Many of us will have only seen elephants in zoos, or so-called safari parks, and likely felt confused by the joy being brought by seeing them up close, and the reality of the lack of space and enrichment they have in captivity…
Category: Zoos
Forgotten Ukraine lions finally out of lockdown
After years of cruel abuse and months of delays following their rescue in Ukraine, three lions have been given a new chance at life through being relocated to a sanctuary in South Africa.
5 ways captivity is bad for giraffe wellbeing
Born Free is calling for European zoos to phase-out the keeping of giraffe in captivity and instead focus their conservation resources on the protection of giraffe populations in the wild.
Facebook group rallies to free forgotten lions in Ukraine
Once in a while you hear a story that demonstrates the positive power of social media – and in this case, a network of strangers passionate about lions came together online to help give four lions the chance of a new life.
Creature Discomforts: Life in Lockdown
International wildlife charity Born Free is calling on the Government to implement a long-overdue review and reform of the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 to significantly raise the standards in the more than 300 licensed zoos in Britain. Find out more…
Lockdown no more. My birthday wish at 30
Tomorrow, 11th June, is my 30th birthday. Rather than thinking about parties and presents, I would like to take the opportunity to highlight some recent, poignant rescue stories from Born Free and some of the amazing people who are raising money for the charity during this time.
Coronavirus outbreak and animals in zoos
As Britain enters a period where opportunities for people to leave the house are restricted, and as some zoos plead poverty and threaten to kill their animals, we need to consider carefully what this crisis means for animals in captivity – now and into the future. Dr Chris Draper, Head of Animal Welfare & Captivity at Born Free shares his views…
Animal emotions film raises awareness of zoo animals’ welfare issues
The key to holding zoos and safari parks accountable in their standards of care — today and for years to come — is to encourage the general public, especially youngsters, to see the benefit of ensuring all animals held in captivity receive good care and welfare.
Big Cats in captivity — Shamwari Diaries: Interval
One topic that I’ve never shied away from on this blog is that of wild animals in captivity. This week, I attempt to untangle the challenges and moral obligation of each of the places that have come to house lions; game reserves, zoos, sanctuaries, lion farms and ‘the wild’,
Jumbo the elephant: the story of London Zoo’s most famous resident
“For nearly 15 years after he arrived at the London zoo Jumbo gave very little trouble, made the turnstiles click profitably, and was a source