Roadside Zoos Should be a Thing of the Past says Animal Welfare Worker

A month ago, Willow, a kangaroo of Papanak zoo, escaped from her enclosure, and was found injured on the side of the road. Her death was announced the next day. 

Thomas Stockting of TVC22 speaks with Natalie Hanson of Humane Canada, the largest animal welfare organization in Canada, to discuss the future of roadside zoos, and if they have a place in society anymore. 

When asked about Humane Canada’s stance on zoos in general, Hanson said that they only support zoos that put animals' well-being first, not profit, and that most zoos cannot afford to do this because of low funding.

Further, zoos have seen a decrease in popularity mainly because of social media, and documentaries that expose illegal practices that some zoos follow, discouraging the average zoo-goer to buy their next ticket.

Thomas then shifts the conversation towards zoos that focus more on conservation rather than profit.

Hanson replies that in a perfect world, zoos do not exist. Using Canada as an example, in most cases we do not have enough funding, or have the proper climate to replicate a natural habitat for an exotic species to live out the rest of its days in peace.

In terms of who is to blame for zoos having poor standards, Hanson puts most of the blame on the government for not having clear and defined regulations for zoos like other provinces have in the past when animals have escaped their enclosures.

For example, New Brunswick changed their regulations right after 2 children were killed when a python escaped its enclosure, and half of zoos in Alberta did not renew their license after new regulations were made as they couldn’t keep up with the new standards.

When Thomas asks Hanson what owners can do currently to create a better life for their animals, she simply says to just put the needs of the animal ahead of profit. They need to replicate the natural habitat, and make sure they are not being over worked with shows, and that their emotional well-being is looked after.

Continuing, when asked about what would happen to all the animals should all the zoos in Ontario close because of new standards, Hanson answers that the best way to combat that is to essentially be proactive. Hanson says that zoos should stop breeding their animals in order to needlessly bring in more animals for profit, and that they should only be bred if the species is endangered. 

Ideally, zoos should just be a place where an animal can be comfortable to live out the rest of its days.

Hanson then recommends that if a regular person wants to get involved with how their local zoo is treating their animals, the best way is to talk to your MP. In addition, simple things such as talking to your neighbor, and creating discussion helps a lot.

On a final note, Thomas asks if there is any way that zoos can be completely acceptable. Hanson replies that there would have to be a large readjustment to the current system, and that zoos that are only in it for money and not conservation have no place in the future.