Zoos

The first known remains of a private collection of animals dates back to 3.500 BC, in Egypt. It is fruit of the expansion that humans started to make around the world, coming across species that caught their attention and awakened a desire to own them. Not until the 14th century did the concept of zoological garden really appear, with the private collection of Louis XIV, in the Palace of Versailles (France). It had no educational or scientific purpose or aim, the garden was kept merely for the king to be able to show off and the French aristocracy to be able to enjoy it. So, those collections of animals became a simple pastime associated with the upper classes, who tended to accumulate strange specimens in their gardens, as simple exhibition pieces. In the 19th century in the most populous cities, they also wanted to have access to animals to entertain their citizens. Private collections made way for zoos and in 1828 the first zoo to be known as such was opened in London's Regent’s Park. Zoos have been maintained since then as collections of living animals for exhibition and entertainment of the general public.

The vast majority of the animals in zoos are permanently living in terrible conditions. As living sentient beings that they are they need to carry out their natural behaviour in the habitat they are naturally adapted to. Using them, and especially specimens of wild species, for human entertainment, not only does not allow them to develop such behaviour (causing serious damage for their physical and psychological health), but also it numbs society in their empathy and respect towards other living beings.

At the state level

Through InfoZOOS a coalition made up of the organisations ANDA, BORN FREE and FAADA, created to bring about effective change in the way wild animals are managed and treated in zoos.

• We lobby the authorities so that the legislation is applied to zoos and those that don’t comply are given penalties or they are closed down.
• We sue the centres which break the law.
• We carry out inspections in zoos and write the corresponding reports for the authorities and the centres themselves.
• We share information regarding the suffering of wild animals living in captivity, especially zoos.

• Tell your family and friends, especially children, about the problems animals in zoos have.
• Visit a wildlife recovery centre. That is where animals that have been removed from situations of abuse or abandonment are kept. They will help you to understand the problem areas associated with keeping animals in captivity. If you have children you could take them to see educational documentaries, the theatre, a walk along the beach, get to know the fauna that lives in the woods and mountains, to dog and cat homes, or to help out at an animal sanctuary. There are many alternatives to zoos. 
• Find out about Law 31/2003, 27-10, on conservation of wild fauna in zoos and let us know of any anomaly you may observe in these centres, taking photos or videos when possible.