By and –The recent fatal shooting of a gorilla at the Cincinnati zoo has taken the global media by storm. The 400lb adult male silverback was shot dead by zoo authorities, after a 3 year old boy accidently ended up in his enclosure. The child’s life was deemed to be in immediate danger, and the zoo authorities shot down Harambe in order to protect the child.Unfortunately these are not isolated incidents, similar incidents have occurred worldwide when humans have entered into wildlife enclosures at zoos, with tragic consequences for the animals involved. Earlier this year, two of the three lions in the enclosure was shot dead at a zoo in Chile after a man jumped inside their enclosure.Zoos: Why have them?A relevant question that follows this incident, as well as the public outcry against the death of Harambe, is whether wild animals such as gorillas belongs in a zoo. Creatures that are confined in zoos are robbed of the freedoms they would enjoy in a natural habitat – the freedom to roam and graze or hunt where they please, to select their territories, to select their mates etc. And endure severe mental stress as a result of their poor living conditions.
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Many zoo animals, and this is particularly noticeable in the elephants at the Dehiwela zoo, exhibit stereotypical behaviours such as rocking and swaying from side to side. Several zoological experts agree that such stereotypical behaviours are a sign of mental stress. Wild creatures belong in the wild, and if it is absolutely essential for the public to observe these animals at their convenience, then they should be in legitimate sanctuaries or national parks which mirror their natural habitat with plenty of space to roam.“Zoos rarely are able to provide natural requirements of megafauna (big animals) such as enough space, adequate nutrition, a habitat or enclosure which stimulates its natural behaviours and social interaction. These are challenging factors for zoo managers to ensure that these needs are satisfied. Once these necessities are missing chronic stress, poor health, boredom, low breeding performances result, classic example of this situation can be seen at the Dehiwala zoo” ” said Country Representative of Elemotion Foundation, Dr.
Deepani Jayantha.A visit to the Dehiwala zoo is a distressing experience for any wildlife enthusiast – from the two young lion cubs pacing back and forth in their tiny caged prison, to the elephants having their legs chained for hours at a time and forced to perform unnatural circus tricks daily for the crowd’s entertainment. One shudders to think what torture methods were used to train elephants to assume a headstand position.“Zoos are today mostly run as a business and encourage masses to enjoy caged wildlife in the name of conservation.
Public money should rather be spent on species in their natural habitats so that such eco- systems get enough funds for their management,” added Dr. Deepani Jayantha.
The neglect of the animals are not new to all Srilankans. It had been allowed by the progressive governments andThe Zoo officials for Decades.Decades of neglect we all have seen and not done anything about it.World Wild life Society were not aware of this dire situation of the inmates of the Colombo Zoo. If known they would have brought charges against the officials.This kind of secrecy in every department lead to this hopeless situation.Good luck to Animal welfare coalition who is taking an interest to improve these voiceless animals welfare. An excellent article, with many valid points.There are very few zoos that manage to keep paramount the dignity and welfare of the animals that are held within. Dehiwela zoo is definitely NOT one of them, and the time is long overdue for considering the many viable alternatives that are available to us. Sri Lanka has the capability, and the chance, to show the world a thing or two in this respect.Koha’s have an old saying: cage us and you lose us, set us free and we will sing for you forever.We Koha’s are united in supporting you; Keep the pressure on.
PaulI admire your verbal commitment for animals.But banning elephants in processions won’t be easy as it’s a deeply rooted tradition in Asian countries.It’s more difficult task than asking to relieve horses from races and other duties.As far as we want elephants in processions, (at least in our major processions) temples will have to look after some.What’s your attitude towards dogs? Aren’t dogs happy with their life with humans? Is it possible to tell dogs to go back to the wild where they came from?I think the best sacrifice we can make for the animals is stopping hunting & slaughtering them.Are you ready to lead a vegetarian life?If the world is ready for that we’re ready to campaign to ban elephants in processions.
Threats to Elephants. Many climate change projections indicate that key portions of elephants’ habitat will become significantly hotter and drier, resulting in poorer foraging conditions and threatening calf survival. Increasing conflict with human populations taking over more and more elephant habitat and poaching for ivory are additional threats. Elephants in Pinnawala at great danger. But today it’s with great sorrow we have to report that the elephants at Pinnawala are in danger due to malpractice of few officers and minor workers there. The nation has lost lives of four elephants within a short period of eight months due to the negligence of those workers. Even today, acquiring trophy animals is a way of displaying power, Kalof noted. In some African countries, where big-game hunting and trophy display are expensive forms of entertainment practiced.
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My father Mohamed Sameen was known as the best and wonderful administrator of the Dehiwala zoo. During his time it’s a completely different story at the zoo. If he still living he would have been a heart broken man to see the pathetic plight of the present day zoo. He gave his entire life to the zoo, rain or shine, day and nigh he was in and out of it, every moment he was at the pulse of it.In his days, it’s nominated the best zoo in Asia, and one of the best in the world.He gave the best care to the animals, and made it the best place for the animals and the visitors to be. That’s reason, he was invited to set up the Singapore and Australian Zoo. Unfortunately, while at work he had a massive heart failure, and passed away in the Kalubowila hospital.
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We were practically brought up in the zoo for we lived in the staff quarters.My Humble request to all not to destroy see this beautiful thing and take good care of those innocent and majestic creatures.