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Zoos
Do you sometimes think your children belong in a Baie-Comeau zoo? Before you commit them to a life behind tall walls or netted fences, you should make sure that the Baie-Comeau zoo is following the correct practices and rules for animal conservation.
Zoos are no longer establishments that place animals in small cages for human entertainment. The zoos of today are educational environments where the animals are housed in realistic habitats, and are cared for by highly trained zookeepers who understand their biology, habits, characteristics and personalities.
Most modern zoos display wild animals primarily for the conservation of endangered or threatened species and for educational and research purposes, and secondarily for the entertainment of visitors. Animals are bred and raised in captivity to be released into the wild to replenish dwindling numbers. Cooperative breeding programs that evaluate the roles of individual animals and institutions from a global or regional perspective coordinate the breeding of endangered species. For instance, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) Program manages the breeding of a species in order to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining population that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable. In addition, the educational role of zoos has led to an increased awareness of species that are found in other areas of the world.
In the United States, any public animal exhibit must be licensed and inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Zoos may also be required to hold special licenses that meet the requirements of their particular local area. In addition, due to zoonotic diseases or the possession of controlled drugs for veterinary use, a zoo may also be inspected and regulated by other agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Moreover, depending on the animals they exhibit, the activities of zoos are regulated by such laws as the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA).
Zoos may also choose to pursueaccreditation by the AZA. To achieve accreditation, a zoo must pass a rigorous application and inspection process and meet or exceed the AZA's standards for animal health and welfare, fundraising, zoo staffing, and involvement in global conservation efforts. The accreditation process is repeated once every five years. At the AZA website, you canlocate a zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The site also provides information on AZA-accredited aquariums.
Finally, you may also wish to view information on the Animal Welfare Information Center (AWIC), which provides information for improved animal care and use in exhibition areas such as zoos, circuses, and marine mammal parks.
Courtesy of USA.gov.
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