Ethics in zoos
30/09/2022 15:04
Ethical considerations - what to include in an exam
• Must consider both wild and captive
• Legislation AWA2006, CITES etc
• Zoo licensing act 1981 - conservation measures and
strategies
• In situ vs ex situ
• Ethical sourcing
• Role of a modern zoo
• Ethics committee
• BIAZA?
• Collection plan, breeding programs
• Off show exhibit, noise pollution
• Signage
• Visual barriers
Ethics review committee
• Why is it important:
○ Zoos should form some thick review process
particularly in situation where the use of animals
may be in conflict with the best welfare interests
of the animal involved. (DEFRA)
○ Animal welfare act 2006
○ Animal Ethics Committee (AEC ) considers and
approves all aspects of research and animal
husbandry involving animals.
○ Any proposed research project involving animals
must have prior written approval from the animal
ethics committee
Anomalous reactivity - where an animal has given up, refuses
food, interact with environment etc
What are reasons against zoos?
• Animals are deprived of its natural habitat
• Animals may not have enough room
• The animal is deprived of its natural social structure and
companionship
• The animal is forced into close proximity with other
species and human beings which may be unnatural for
it.
30/09/2022 15:04
Ethical considerations - what to include in an exam
• Must consider both wild and captive
• Legislation AWA2006, CITES etc
• Zoo licensing act 1981 - conservation measures and
strategies
• In situ vs ex situ
• Ethical sourcing
• Role of a modern zoo
• Ethics committee
• BIAZA?
• Collection plan, breeding programs
• Off show exhibit, noise pollution
• Signage
• Visual barriers
Ethics review committee
• Why is it important:
○ Zoos should form some thick review process
particularly in situation where the use of animals
may be in conflict with the best welfare interests
of the animal involved. (DEFRA)
○ Animal welfare act 2006
○ Animal Ethics Committee (AEC ) considers and
approves all aspects of research and animal
husbandry involving animals.
○ Any proposed research project involving animals
must have prior written approval from the animal
ethics committee
Anomalous reactivity - where an animal has given up, refuses
food, interact with environment etc
What are reasons against zoos?
• Animals are deprived of its natural habitat
• Animals may not have enough room
• The animal is deprived of its natural social structure and
companionship
• The animal is forced into close proximity with other
species and human beings which may be unnatural for
it.
