The Vancouver Humane Society calls for significant reform at the Greater Vancouver Zoo in a new report.
Commissioned by the VHS from Zoocheck, the report found that many of the GVZ's animals were living in unsuitable conditions, which include under-sized cages that restrict them from their natural behaviour. While the report notes that the GVZ has made positive changes since the 1997 report was published, it states that, "some longstanding issues remain problematic and should be addressed."
Report authors highlighted that the zoo's enclosures/ habitats produce a, "Display of abnormal behaviours due to lack of stimulation and/or opportunities to perform natural behaviours." They add that the cages/enclosures were not always 'species-appropriate,' and that social animals are not always housed according to their species-specific needs. For instance, many of the birds only have space to 'flap their wings,' and the report underscores that, 'birds need to fly to remain healthy.'
The report also calls for the GVZ to remove animals that aren't suited to B.C.'s climate, as well as any animals that it can't accommodate in a way that better meets their overall needs.
Although the report calls for a number of changes, it also remarks that the GVZ has repaired and replaced a number of its enclosures that were highlighted in previous reports. For example, the report highlights the cougar enclosure, which was previously home to the Eurasian lynx, as being reasonably large, complex and superior to some of the other exhibits. Similarly, the report mentions that the new American badger and black bear enclosures appear better, "designed for particular species and to mitigate potential issues such as excess ground water."
The VHS states that the GVZ should incorporate animal welfare as one of its foundational tenets, and develop a behavioural enrichment program for all its animals.
Vancouver Is Awesome has reached out to the GVZ for comment.
