Animal Sanctuaries

The EU Directive on zoos was brought into force with the intention of improving the overall performance of zoos, from conservation through to animal welfare.

We are all aware that there are countless zoos across Europe that offer sub standard conditions for their animals and contribute little if anything to conservation, and we are all aware that there are ones that can only be described as horrendous. If the Directive was enforced in many of these situations it would result in zoo closure and that would leave literally thousands of wild animals homeless. Just taking Romania as an example, we know from experience that there are regular calls to help lions, wolves, tigers - all needing new homes.

In order for the Directive to achieve what it should, there needs to be a humane and realistic strategy in place for dealing with the animals from the zoos that will need to close. Moving individuals to sanctuaries in Africa or other places abroad is both costly, time consuming and is not a realistic solution for the many animals that need helping. The solution needs to be found in Europe. While we all want to strive for the ideal sanctuary conditions, as described in the GAFS standards these will require a commitment from Government in terms of funding and land. It is therefore important that a 'half way house' solution is found. By reviewing the zoos that currently exist in Europe it should be feasible to ascertain which can and do meet the spirit and requirements of the Directive, those, that with support from Government or International Zoo bodies could and those that simply never will. With this knowledge, a phased approach needs to be developed to close down the worst zoos and select others to become temporary sanctuaries. All zoos would need to buy into this, with space and breeding controlled for the benefit of the animals that need a home.

There would be no quick fix solution, but it could be done over time with a fully developed plan, funding and political support. By embarking on such a venture, the suffering of thousands of wild animals could be relieved and a European Zoo infrastructure set up that would prevent the future suffering of thousands of animals.