Wild animals in zoos

Accommodating animals according to their needs

3.8.2022

Wild animals have complex ecological, social, and behavioural needs, which must be considered when keeping them under human care – but not all zoos are able or willing to meet them. Many substandard zoos worldwide are at fault for major welfare shortcomings. These include deficits like insufficient space, lack of species-specific enclosures, and incorrect social management.

The limitations combined may trigger the development of health conditions and behavioural problems, like stereotypies and aberrant social behaviour. For example, if animals perform the same movements over a longer period, this indicates stereotypic behaviour. The absence of such disorders unfortunately does not necessarily mean that animals are in good mental and/or physical condition, as wild animals are generally good at hiding their suffering.

Species-appropriate accommodation

From an animal welfare point of view, species-appropriate keeping of wild animals in zoos is fundamentally difficult to ensure. They should be kept in such ways that pain, suffering and behavioural problems are avoided at any time to the maximum possible extent. At the same time, the occurrence and promotion of positive experiences, which can be expressed through playing, comfort and exploring behaviours, are essential to guarantee that the welfare of the animals is a priority.

FOUR PAWS strongly opposes encounters and interactions with wild animals, dolphinariums or the use of wild animals as any form of entertainment. Zoos should overcome the outdated approach of collections of species and end the keeping of those animals whose requirements cannot be met. This includes territory size, feeding behaviour, social structure and climatic needs. In addition, zoos must renounce the acquisition of animals from the wild or any commercial trader or breeding facility. Surplus animals, regardless of age, should not be killed nor sold for commercial purposes or to wildlife traders. By providing shelter for injured, neglected and/or orphaned wildlife, and rescuing animals from illegal trade and/or inappropriate keeping, zoos can actively contribute towards more animal welfare worldwide.

Problems in European zoos

All Member States in the European Union must implement the Zoos Directive, which aims to ensure that zoos contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and aim for public education. Requirements for zoos include meeting the biological needs of animals and contributing to conservation, education and research.

In the European Union, the Zoos Directive was adopted in 1999. Although all EU Member States have transposed the Zoos Directive, it has still not been (fully) enforced by all Member States, even years after coming into force. This is due to local authorities implementing the national zoo legislation in their countries at their own discretion. Frequently, the know-how is lacking and professional development opportunities are not offered to zoo staff. This has already led to many zoos in certain countries losing their licenses to keep wild animals such as bears, lions and tigers. Some zoos have been closed for years while the animals are still there, suffering. Other zoos remain open, operating without a license, or have even been granted a license despite not fulfilling the requirements.

An example of how a zoo should not look like

Do research before you visit a zoo: Avoid zoos with poor keeping conditions, wild animal interactions or uncontrolled breeding
Consider how animals experience the zoo: For you it is a day visit, for them it is a lifetime
Inform yourself: Check the education and conservation value that the zoo provides
Do not support animal abuse: Never take part in wild animal photo or petting opportunities
Report: Complain about inadequate keeping conditions directly to the zoo management and the responsible (local) authorities
Continue to support the animals: Be informed about projects to protect wild animal species in their home countries and support them