The tigers will be in an enclosure a fraction of the size of what they would have available in their normal habitat. They will be denied the expression of their natural behaviours. Wild cats kept in captivity become bored, frustrated and depressed and are prone to a psychological illness known as zoochosis, which consists of self destructive or repetitive abnormal behaviours such as pacing and swaying.

Based on 40 years of studying animals in captivity and in the wild, an Oxford University study found that animals such as tigers, cheetahs, lions and polar bears “show the most evidence of stress and/or psychological dysfunction in captivity” and concluded that “the keeping of naturally wide-ranging carnivores should be either fundamentally improved or phased out.”

The claim has been made that because the animals were born in captivity they are no longer wild and therefore it’s not cruel to confine them. This is nonsense as the animals still retain strong instincts to behave according to their nature. It would take hundreds if not thousands of years to breed out such instincts.

Tiger enclosure at Zoo Doo under construction

AACT Protest at Zoo Doo

Most zoos, Zoo Doo in particular, do very little in educational terms. For example, what educational value is there in dying chicks bright colours? The chief thing zoos teach people is that it is acceptable to keep animals in captivity for our entertainment.

Unfortunately many people still hold the belief that human interests, no matter how petty and unnecessary, take precedence over the lives and welfare of every other species on the planet. It is the Might is Right mentality which when applied to other humans is (quite rightly) deemed by most, as an unacceptable attitude. So why is it still acceptable to apply it to other species? Zoos help to maintain this arrogant notion that humans have a right to view wild animals in convenient locations (such as Tasmania) even if it means condemning the animal to a life in captivity far from their natural habitat.

AACT have been trying to find out what management plan is in place for the tigers destined for Zoo Doo and are also interested to know if there is going to be a veterinarian available to attend to problems specific to tigers.

AACT Now

Write to:

David Llewellyn, Minister for Primary Industries and Water, david.llewellyn@parliament.tas.gov.au Parliament House, HOBART TAS 7000

Greg Hocking, Wildlife Management Department, Dept. Primary Industries and Water, 1 Franklin Wharf, Hobart, 7000

Mr Trevor Cuttriss, Manager of Zoo Doo Wildlife Park, 620 Middle Tea Tree Road, Richmond, 7025 politely explaining your concerns about having tigers as zoo exhibits.

* Do not patronize Zoo Doo (or any other zoo which confines animals) Instead send the cost of the ticket to a reputable organization which aims for protection of the species through protection of habitat or rehabilitates and releases animals into the wild or into a sanctuary.