentioned, the number of deaths and incidents, including in recent years, we think really illustrates the issues.

Calling for change

Giraffes at the Greater Vancouver Zoo

Stephen: And Emily, is the Humane Society calling for any particular action right now as a result of this?

Emily: We’ve been asking the zoo for many years to take action on its own. We obviously have not seen the changes we would like to see, over the number of years and the number of reports that we’ve drafted and shared with them.

We are still calling on the zoo to do more, but also urging the B. C. government to do more. They are responsible for issuing the permits to the zoo to be able to keep these animals.

So, what we would like to see is the zoo stop keeping exotic animals entirely – as illustrated, they’re not appropriate for these conditions and these environments – and to shift to a sanctuary model where they can focus on rescue, rehab, and release of native species from B.C. and to provide sanctuary for those animals that can’t be released.

Stephen: Emily, thank you for the time this morning. We appreciate it.

Emily: Thank you so much.

Next episode

A mother cow and calf on a farm sanctuary

Please join us next month as we hear perspectives from people who operate farm sanctuaries.

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Conservationists call for greater transparency, systemic review of Calgary Zoo

A young gorilla stands and looks into the camera

Conservationists call for greater transparency, systemic review of Calgary Zoo

The sudden death of a two-year-old gorilla at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has prompted some conservation experts to push for change.

The sudden death of a two-year-old gorilla at the Calgary Zoo has prompted conservation experts to push for change.

According to CTV News Calgary, “The zoo said on Tuesday that Eyare, a female western lowland gorilla, had been injured while moving between back-of-house spaces.”

“The zoo declined to share any further details about the gorilla’s fatal injuries or what caused them, saying an investigation is underway and a necropsy will be completed.”

Marc Bekoff, professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado, called the lack of transparency about the incident “disturbing”.

The Calgary Zoo previously underwent a review from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for unusual and frequent animal deaths between 2005 and 2010, with fatal incidents continuing throughout the next decade.

Zoocheck founder Rob Laidlaw said, “If you’re trying to say you’re breeding animals or keeping animals for conservation and they’re dying from all these mishaps and other things … that’s counter to what you’re telling the public that you want to do.”

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Speak up for animals in captivity

Many animal deaths at zoos this year

Multiple tragic animal deaths at zoos across North America and around the world have been brought to the public’s attention this year, including:

  • Jenga the giraffe, who was found dead in his enclosure at the Greater Vancouver Zoo on October 23rd;
  • Sakura the red panda, who had recently given birth after being transferred from the Greater Vancouver Zoo to the Toronto Zoo, and one of her two cubs;
  • Roxie the red panda, who died due to noise stress from fireworks in Edinburgh;
  • Baffin the polar bear, who drowned in the Calgary Zoo’s new exhibit after he sustained a bite to the throat;
  • Twelve monkeys who died from a bacterial outbreak at a zoo in Hong Kong.

Tragic deaths at zoos are typically followed by a necropsy to determine the cause, such as illness or injury. Physical and psychological stressors can contribute to premature death in captive animals.

Wild and exotic animals’ needs are not being met in zoos and aquariums

In addition to deadly incidents, wild and exotic animals regularly suffer when kept in captivity in zoos and aquariums.

Wild and exotic animals are living out their entire lives thousands of kilometres away from their home climates, in enclosures that cannot replicate the size and complexity of their natural habitats. They are unable to engage in many natural behaviours that are crucial to their physical, social and psychological well-being.

Take action

Here in B.C., the Vancouver Humane Society has been engaging with provincial decision-makers to call for changes to captivity regulations, including prohibiting the breeding and import of exotic animals for permanent captivity.

Can you sign the petition to help protect animals from suffering in captivity?

Speak up for animals in captivity
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Eight year old giraffe, Jenga, dies at Greater Vancouver Zoo

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VANCOUVER, October 24, 2024 – The tragic life and death of Jenga the giraffe is the latest in a series of animal welfare issues at the Great Vancouver Zoo. Jenga, aged 8, died suddenly and unexpectedly at the zoo this week. Jenga was born in captivity in Ontario and then shipped to British Columbia. Jenga lived their entire life in a small, cold, enclosure, nothing like the natural habitat of their wild counterparts. Giraffes live up to 25 years in the wild.

“We’re saddened to learn of the death of another animal at the Greater Vancouver Zoo. Jenga the giraffe was only 8 years old, which is a fraction of the lifespan for giraffes in the wild,” said Campaign Director, Emily Pickett. “The Vancouver Humane Society has been calling on the zoo for many years to address long-standing animal welfare issues and to move away from keeping animals in permanent captivity.” 

High-profile incidents resulting in heightened public scrutiny of the zoo 

The Greater Vancouver Zoo has been aware of many animal welfare issues in their facility for years. The most recent report on conditions at the zoo, commissioned by the Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) and prepared by Zoocheck, raised alarms about a number of concerns. Unfortunately, the same issues raised in the report persist year after year, causing continued suffering to the many animals who are kept in captivity at the zoo. 

