NSPCA condemns new zoo

The National Council of SPCAs has condemned the opening of a zoo in the Mpumalanga Province.

The NSPCA believes that commercial captive wildlife facilities are unnecessary.

Douglas Wolhuter, manager of the NSPCA’s Wildlife Protection Unit, said since this zoo is situated less than an hour away from the Kruger National Park, its existence is illogical.

“It is impossible to provide the five freedoms to wild animals in captivity and these results in behavioral, emotional and physical issues.”

He added that there are welfare concerns entrenched in the trade of wild animals, as zoos around the country use the excuse that it is a necessary and valuable form of education.

“In reality, however, there is little to no educational value seeing wild animals caged in unnatural environments.

“It would be far more beneficial for children to observe the animals in their natural habitat or to watch documentaries of animals in the wild”.

The organisation highlighted that the location of the zoo, in particular, is less than an hour away from the Kruger National Park, a park which boasts the big five and thousands of free-ranging wild animals living their lives naturally.

“It is nonsensical for tourists or locals to visit this zoo when the park is on their doorstep.

“We encourage the public to rather visit national parks as opposed to captive wildlife facilities.

“The value of a natural park is infinite in comparison to captive facilities, for both the viewer and the animals,” he said.

The organisation added that they will continue to undertake welfare inspections at this zoo and initiate the necessary action if and when it is required.

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