Zoos should focus on protecting local animals and animal welfare | ZHOU Talks about the Fourth Civilization

 

On 23 July 2024, Dr Zhou Jinfeng, Secretary-General of China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF), gave an in-depth discussion on the current situation and future trends of zoos.


Dr Zhou mentioned that zoos are all set to face a very difficult future. A 186-year-old zoo in the UK closed down permanently. Zoos have diversified their development paths, including cyber zoos and indoor zoos, etc., but there are many problems hidden behind these developments.


A Panda in Beijing Zoo;  Credit: CBCGDF-OceanWetlands


Some zoos, for the sake of economic benefits, use animals as a source of profit under the guise of popular science. This practice not only harms the natural life and dignity of animals, but also leads to the death of animals in captivity, which are then replaced with new ones. Such commercialisation goes against the very purpose of zoos, which should not be prisons for animals, but a place where animals are respected and protected.


Zoos were originally established for scientific research and public education, however, as the number of zoos has increased, the wildlife habitats have been decreasing. Dr Zhou stressed that zoos should operate locally, avoid buying endangered species and stop building new ones. Focusing more on enhancing the living environment of existing animals and protecting local species, they should be more environmentally friendly so that animals can live closer to their natural state rather than being viewed as ornaments or commercial products. Capturing animals to fill up exhibition vacancies in zoos is also an undesirable practice. Animal populations should be managed through reasonable conservation programmes and exchange mechanisms.


In the era of ecological civilisation, we must uphold the harmonious coexistence of human beings and nature, and respect the existence and value of every life. The future challenges of zoos are not only economic, but also ethical and ecological conservation. We need to work together to find a sustainable way of development and Community Conservation Area (CCAfa) to conserve the precious biodiversity of our planet.


Editor: Samantha

Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

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