Birds in Zoos in England: an Assessment of Welfare, Conservation and Education in 2013
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Birds in Zoos in England: An Assessment of Welfare, Conservation and Education in 2013 Report by Craig Redmond Commissioned by the Captive Animals’ Protection Society This report has been researched and written by Craig Redmond on behalf of the Captive Animals’ Protection Society. Craig Redmond is an independent animal rights consultant who was previously CAPS’ Campaigns Director, having worked at the charity for over a decade. He has extensive knowledge of the zoo industry and has co- ordinated previous investigations and research projects into UK zoos. In addition, he has several years’ active involvement in programmes to protect migratory birds from illegal hunting across the Mediterranean. The Captive Animals’ Protection Society (CAPS) is a UK-based charity leading the campaign to end the use of animals in entertainment. Through a combination of undercover investigations, research, campaigns, political lobbying and education, CAPS aims to stop the exploitation of animals in entertainment, particularly in zoos, circuses and the exotic pet trade. The charity’s evidence-based campaigns and strong ethical basis ensure we can make a significant difference to the lives of animals in ending their exploitation. Working for a world without cages, CAPS encourages a more compassionate attitude and relationship between humans and other animals. The Captive Animals’ Protection Society is a registered charity and receives no government funding. Registered number: 1124436 We wish we could fly, We wish we could hear the tiniest of sounds And swoop gracefully and swiftly To the most definite of conclusions. The wind and wing’s secret is this; We do fly, We do hear the tiniest of sounds. We do arc and swoop, with ultimate grace To the most definite of conclusions. Jont, Mexico City, August 2005 (Quoted in Nozedar, 2006) Cover photo: Tethered Rüppell’s griffon vulture ( Gyps rueppellii ) All photos: Craig Redmond 2 Contents EXEEXECUTIVECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................... ............. 666 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................................................... ........................................... 888 1.11.11.1 Legal definition of zoo ................................................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................ ........................................... 888 1.21.21.2 Methodology ................................................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................ .............................................................................................. ................. 888 1.2.1 Sampling of zoos .................................................................................................................................................. 8 1.2.2 Number of zoos to assess ................................................................................................................................ 9 1.2.3 Random sampling................................................................................................................................................ 9 1.2.4 Data compilation: .............................................................................................................................................. 10 1.2.5 Zoo visits ................................................................................................................................................................ 10 1.31.31.3 Selected Zoos ................................................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................ ........................................................................................... .............. 111111 1.3.1 Dispensation status ........................................................................................................................................... 12 1.3.2 Discussion on dispensation status for bird zoos ................................................................................. 16 1.3.3 Official zoo membership ................................................................................................................................ 17 1.41.41.4 Analysis of all ‘bird zoos’ in England ................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................. ... 202020 1.51.51.5 Analysis of zoo stocklists ................................................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................ ........................... 252525 1.5.1 Species of birds in selected zoos ............................................................................................................... 28 1.61.61.6 Chapter discussion: IntrodIntroductionuction ................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................... ....... 303030 CHAPTER 2 ENCLOSURES ................................................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................ ......... 313131 2.12.12.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................ .............................................................................................. ................. 313131 2.22.22.2 Legal requirements ................................................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................ ................................................................................ ......... 323232 2.32.32.3 Welfare analysis of enclosures in sampled zooszoos................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................... ............ 333333 2.42.42.4 Enclosure size ................................................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................ ......................................................................................... ............ 444444 2.52.52.5 Chapter discussion: EnclosuresEnclosures................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................ ........................................................................................ ........... 464646 CHAPTER 3 OTHER WELFARE ISSUES ........................................................................................................................................................................... ........... 474747 3.13.13.1 Injuries ................................................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ ................................... 474747 3.23.23.2 Abnormal behaviour ................................................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................ ............................................. 484848 3.33.33.3 Assessment of abnormal behaviours at 20 zoos ..........................................................................................................................................................................