In 2022, animal lovers in B.C. mourned the loss of Chia, a wolf who escaped from her enclosure at the Greater Vancouver Zoo. Chia was tragically found dead on the side of the road. 

In 2022, the VHS filed a cruelty complaint with the BC SPCA after obtaining video footage of animals engaging in repetitive behaviours and in small, barren enclosures. 

In 2021, a zoo employee was bitten when a jaguar climbed up a feeding chute. Rather than addressing the behavioural needs of this natural hunter and climber, the zoo welded bars to the bottom of the chute. 

In 2020, the public raised concerns about an emaciated moose named Oakleaf, prompting an investigation by the BC SPCA. Oakleaf was then euthanized. 

In 2019, a 2-year-old child was bitten by a black bear after being able to enter an “unauthorized area.” The toddler had to be airlifted to hospital. 

Ongoing welfare issues 

This week’s tragic death is the latest in a pattern of concerning incidents at the Greater Vancouver Zoo. But the series of high-profile cases that make it into the news are just the tip of the iceberg when compared with the monotonous, day-to-day suffering of the wild species confined to enclosures thousands of times smaller than their natural habitats. 

If the Greater Vancouver Zoo refuses to make significant changes for the well-being of the animals they keep, a change must be made for them. That’s why the VHS is imploring provincial decision-makers to immediately address the outdated regulations around keeping, breeding, and transport of wild and exotic animals. Concerned citizens can sign the petition in support of these recommendations.

– ends –

SOURCE Vancouver Humane Society

For more information, contact Emily Pickett: 604-416-2903, emily@vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca

Related links:
https://vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca/posts/captivity-petition/

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Baffin the polar bear dies at the Calgary Zoo

A polar bear swimming in a tank at a zoo

Animal advocacy group says Calgary zoo shouldn’t house polar bears

An animal advocacy group says the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo shouldn’t house polar bears after one died in captivity Friday.

Animal advocates continue to call for the Calgary Zoo to stop keeping polar bears after yet another bear has tragically died.

Baffin the polar bear died by drowning Friday, July 19th after he sustained a bite to the throat at the Calgary Zoo.

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A long history of problems with the Calgary Zoo’s polar bear enclosures

Polar Bears at the Calgary Zoo – Where Sad Animals Are “Happy” – Alberta Views

The Calgary Zoo has had polar bears since 1938. Each generation has been confident that the bear’s enclosures were more humane than the past…

This is not the first time that concerns have been raised about the Calgary Zoo’s keeping of polar bears.

Earlier this year, Alberta Views published an article by George Colpitts, an environmental historian at the University of Calgary, outlining the fraught history of the zoo’s polar bear enclosures. The piece explores the pattern of poor welfare and incidents that have plagued the zoo’s polar bear enclosures since they opened in 1938.

Dr. Colpitts expressed skepticism that the new exhibit, opened in December 2023, could fully meet the bears’ needs.

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Take action for animals in captivity

Polar bears and other animals show signs of boredom and stress in zoos

The VHS sent a letter to the editor outlining inherent issues with keeping animals such as polar bears, who have complex social, behavioural, and physiological needs, in captivity for the entertainment of the public.

Read the full response on page 3 of the Alberta Views opinions section, and take action to protect animals from suffering in captivity.

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Take action for animals in captivity
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Welfare group documents exotic animal escapes, attacks

Animals on the lam: Welfare group documents exotic animal escapes, attacks

In a bid to draw attention to the ongoing and dangerous problem of keeping exotic wildlife in captivity, either in zoos or as house pets, World Animal Protection Canada is building a new database and interactive online map to document all the events it can find.

“In a bid to draw attention to the ongoing and dangerous problem of keeping exotic wildlife in captivity, either in zoos or as house pets, World Animal Protection Canada is building a new database and interactive online map to document all the events it can find.”

Michèle Hamers, wildlife campaign manager for World Animal Protection Canada, hopes that the database will “compel people to ask for more comprehensive laws to protect animals and people.”

Typically, bylaws and provincial laws around wild and exotic animals include a prohibited animals list. These lists can leave gaps that allow many wild and exotic species who do not thrive in captivity to be kept as pets, while even more can be kept in facilities such as zoos and aquariums.

The VHS is calling on the B.C. government to introduce better protections for wild and exotic animals in captivity, including adopting a positive list approach, which allows only those species that meet certain evidence-based suitability criteria to be kept, bred and transported.

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Burmese python seized from Chilliwack home by B.C. conservation officers

A Burmese python curls around a tree branch in the wild

Burmese python seized from Chilliwack home by B.C. conservation officers

The snake, one of the largest in the world, is illegal to possess in British Columbia

“Conservation officers have seized a nearly three-metre-long Burmese python from a home in Chilliwack.”

While this particular species of snake is illegal to keep in B.C., MANY other wild and exotic species are, in fact, legal to keep as pets. But wild and exotic animals, whether wild-caught or captive-bred, retain their complex social, physiological and behavioural needs that they would have in the wild. As a result, they can experience significant suffering when kept as pets.

The VHS has been calling on the B.C. government for better protections for wild and exotic animals. Add your name in support!

Read the article
Sign the petition