This is a compact infographic on making zoos better places for big cats. Many zoos in the West and developed countries have almost certainly adopted these techniques and more but we don’t have to look far to find abysmal zoos in developing countries which are frankly examples of animal cruelty where big cats pace to try and alleviate boredom that is so bad that they suffer from serious stress. These are barren enclosures with little or no attempt to enrich the lives of their captive big cats. You also find these kind of zoos in developed countries including the US.
Years ago, I can remember writing about a tiger in a cage on the roadside. The cat was an attractant to a roadside pitstop for commercial travellers and lorry drivers. Horrible. I am referring to the Tiger Truckstop which contained a tiger whose name was Tony. Yes, he passed away on October 16, 2017. I have a page about that Tiger and that disreputable exhibit. But, as I mentioned below, Carole Baskin’s Big Cat Public Safety Act will or has closed this facility down if it still exists.
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PETA have a useful page listing zoo animals suffering at roadside zoos. They are basically asking people to avoid them. Although it should be said that Carole Baskin’s Big Cat Public Safety Act has put a stop in the long term to big cat abuses at private zoos. This legislation which is in force is going to change the private zoo landscape in the USA.
PETA mention Alligator Adventure and Barefoot Landing’s T.I.G.E.R.S Preservation Station in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina which was or is still run by one of those notorious private zoo owners, in this instance Bhagavan “Doc” Antle. This particular zoo was repeatedly cited for failures in providing adequate welfare for their captive animals.
PETA says that one of the worst roadside zoos in America for the past 20 years is Tregembo Animal Park. It is still running but PETA says that “visitors have documented the horrible living conditions for animals”. The animals are kept inside small cages and are apparently needed veterinary attention according to PETA’s report.
Others are listed but you can read about if you wish by clicking on this link.
Do you know of a bad zoo? If so, please comment and pass on the information for others so that they can avoid it and publicise it on social media.
