Volume 45/3 of International Zoo News highlighted the issue of the disposal of surplus animals in zoos in its editorial and in an article by Ray Cimino which, allegedly, reported the findings of an investigation by an Independent Television Network programme, The Big Story (broadcast 30 October 1997), and also suggested that the debate on this subject was long overdue within the zoo community.

Responsible zoos recognised long ago that current standards of animal management, nutrition and veterinary care make zoos producers rather than consumers of wildlife. Because this is the case, responsible zoos control the level of surplus animals through scientifically coordinated, cooperatively managed breeding programmes which carefully monitor, control and, in many instances, restrict breeding, through approved contraceptive and other recommended methods. Secondly, if animals need to be moved from a collection, it is the duty of those disposing of them to ensure that suitable homes are found, by first seeking strict guarantees of animal welfare and management in the receiving collection. The Federation of Zoos and other accredited zoological organisations around the world issue strict policies and guidelines to try to ensure the responsible disposal of surplus animals, and to suggest otherwise is unfair.

Ray Cimino’s findings are incorrect. He stated that of the 39 Federation members contacted, 30 were willing to deal with the bogus animal-dealing company which he and the television company deliberately set up to attempt to entrap Federation zoos. It is outrageous to imply that there was widespread disregard for the Federation’s policy. Despite the underhand methods used by Mr Cimino and the programme makers to try to ensnare Federation zoos, only two of the 39 approached were enticed to sell their surplus animals. It should be noted that these were legally sold, and that the two Federation members did not breach any species conservation or animal welfare-related law. I can confirm that the zoos in question receive numerous such approaches from animal dealers and agents, almost on a daily basis, and as a matter of course reject such approaches out of hand.

Umbrella organisations such as the Federation of Zoos and its counterparts in other regions work hard to ensure that high standards of animal welfare and management are maintained in their members’ collections, as well as attempting to raise standards generally in zoos by lobbying for appropriate legislation, such as the proposed EU Zoo Directive, and the frequent review of domestic legislation.

The debate about the disposal of surplus animals has been recognised and widely debated within the responsible zoo community for many years. There will always be people willing to deal in animals irresponsibly, but the important issue is to restrict these breaches as far as is possible by supporting initiatives which improve the quality of life for animals.