Ethics and animal welfare evaluations in South East Asian zoos: a case study of Thailand.
Concern for zoo animals is palpable throughout society in many countries in South East Asia. It is important to understand problems of animal welfare in order for zoos to make significant improvement in maintaining high standards. With a case study of 3 zoos in Thailand, this article presents results for the first time on how ethics and welfare evaluations are conducted in South East Asian zoos. The study identified several major and minor welfare problems and provided constructive suggestions to zoo authorities, which in turn significantly improved the standards of animal welfare. Thus, the data presented in this article could serve as a model for other zoos to follow animal welfare evaluations locally, regionally, and globally.
Agoramoorthy
Govindasamy
G
Ethics and Welfare Committee, South East Asian Zoos Association. agoram@mail.nsysu.edu.tw
Harrison
Bernard
B
D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000941:ethics* / Q000592:standards*; D000827:Animal Welfare; D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D006234:Handling, Psychological; D006799:Housing, Animal / Q000592:standards; D013785:Thailand; D014730:Veterinary Medicine