News

Amazing Animals posted an interesting response on “Zoo Chat” – a site dedicated to zoo issues. Through a representative identified as John Dineley, Amazing Animals made the following points:

a) No laws were broken by Amazing Animals by supplying the white lions to a circus.

This is true, and nowhere was it mentioned that laws were broken. The essence of the news articles was about a trusted zoological association, West Midland Safari Park, breeding animals that were then supplied to Amazing Animals. WMSP mentions on their website that the zoo is concerned with the welfare of all animals in their collection, and places high emphasis on conservation programmes for the species they are entrusted with.

b) Under BIAZA rules, no “surplus” animals may be sent to inappropriate destinations including circuses, some research institutions, animal dealers, welfare organizations involved in inappropriate reintroductions, etc .

John Dineley then states “I don’t like answering for West Midlands Safari Park, but they did know the lions may be going to Japan”. This statement should be seen as strong opposition to WMSP saying they sent the white lions to Amazing Animals “in good faith”.

c) The Sun Newspaper should be very aware of our [Amazing Animals] high animal welfare standards. They and their news group have booked us on many occasions.

That is true, Amazing Animals have provided inmates from their stables for many occasions and events.  On various sites animal trainers have voiced their opinions that animals performing in circuses are well-taken care of and live contented lives enriched by their willingness to perform. Much better, the animal trainers say, to be a circus performer than a bored zoo citizen pacing up and down in their cages.

d) The mainstream media provide a biased platform to animal rights groups.

Rather than being biased, perhaps the mainstream media in this case sought to expose behind the scenes dealings of a zoo entrusted by the public with the ideals of animal conservation. WMSP banks on such ideals throughout their website. There has been a considerable backlash against WMSP by people mentioning that the organization betrayed a public trust and the very standards zoos in the UK are attempting to promote. And if John Dineley is right in saying that WMSP “did know that the lions may be going to Japan” then he is revealing that WMSP is taking great liberties with their own statements that they maintain their zoo to benefit wildlife conservation.