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TAKE ACTION FOR THE MILLONS OF ANIMALS SUFFERING IN EUROPEAN ZOOS

Since 2007, the EU Zoos Directive, has made it compulsory for all member states to comply with new legislation concerned with animal welfare standards. Zoos unable to meet these requirements are illegal, and are meant to be closed.

However, in the last two years Born Free has carried out the most extensive assessment of European zoos ever undertaken. Two hundred zoos in 20 countries have been thoroughly and painstakingly investigated. Sadly, the results are anything but encouraging, with not one of the 20 countries investigated meeting all their legal obligations.

Even as you read this 5 million animals are languishing in European zoo’s that fall woefully short of even the most basic standards.

Below are just a handful of incidents investigators reported during the investigation:

Romania – Investigators witnessed two brown bears covered in filth, their fur heavily matted, pressing their faces against corroded wire and chew repeatedly on the bars. Only young, their spirits already appear crushed, their eyes full of sorrow.

Cyprus – An African grey parrot was observed standing alone on a concrete floor, caked in faeces. One of her eyes appears wounded and untreated, oozing with brown fluid.

Austria – An Asian elephant, who would normally be part of an extended family group, is housed alone, bobbing and swaying from side to side.

Many captive animals display stereotypical behaviors like swaying from side to side, rocking backwards and forwards, repeatedly bobbing their heads, or biting bars. All behaviors virtually unheard of among their free relatives and signs typically associated with mental illness due to stress and prolonged incarceration.

Help save Europe’s Forgotten Animals

Take action today by signing our letter to the Commissioner for the Environment, urging him to study Born Free’s EU Zoo Inquiry 2011 reports and take action for the animals.

Take action : HERE