2019 brought appalling examples of cruelty, selfishness, stupidity, injury and deaths, as well as dangerous public interaction with captive wild animals who often pay the price for the selfies shared on social media.
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The Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) presents its inaugural list of 10 Terrible Captive Wildlife Incidents with 10 shocking entries that illustrate why wild animals should not be kept in captivity. PAWS has been advocating on behalf of captive wildlife since 1984, while at the same time providing sanctuary for rescued or retired elephants, bears, big cats, primates, and other wild animals at its three sanctuaries in California. While any captive environment is problematic for wild animals, this list highlights some of the most egregious incidents.
Captive wild animals can be found in a variety of situations, from zoos to tourism and from entertainment to exotic pets. Sadly, 2019 brought appalling examples of cruelty, selfishness, stupidity, injury and deaths, as well as dangerous public interaction with captive wild animals who often pay the price for the selfies shared on social media.
A change in societal attitudes toward the exploitation of captive wild animals, and recent advances – such as prohibitions on the use of exotic animals in circuses and Canada’s ban on keeping whales and dolphins in captivity – are promising. However, this list shows there is much more work to be done.
PAWS’ list is drawn from the numerous international media reports on incidents involving captive wild animals. The list covers nine different countries and a range of species. PAWS’ intent is to raise awareness of the problems created for wild animals in captivity in order to end the exploitation that continues to harm both animals and people. The list is presented in no particular order and includes 10 entries and two dishonorable mentions as follows.
Lucy the Bearcat - photo by The Enquire/Liz Dufour
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