Zoos, Aquariums Change Long-Standing Practices over Animal Welfare Concerns
Increasing concern for animal welfare has led to changes in once-popular exhibits and programs at some zoos and aquariums.
Recent changes in long-established practices at zoos and aquariums are driven by growing concerns for animal welfare. The Yokohama Zoological Gardens’ Zoorasia, once offering a petting zoo with guinea pigs and mice, discontinued the practice in March due to the extreme heat and lack of budget for better cooling systems. To maintain the experience, the animals were relocated to another nearby zoo, Zoorasia ensuring the animals' safety while preserving the educational aspect.
Marine World Uminonakamichi, an aquarium in Fukuoka, closed its “touch pool” exhibit in October after visitors’ rough handling led to declining health in marine life. The decline in animal health, as well as a global shift in valuing animal welfare, prompted the closure, with a veterinarian stating it was not good to wear down the creatures.
The concept of animal welfare, rooted in the five freedoms, gained momentum after a 1964 book exposed poor living conditions of farm animals and was further promoted by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2015.
Some zoos are actively promoting their animal welfare initiatives. Chiba Zoological Park, for instance, shares its efforts to create natural habitats for animals on its website and provides information panels about animals in the exhibit areas. The Omuta City Zoo, which previously kept an elephant, now has a sign indicating that elephants are no longer present, encouraging visitors to reflect on the zoo's commitment to animal welfare.
Written by urgent.news from The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
