Potential Safety Risks Found at Six Ontario Zoos
Feb 17, 2011
© Zoocheck 2010
As part of an effort to clean-up or close down the worst of Ontario's roadside zoos, WSPA and Zoocheck have been campaigning for many years to enact licensing for exotic wildlife ownership. With the return of the Ontario Legislature we have stepped up this campaign with the release of Wild Neighbours: The Safety and Security of Ontario's Wildlife in Captivity Facilities a hard hitting report detailing many public and animal safety risks present in Ontario zoos.
Wild Neighbours is based on a review of six Ontario zoos (Elmvale Jungle Zoo, Greenview Aviaries Park and Zoo, Guha's Tiger and Lion Farm, Killman Zoo, Northwood Zoo and Animal Sanctuary and Papanack Park Zoo) that found potentially dangerous animals kept behind low barriers, weak fences and unlocked gates.
Ontario is the only province that does not licence the keeping of exotic animals; meaning anyone regardless of experience, expertise or financing can start a zoo or keep a tiger as a pet. The zoos reviewed in this report represent only six of the nearly 50 captive wildlife facilities in Ontario — more than any other province. Additionally, there are an estimated 500 exotic cats (e.g. lions, tigers, jaguars and servals) kept in private hands in Ontario. Exotic wild animals can pose a serious physical threat when they escape or come into close contact with people and since 1985, 50 incidences have been reported.
It is time to fix our lax provincial regulations. A recent private member's bill introduced by MPP Dave Levac (Bill 125—The Exotic Wildlife in Captivity Act) would give the Ministry of Natural Resources the ability to licence the keeping of exotic animals. WSPA and Zoocheck are asking you to help. Please send a letter asking your MPP to support this bill.
Brief Summary of Report Findings:
© Zoocheck 2010
1. Low Barriers
The review notes several instances where big cats (e.g. tigers, lions and cheetahs) are being kept behind barriers that are too low – four metres or less in height. Tigers are known to clear enclosure walls of almost five metres.
2. Weak Fences
Dangerous animals are being housed behind barriers made of light gauge chain link or deer fence. The report also notes portions of sagging, loose and insecure fencing with gaps around joints, gates and doors.
3. Unlocked Gates
Some of the gates and entryways were not secured with locks. Many enclosures had outwardly opening gates or entryways and lacked double-door entry systems to prevent escape due to keeper error.
4. No Stand-off Barriers
There is a long list of incidents where people have been seriously injured, even killed because they were standing too close to an enclosure (see the full report for details). Many enclosures were not equipped with adequate public stand-off barriers to prevent people from reaching into the cages and touching the animals.
View the full Wild Neighbours report here
View an Executive Summary here
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