Ongoing challenges
EU ZOO INQUIRY 2011
20 country investigations
Dialogue with 27 Member States
Total of 22 reports
www.euzooinquiry.eu
The Directive (1999/22/EC)
The “Zoo” is a:
“permanent establishments where animals of wild
species are kept for exhibition to the public for
7 or more days a year, with the exception of
circuses, pet shops…”
This includes the:
Traditional zoo, animal (safari) park, aquarium,
dolphinaria, park with aviary, falconry centre,
butterfly farm, specialist zoo, farm park with wild
animals, sanctuary with wild animals (open to the
public – 7 days of more)..
Data collection
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
National animal protection legislation
National zoo legislation
Member State legislators
Member State enforcement authorities
Management of randomly-selected zoos
Assessment of 200 zoos
Conditions of thousands of animals
 Transposition
Eight EU countries had failed to transpose the requirements
of the Directive 1999/22/EC into national law.
 Implementation
Hundreds of zoos were believed to be unlicensed but fully
operational. Three countries did not have an inspectorate.
 Enforcement
Lacking in all EU countries. Limited expertise and knowledge.
 Compliance with national law
Few zoos are meeting all their legal requirements.
• 16 / 20 EU countries did not significantly contribute to conservation
• The majority of species kept in zoos were of low conservation
significance
• The majority of the zoos did not have an education programme
• The majority of assessed animals were kept in substandard
conditions
• In many cases, animals were used in degrading performances
• Animals were seen escaping from zoos into the natural environment
• Public health and safety was being put at risk
• Unlicensed, but operational zoos appear to exist in all MS.
Animal welfare
Animal welfare/ Public safety
CONCLUSIONS
• MS Competent Authorities lack knowledge and expertise to effectively
interpret and apply the requirements, and penalise non-compliance.
• Zoo inspectors lack knowledge and experience. Inspections lack
structure and therefore, consistency = poor enforcement + substandard
• State veterinarians lack the knowledge and expertise to effectively
assess the well-being of wild animal species, identify poor welfare and
address it.
• Zoo operators in many MS do not know how to provide appropriate care
for their animals. Many zoos are often left to their own devices.
• Overall, zoos are not meeting their responsibilities to the conservation
of biodiversity as required by Directive 1999/22 and Article 9 of CBD.
OUTCOMES
• Ensured a common understanding of ‘animal welfare’.
• ‘Animals in zoos’ and ‘wild animals in captivity’ are acknowledged within
the EU Strategy for the Protection and Welfare of Animals 2012 - 2015
• Capacity-building - training of veterinarians in understanding the welfare
of ‘wild animals in captivity’ (in Budapest, Barcelona, Riga, Sinaia + Italy).
• Development of the EU Zoos Directive Guidance and Best Practice
Document - to assist Member State Competent Authorities.
• Some Member States have changed their national laws to ensure
compliance with the EC Directive 1999/22.
• First conference dedicated to the welfare of “Wild animals in captivity”.
REMAINING OBSTACLES
• MS national and regional legislation lack detail and explanation.
• Multiple government departments involved in zoo regulation in MS, which
often causes confusion and ineffective enforcement.
• The majority of MS Competent Authorities lack knowledge and expertise to
effectively apply the requirements. Many open, but unlicensed zoos.
• If inspections are taking place, many fail to ensure legal compliance.
• State veterinarians lack the expertise in wild animal welfare.
• No evidence-based husbandry standards + environmental enrichment.
• Animal performances consisting of circus-style stunts and tricks.
• Generally zoos are non-compliant with the obligations of the Directive.
• Whilst associated zoos generally perform better, this is not guaranteed.
EUROPEAN ZOOS – A BRAND OF EXCELLENCE?
Breeding hybrids
Use of negative
reinforcement
Pinioning
Sub-standard
conditions
Performing
unnatural behaviour
Is there a future for ZOOS in the EU?
• All non-compliant zoos are humanely closed.
• Number of zoos in each MS are consolidated into only those
capable of meeting the Directive’s requirements.
• All EU zoos belong to a national and/or European zoo association
that continues to encourage high standards in animal care and
legal compliance.
• All zoos implement an evolving public education programme that
does not negatively impact on the welfare of the animals.
• Zoos are actively involved in conservation initiatives (ex situ + in
situ) for at least 50% of all species within their collection.
• Zoos do not keep those species where captivity is known to
severely compromise their welfare and survival.
Born Free’s opinion that species’
conservation cannot be achieved through
keeping animals in zoos remains unchanged