CAPTIVE WILD ANIMALS: GLOBAL

You should never underestimate your power to help captive wild animals in need. By voicing your concerns directly, you could make a real difference.

WHO TO WRITE TO

EMBASSY OR HIGH COMMISSION OF THE COUNTRY CONCERNED

If you are a UK resident, you can find the details of the relevant country’s Embassy or High Commission on the website of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The London Diplomatic List contains the details of country representatives in London, the name of the Ambassador Extraordinary Plenipotentiary or the High Commissioner, and the email/postal address of the embassy. If you do not live in the UK, you can find the contact details of the relevant country’s Embassy or High Commission in your home country at www.embassy-worldwide.com

TOURISM AUTHORITY OR NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE OF THE COUNTRY CONCERNED

If you are a UK resident, contact details can be found on the website of The Association of National Tourist Offices and Representatives. If you do not live in the UK, contact details for the tourism authority based in the country concerned can be found on the website of the World Tourism Organization.

YOUR MEMBER OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT (MEP)

If the country concerned is part of the European Union (EU) and you are an EU resident, write to your MEP. You can find their contact details here: www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/map.html

THE FACILITY

It is important the facility hears directly from concerned customers and tourists. Many places claim they never receive complaints, so please make your concerns known.

NATIONAL & REGIONAL ZOO ASSOCIATIONS

Many countries or regions have specific zoo associations, often claiming to offer the best possible standards of animal care and guidance to their member zoos. If you have visited an association member zoo, raise your concerns.

WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquariums) – find a member zoo or national association at www.waza.org/members/waza-members/. Contact details at www.waza.org/contact/.

EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) – find a member at www.eaza.net/#map_home. Contact details at www.eaza.net/contact.

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) – find a member at https://biaza.org.uk/members/all. Contact details at https://biaza.g.uk/contact.

OUR TOUR OPERATOR, TRAVEL AGENT OR HOTEL

Reputable companies should be obliged to investigate your concerns involving animals seen on an excursion or at a hotel or facility booked through or promoted by them. This should also ensure that animal welfare remains an important issue on their agenda.

THE PUBLISHER/AUTHOR

The publishing company or author of any brochure, guide or book that has recommended the facility.

THE MEDIA

Tell them about your experience and concerns. Sending them accompanying images may also help.

WRITE A REVIEW

Write a review on a website such as Trip Advisor. This is a great source of information and useful for spreading the word about captive wild animals at facilities and locations around the world.

WHAT TO WRITE

Effective emails or letters are short and concise. Around 300 words should be adequate to relay your comments and concerns. Be specific about why you are writing and what concerns you have. Did you visit the facility with your family or friends? Did you pay an entry fee or buy a ticket? If you did, you have the right to raise your concerns about the welfare of the wild animals you encountered.

WHAT TO INCLUDE

The date of your visit
What you personally witnessed, including what animals you saw or are concerned about
Where you saw the animals, the name of the facility and its location
Describe the conditions the wild animals were in or how the animals were treated
Explain if the animals were being made to perform tricks and what they were doing
Describe your feelings at the time
Ask direct questions that require an answer, such as can you assure me that my concerns will be investigated? Are you aware this treatment is going on? What are the laws concerning the welfare of animals in zoos, circuses, etc? You could ask to see a copy of the zoo’s most recent inspection
If you have images to support your concerns, include them with your letter or email
Ask for a reply and give your contact details, including name, address and/or email
Please be polite and courteous. You are less likely to receive an answer if you rant or are rude. You want the people you are writing to, to take you seriously
Please send Born Free copies of any replies you receive, either by email or to our UK office (marked FAO Captivity Programme)