Great apes in zoos are facing a multitude of health and well-being challenges, as highlighted by a recent report. Chronic stress, obesity, heart disease, and mental health issues are prevalent among these animals. European zoos currently house over 1,500 gorillas, bonobos, chimpanzees, and orangutans, with the UK alone hosting over 300 individuals.
Born Free, an animal welfare organization, emphasizes that captive great apes endure traumatic experiences such as difficult births, high stillbirth rates, maternal rejection, and even infanticide. The report points out that these intelligent and social creatures suffer in zoo environments that fail to meet their complex physical, emotional, and social needs. Consequently, some zoos resort to medicating great apes with antidepressants to manage stress.
Advocating for a more natural habitat for these animals, Born Free urges the public to avoid venues that exploit great apes for commercial gain. Renowned Great Ape Expert Ian Redmond, associated with Born Free, stresses the importance of recognizing changing public opinions and aligning zoo practices with scientific evidence and ape cognition.
The report also reveals that Germany and the UK have the highest numbers of great apes in European zoos, with a significant population across various species. Highlighting a specific case, Dudley Zoo houses several orangutans, including a third-generation captive, Joe, whose family history reflects the challenges faced by generations of captive apes.
Addressing the conservation aspect, the report questions the effectiveness of breeding great apes in captivity for conservation purposes. It argues that zoo-bred apes are not genetically or behaviorally suited for release into the wild, posing risks to wild ape populations. Additionally, the report sheds light on the surplus of male great apes in breeding programs, leading to uncertain futures for these individuals.
The report’s importance is magnified as the UK is set to implement revised standards for zoo practices in 2027. Born Free’s Co-Founder, Will Travers, emphasizes the need to rethink the treatment of great apes in captivity and the value of conservation efforts. Naturalist Chris Packham adds that radical changes in how we interact with zoos are imperative to ensure the well-being of great apes.
In response, Dr. Jo Judge from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums defends the efforts of good zoos in enhancing great ape welfare. She highlights the critical role of zoos in conservation and the significant care provided to these animals. The association emphasizes the importance of balancing animal welfare, conservation efforts, and public education in the zoo environment.
Ultimately, the report underlines the ethical dilemma of confining highly intelligent and social animals like great apes in artificial settings solely for human entertainment. The need for a comprehensive reevaluation of zoo practices and the welfare of captive great apes is paramount to ensure a more ethical and sustainable future for these remarkable creatures.
