Link to main page.PUTTING THE CON INTO CONSERVATION
An opinion poll undertaken on behalf of the WSPA (The World Society
for the Protection of Animals) reveals that Zoo propaganda in Britain
has been successful in persuading the public that the industry plays a
major role in conservation.
While 80% of those questioned said they were concerned about the
welfare of animals kept in zoos, 76% felt that a large number of animals
are protected from extinction by being kept in zoos.
51% said that they would not visit a zoo if they knew that they had little
impact on the conservation of animals.
It is clear that, for the zoo industry, this new marketing strategy is
creating the desired result.
Most conservation experts agree that few of the worlds rare or endangered species can be saved from extinction by breeding them in captivity. In 1990 the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) drew up an action plan for the survival of 1370 species. It considered that the reintroduction of captive bred animals could assist in the conservation of only 19 species (1.4%).
Furthermore where the captive breeding of wildlife was considered helpful this is best undertaken at purpose built breeding centres located near or adjacent to the species natural habitat. Such centres are a very different concept from traditional zoos.
Link to main page.