The People’s Vote: No more large animals in zoos

The People’s Vote: No more large animals in zoos - Born Free Foundation

An exclusive opinion poll has revealed more than 75% of the British public believe the next UK government should end the keeping of large animals in zoos.

With the UK now less than two years from a General Election, exclusive polling by Opinion Matters, commissioned by Born Free, has revealed a stark message to politicians from the British public: there will be no winners without wildlife.

Released today, the research serves as a much needed ‘wake-up call’ to all political parties, suggesting that not only do the electorate care deeply about animal issues, but that they are thoroughly disillusioned with current legislative and policy failings.

Key among the findings is that 76% of those surveyed believe it is very or quite important the next UK government phase-out the keeping of large animals, such as elephants, lions, tigers, giraffe and rhino, in zoos, wildlife parks and other captive facilities.

This compelling statistic shows there is now a tide of public support for Born Free’s founding principle on which the charity has campaigned for nearly four decades. Clearly, politicians and decision-makers can no longer afford to ignore those seeking to end the archaic, unethical, and damaging practice of keeping large animals in zoos.

Poll results also suggest respondents want transparent and robust assurances that their money is spent in ways that reflect their values and a lasting commitment to the preservation of the natural world. A resounding 88% of those asked declared it very or quite important that the next UK government stops using public money for activities which damage nature and wildlife or cause wild animal welfare harms as part of its manifesto.

Other significant findings further highlight the strength of feeling among UK voters on a wide range of animal welfare and wildlife issues, by somewhat or totally agreeing with:

85% agreed the next UK government should introduce a ban on British hunters bringing ‘trophies’ of endangered or vulnerable animals into Britain
83% agreed the next UK government should tighten the rules on the trade in and keeping of exotic pets
82% agreed the next UK government should use its influence, via trade deals etc., to bring an end to overseas activities that involve animal cruelty, such as the slaughter of dolphins in the Faroes

SEE THE FULL REPORT