Key milestones during our first 10 years.
Since the late 1970s, growing public concern and media scrutiny highlighted the inadequacy of zoo welfare standards. The rise of the first animal welfare organisations echoed this recognition, particularly outside Western nations where existing guidelines were often weak. While early efforts in the 1980s and 1990s saw some countries publish welfare standards, the mainstream zoo community largely prioritised field conservation over animal welfare. However, the 1990s marked a turning point, fostering more serious discussions within the zoo community and leading to the formation of the World Association of Zoos’ Animal Ethics and Welfare Committee.
This evolving awareness was dramatically underscored in 2001 by the global attention drawn to the war-torn conditions at Kabul Zoo and Baghdad Zoo, prompting international aid. By 2003, the World Zoo and Aquarium Association (WAZA) introduced a generic Code of Ethics and Welfare, further integrating animal welfare into its 2005 Conservation Strategy, which included initial assessments of facilities like Japanese ‘Bear Parks’. These early initiatives laid the groundwork for a dedicated focus on improving global zoo animal welfare, eventually leading to the inception of Wild Welfare.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF WILD WELFARE
We also made our very first official zoo visits to facilities in Egypt where welfare assessments were conducted.
Our first visit to Brazil to develop an action plan and strategy for the Brazilian Association of Zoos and Aquaria (AZAB). This saw the initial development of what would later become our ‘Core Standard of Welfare Practice for Captive Wild Animals’.
First Memorandum of Understanding signed with the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This formal agreement marked a significant step in fostering a shared commitment to improving animal welfare for zoo and aquarium animals across the globe.
Our initial investigation into Japan’s bear parks found over 400 bears in poor conditions across eight different locations.
Activities in Vietnam, Indonesia, Brazil and Japan included practical enrichment building and enclosure improvements, veterinary training, and animal welfare discussions, with a focus on the needs of bears and elephants.
We official partnered with the South East Asian Zoological Association (SEAZA) to develop an animal welfare assessment process for its members. Concentrated enrichment, environment and training progress within a Vietnamese facility.
We facilitated their move to a purpose-built habitat in the UK. Welfare assessments are also carried out across Thai facilities included environmental improvements for a group of macaws. Animal welfare seminars held in Japan, with further welfare assessments conducted across Vietnam, Indonesia and Brazil.
Aimed to pair experienced staff from leading captive animal facilities with those in need of support to help improve animal welfare and care practices. The initial collaboration was between the North Carolina Zoological Park and the Zoological Parks of Thailand.
Executive Director, Georgina Groves, shortlisted for the CEVA UK Animal Welfare Charity Person of the Year award. While our short educational film “Imagine If” was shortlisted for a Charity Film Award, aimed at raising awareness about animal emotions and the importance of good welfare in zoos.
E-learning provides users with a foundational understanding of wild animal welfare. The resource is free to use by anyone around the globe.
These intensive, five-day courses blended theory with hands-on practice, up-skilling local animal care staff with practical skills to improve welfare.
Our first trip to South Korea aided the development of new zoo licensing legislation, inspection procedures, and animal welfare standards. This pivotal trip laid the groundwork for a more robust regulatory framework for captive wildlife facilities in the country.
We played a crucial role in the successful rescue and rehoming of Siti the macaque from the illegal wildlife trade in Malaysia. Working closely with the wildlife rescue centre in her native Indonesia, we aided her rehabilitation process and assisted with staff training.
Extending our guided training into the Middle East to assist with and improve the welfare of captive wild animals in the region.
The Association of Animal Artist kindly supported our cause with a huge online art auction consisting of almost 100 pieces of donated animal themed artworks.
An incredible team of 10 runners covered a combined total of 131 miles (211km) in The Big Half, London, fundraising over £3,000!