Born Free USA, a leading wildlife conservation and animal advocacy organization, has recently published a report titled “Clawing at the Cages: Big Cats in Zoos,” shedding light on the plight of big cats in captivity. The report focuses on the suffering endured by various species of wild cats, including lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, and mountain lions, within zoos across North America. By examining case studies and conducting independent analysis of zoo databases, the report provides a comprehensive overview of the exploitation of big cats in captivity.
The findings of the report are alarming. Despite many big cat species facing extinction threats in the wild, zoos continue to keep and breed thousands of these animals across the United States without any plans for release into their natural habitats. Many big cats in zoos have succumbed to captivity-related causes, such as infections, injuries from enclosure companions, and high infant mortality rates. Moreover, there is a lack of distinction between humane euthanasia and the killing of healthy animals for zoo management purposes, leading to the unnecessary loss of life among these majestic creatures.
The report also highlights the grim reality of inbreeding and habituation to humans among big cats kept in zoos, rendering them unfit for release into the wild. As a result, ongoing breeding programs in zoos only serve to perpetuate the cycle of captivity, rather than contributing to conservation efforts. Additionally, the monitoring of data on big cats in captivity is inadequate, with numerous individuals disappearing from zoo databases without a trace.
Angela Grimes, CEO of Born Free USA, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the intrinsic value of big cats as apex predators and individuals with rich lives. She condemns the exploitation of these animals for human entertainment and calls for an end to their captivity in zoos. The report also draws attention to the unsafe practices observed in some facilities, including inadequate barriers between humans and big cat enclosures, posing serious safety risks.
In light of these findings, Born Free USA urges the zoo industry to take immediate steps towards phasing out the breeding and presence of big cats in captivity. The organization also calls upon the public to refrain from supporting venues that hold these animals captive. Through its advocacy efforts, Born Free USA aims to ensure a future where big cats are free to roam in their natural habitats, rather than being confined to cages for human amusement.
As part of its ongoing campaign, Born Free USA honors the legacy of Elsa, the lioness featured in the classic wildlife film “Born Free” (1966), which inspired the establishment of the Born Free Foundation. The organization remains committed to rescuing big cats from exploitative environments, including the pet trade, animal shows, and zoos, and advocating for their right to live wild and free.
