Bear Welfare Takes Centre Stage at UK Zoo Workshop
Wild Welfare was thrilled to present at the recent BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Bear Husbandry Workshop, held at Bristol Zoo Project in early July 2024. The knowledge exchange event saw over 35 dedicated bear experts come together from across the UK and beyond, with attendees including animal keepers, zoo managers, researchers and sanctuary representatives. This unique opportunity to assemble professionals from across the niche sector, provided a stage for deep conversations about the intricacies of captive bear management.
Wild Welfare’s Animal Welfare Field Manager, Sarah Bonser-Blake presenting at the workshop.
The workshop was host to various interactive and practical sessions focused around bear husbandry, the assessment of animal welfare, exploring advancements in technology to help advance husbandry practices, and the utilisation of behavioural research to inform bear husbandry decision making. “It was a privilege to explore animal welfare topics with such passionate individuals, all united by the common goal of improving the lives of bears under human care” explained Wild Welfare’s Animal Welfare Field Manager, Sarah Bonser-Blake.
On the second day of the event, Sarah took to the stage to talk about Wild Welfare’s impact on bears through their global projects. Her inspiring presentation, “Bear Care and Welfare – Our Global Impact”, showcased the transformative work Wild Welfare has been involved with across Japan, Vietnam and Thailand. Each regional project demonstrated a step towards long term sustainable solutions for improving the lives of captive sun bears and moon bears. “It was a fantastic platform to introduce our organisation, our work and resources to an engaged audience of exceptional professionals” said Sarah.
Practical activities included bear enclosure monitoring exercises using software to conduct basic ethograms and behavioural observations.
Wild Welfare have previously trained animal care teams who work directly with rescued sun and moon bears in sanctuaries across Southeast Asia. The Wild Welfare field team have also audited facilities and trained in-country auditors across Southeast Asia where several bear species are held. These projects aimed to ensure the continuation of quality facility audits into the future, with the goal that zoos and sanctuaries adhere to higher welfare standards, moving towards a better quality of life for their captive animals.
Wild Welfare trustee’s Matt Hunt and Dr Heather Bacon OBE were also in attendance at the event, each expressing their delight at being in the presence of many other individuals seeking solutions for bears under human care. Many interesting and logistical discussions were had, with welfare very much a focal point of many conversations. “Everyone seemed very engaged with and supportive of our work and the way in which we achieve positive change for bears.”
The 2024 BIAZA Bear Husbandry Workshop attendees.
No Wild Welfare attended event would be complete without the presence of Amu, Wild Welfare’s beloved bear mascot. Amu has been the charity’s ambassador for many years and always travels alongside the field team around the globe, visiting a host of different partners and collaborator facilities. He has visited many Wild Welfare facility audits, enrichment workshops, conferences and training events. Wherever he travels, Amu is sure to bring a smile to the face of every event attendee.
The 2024 BIAZA Bear Workshop proved to overall be a great success, highlighting Wild Welfare’s role as a global force for bear welfare. The workshop fostered invaluable collaborations among like minded experts, inspiring the Wild Welfare field team to continue working towards improving the lives of bears and other animals worldwide.
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Notes to Editors
For more information or interview requests please contact Wild Welfare on communications@wildwelfare.org
Wild Welfare is a global organisation committed to improving animal welfare for captive wild animals. By uniting the world’s leading zoos, zoo associations and animal welfare organisations, we build trusting partnerships that help provide long-term solutions to critical wild animal welfare issues.
Our vision is to end the suffering of captive wild animals around the world and ensure full and sustainable protection is given to all animals in human care. Find out more at wildwelfare.org. Registered charity in England (no.1165941).
