Born Free Foundation - Keep Wildlife in the Wild

The Born Free Foundation, the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe, EAZA and the European Commission brought much needed training in animal welfare science to veterinarians last week (19^th and 20^th April).

The two-day training course in Riga (Latvia), attended by veterinarians from across the Baltics and Scandinavia, included theoretical and practical training on how to improve the welfare of wild animals in captivity. The further training of veterinarians was identified as important following the extensive study by the Born Free Foundation, The EU Zoo Inquiry, which identified a significant lack of knowledge of veterinarians working with wild animals in captivity.

More training of veterinarians and enforcement agencies are planned for 2012 that it is hoped, will ensure the better treatment of animals in zoos.