Wild Welfare believes that zoos and aquariums should provide high standards of animal welfare in every aspect of their management. Such standards should encompass any form of Animal-Visitor Interaction (AVI), always giving due consideration to, and prioritisation of the animal’s welfare.
Download the full Animal-Visitor Interactions position statement below.
You can also access the joint study carried out between animal welfare organisation World Animal Protection, the School of Science and Environment at Manchester Metropolitan University and Wild Welfare, titled: A Global Review of Animal–Visitor Interactions in Modern Zoos and Aquariums and Their Implications for Wild Animal Welfare HERE.
Wild Welfare considers all elephants under human care should have the opportunity to live rewarding and rich lives that enable them to carry out a robust representation of natural behaviours, reflective of a species-appropriate activity budget and repertoire. We consider that situations in which elephants are ridden, for any purpose, severely compromise elephant welfare by limiting natural behaviours and socialisation, cause physical and psychological harm by requiring harsh, aversive training methodologies and equipment that causes physical wounding. Therefore, the riding of elephants should be stopped.
Download the full Elephant Riding position statement below.
Wild Welfare believes that unnatural colouration of individuals in captivity should not be intentionally bred due to potential welfare issues and the miseducation surrounding the use of white animals in captivity. White animals commonly seen in captivity include white tigers and white lions. Whilst captive facilities should ensure that current individuals carrying these recessive genes receive the best care possible, these should be the last atypical colour morphs to be seen ex situ.
Download the full White Lions and Tigers position statement below.
The use of animals in performance circuses can have a significant detrimental effect on captive wild animals, and Wild Welfare considers that the use of animals in circuses is not relevant, appropriate or educational in the modern era.
Download the full Wild Animals in Circuses position statement below.