Singapore Zoo and WAZA Code of Ethics: Incongruous

[Guest guest]

Copy of letter to the secretariat of WAZA:

Dear Mr Dollinger,

 

It has come to our attention that the Executive of Singapore Zoo, Fanny Lai, is chairing a

session entitled Integrated Approach to Wildlife

Conservation and Education in South East Asia?at this

week's WAZA conference.

 

I would like to question WAZA's choice of speaker for

this topic in light of a recent notice on the

Singapore Zoo’s website which congratulates the zoo’s

use of two Sumatran orangutans in a Bollywood film

production.

(http://www.zoo.com.sg/about/NEWS/news13092005a.htm)

It is unclear how the orangutans's presence in a film

about superpowers and aliens adds to either

conservation or education. Furthermore, this

exploitative use of an endangered species only helps

to fuel the growing trade in wildlife such as

orangutans, a battle we are fighting throughout south

east Asia and worldwide.

 

It is irresponsible of a zoo, particularly one of such

popularity in the region, to promote activities such

as this, and also to offer Breakfast with the

Orangutans and photo opportunities with orangutans to

paying guests. How do these activities fit into the

WAZA Code of Ethics and Animal Welfare which states,

" Our profession is based on respect for the dignity of

the animals in our care " and " where 'wild' animals

are used in presentations, these presentations must:-

(a) deliver a sound conservation message, or be of

other educational value,

(b) focus on natural behaviour,

© not demean or trivialise the animal in any way. "

 

We ask that you reconsider your choice of speaker for

this session, as in light of the above revelations, it

is clear that the current choice is entirely

inappropriate.

 

We look forward to your reply.

 

Kind regards,

 

Michelle Desilets

 

 

 

Michelle Desilets

BOS UK

www.savetheorangutan.org.uk

www.savetheorangutan.info

" Primates Helping Primates "

 

Please sign our petition to rescue over 100 smuggled orangutans in Thailand:

http://www.thePetitionSite.com/takeaction/822035733

 

 

 

 

 

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