Date: February 1st, 2017


To: Zoos and Aquariums around the World

From: Terrence Suitt
Subject: Improvement of Local and State Zoos through funding of AZA
Reference: More than 100 animals die at zoo in just 2 years in Irish Capital.
Action Required: Change in procedures to update animal habitats and educated employees on
proper treatments.
Distribution List: Local and State Zoos around Countries.

Lions, once called the King of the Jungle, are now being placed in the endangered species
category. There are many zoos around the world that have the mighty lion a main attraction to
that zoo. Life spans of Lions tend to increase from 12-15 years to 20 years in captivity, but
sometimes zookeepers tend to not treat them right and eventually destroys their habitat. The
overall effects of zoos on animals, whether it is good or bad has a huge impact and because of
this it is the smarter choice for zoos and aquariums around the world to start funding through
AZA.

During 2014 through 2016, 109 animals have died in a zoo located in the Irish capital (Dublin
Zoo) which included endangered species that were either extinct or nearly becoming extinct in
the wild. South Lakes Safari Zoo also had a similar incident where almost 500 animals died in
two years and eventually lost their license after inspections revealed that these animals where
living in “shocking” conditions. Today, I am coming to discuss a change in procedure to make
animals feel more at home and improve the local and state zoo’s by regulating more inspections
and treating animals with better care.

Summary

Around 2015 a Danish zoo publicly dissected a 9-year-old male lion for “fun” and
“entertainment.” That lion was one of three that the zoo in central Denmark put down in
February because its zoo grounds had too many big cats and couldn’t find a home for its surplus.
That is not ok. 300 kids and adults gathered around as a zookeeper began to cut off the lion’s
tongue. Everyone was in awe about what they were seeing, and some children were crying and
had to leave, but public dissections are common in the place of Denmark. AZA doesn’t oversee
these out of country zoos and aquariums but if they do it is very few. AZA SHOULD oversee
ALL zoos and aquariums to make sure animals that are extinct and endangered aren’t being
killed for unnecessary reasons.

Many people disagree with keeping animals in cage type zoos because they believe that any
captivity is wrong and will protest against it. Being captive can drive a person crazy, just imagine
what it can do to an animal. Some zoos have a purpose on gathering animals, especially to keep
them out of harm from hunters while others just do it for the money. Either way, most of these
zoos are treating animals very poorly. Zoos most of the time breed these animals because babies
will sell tickets bringing in money and more tourists. TV news broadcasters always promote
these activities, but it is very rare that you will hear about how these animals are actually being
treated. If you do, more than likely it is an animal killing a zookeeper rather than the other way
around.

Who is the AZA you Say?

The AZA is a 501©3 non-profit organization that was founded in 1942 and is dedicated to the
advancement and improvements of zoos and aquariums in the area. They are leaders in zoos and
aquariums, conservation, animal care and welfare, and also professional excellence. They
represent more than 200 institutions which meets the highest level of animal care, family and fun
experiences, and dedicate millions to scientific research and education programs. They provide
the services, tools and also resources needed.

AZA has many programs. SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) seeks and protects
threatened and endangered species around the world. They focus their collective expenses
within the zoos and aquariums to give leverage to their massive audiences. Through
conservation action, public engagement, and wildlife care expertise they believe SAFE can help
build capacity.

The Problem?

Animal deaths from illnesses and injuries have raised questions about the animal’s care. Like
stated in the summary, most extinct and endangered animals are being killed for no reason. Out
of country zoos and aquariums are purposefully killing these surplus animals and making them
an “education” event. According the BBC, between 3,000 and 5,000 HEALTHY surplus zoo
animals are killed in Europe every year. AZA states that killing these animals “do not happen at
AZA accredited zoos and aquariums.” 94% of Animals die of poor environment leaving only
6% to die because of natural deaths.

How can AZA Help?

AZA play a vital role in educating more than 175 million visitors and close to 12 million
students in classrooms which I believe can play huge in learning the correct way on how to treat
animals in their prospective habitats. Some scientists state that some programs are works in
progress, but the AZA zoos have been instrumental especially with their recent project of
establishing a stable population of bongos through captive breeding. I do believe if AZA
expanded to help most of these zoos and aquariums around the world that better funding for care
will be in place for these animals to feel more at home.
Conclusion

Zoos are the problem and can be the solution. Not only lions but all animals would not have to be
killed or treated unfairly because of AZA accredited zoos and aquariums. Yes, some zoos and
aquariums do invest in conservation programs, but the exchanges are small when compared to
the profits placed in animal exhibits and displays. Change of procedure and/or more money
invested should be in place to help our furry friends. Better employees and regular bi-monthly
inspections should be in place to help regulate this. AZA is here to help, along with some other
programs that can be stepping stones in providing a friendlier environment for both animals,
employees, company’s and people visiting some zoos. and with a little money in place and a
little education, I do believe zoos can change around how they manage and treat animals!

Recommendations

Here are a couple of ideas that will help everyone become happy and Zoos get the
education and safety tips they deserve to help regulate a outstanding inspection.
 Building Safer Zoo Exhibits
In the past couple of years animal zoos have been kept in tightly confined spaces. I believe
expanding this will help animals feel more at home and not cluttered together in one spot.
 Better technology
As zoo exhibits start to evolve, better technology should be in place in order to oversee
managing facilities. Research shows that zoos should be designed for a 10-year lifespan.
 Expansion of AZA programs
Expanding AZA programs will mean more funding these out of country zoos and aquariums.
AZA doesn’t believe in killing animals so if an animal has a dramatic surplus in that zoo they
would more than likely transfer or expand property.

References/ Sources:
 https://www.petakids.com/save-animals/zoos/
 https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/more-100-animals-die-zoo-10011735
https://www.quora.com/Why-are-there-so-many-people-against-zoos
 https://www.peta.org/living/entertainment/roadside-zoos-facts/
 https://www.opendemocracy.net/transformation/margi-prideaux/zoos-are-problem-not-
solution-to-animal-conservation
 https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-do-zoos-help-endangered-animals/
 http://www.felineworlds.com/lions-in-captivity/