Over the last decade, there has been a significant and unacceptable loss of several different creatures at the Greater Vancouver Zoo.
Since 2004, a baby hippo died, the zoo lost its Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums accrediation.
A 4,100-kilogram elephant, Tina, developed health problems in August 2003 while being housed at the zoo. She was transferred to the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee for better treatment but died in July 2004.
Also in 2004, two hippopotamuses, Gertrude and Harvey, at the Greater Vancouver Zoo died at the age of 20 — half their life expectancy.
A male spider monkey was killed and a female kidnapped.
A Golden Eagle was killed by a lioness after landing in the lion enclosure following a run-in with a group of crows.
A four-year-old boy was landed on by a Harris's Hawk when he volunteered in the Radical Raptors Birds of Prey show and the zoo removed Harris's Hawks from the bird show and put a stop to audience participation.
Four Zebras died after two African Buffalo were introduced to their enclosure causing "extreme stress" on the zebras. African Buffalo are extremely dangerous and although the two species co-exist in the wild, they should not have been placed together in an enclosed space.The zoo replaced the dead animals with two new zebras.
An 8 day-old baby giraffe died in 2006.
The most recent loss at the Greater Vancouver zoo was a young 3 year-old giraffe.
It is certain that animals can die from many different issues at any given point in time, but this neglect for animals and visitors is unnaceptable. There is no given explanation for any of these horrific events from the Vancouver Zoo and if action isn't taken, more precious lives will be lost.
Zoos are meant and required by law to safely house animals incapable of managing life in the wild, or are endangered and deserve treatment, a respectable habitat - with the proper nutrition, in a comfortable, loving environment. It is clear that the Greater Vancouver Zoo does not have the knowledge, zookeepers or facilities to maintain the high standards these beautiful creatures deserve.
Lets put and end to the Greater Vancouver Zoos cruelty.
Petition towards higher standards or closure of the Greater Vancouver Zoo!
