Zoo Animals are Being Neglected Despite This Organization’s ‘Protection’ – Demand Change NOW!

It is a sad reality that zoo animals are all too often abused, neglected, and exploited for profit. Their quality of life is often miserable, and too many zoo animals die prematurely in captivity due to neglect and improper care.

According to a petition on Care2, there are over 10,000 zoos and aquariums in the world, and only 353 of them are members of WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquariums), an organization that is supposed to protect animals in captivity and ensure their quality of life is up to humane standards. WAZA told the petition’s author that the remaining zoos are “sub-standard, often to the point of criminally poor care, and can be found throughout the world. WAZA addresses the husbandry and health concerns in these facilities as often as it can, but the scale is beyond the capacity of any single organization.”

WAZA’s purpose is to protect zoo animals, so how is it an excuse that addressing the “husbandry and health concerns” is “beyond the capacity” of their organization? WAZA is paid by its 353 members, and according to the petition, some of those paying members have been found inhumanely treating animals, such as using bullhooks on elephants. It appears WAZA is not living up to what they claim to represent, and change needs to happen now.

Please take a moment to stand up for the world’s zoo animals and sign this petition addressed to the President of WAZA, Susan Hunt, demanding the organization make several immediate changes. For starters, they new to amend their policies that currently allow zoos to conduct animal performances or rides, as well as the use of cruel training methods, such as the use of bullhooks at the Hanover Zoo. Demand these animals be placed in satisfactory zoos or sanctuaries, that WAZA partner with animal rights groups to help tackle these issues, and that zoos found in violation of humane practices are shut down, regardless of their paying member status with WAZA.

Animals are never ours to use for profit or entertainment, and it is our duty as animal advocates to speak up for the voiceless who are being abused and exploited. As the petition reveals, even zoos that have membership status with WAZA can be guilty of animal cruelty, so it is best to never Support zoos. Please share this with friends and ask them to join you in boycotting zoos, as well as sign this petition!

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