Animal cruelty rampant in zoos with dolphins used as surfboards and elephants playing basketball
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What might be seen as an enjoyable activity means a lifetime of suffering for these animals.
By Phoebe Weston
Cruelty is still rampant in the world’s ‘top’ zoos according to new research which has found animals are being forced to learn tricks that would result in a ‘lifetime of suffering’.
In a dozen zoos, big cats were still being forced to perform in gladiator-style shows in large amphitheatres, dolphins were still being used like surfboards and elephants were made to play basketball.
Researchers from the World Animal Protection and Change for Animals Foundation also say some zoos still clothe chimps in nappies and get them to drive around on scooters.
According to Dr Neil D’Cruze, Global Wildlife Advisor at World Animal Protection, all of these activities would have required cruel techniques to train these animals.
He said: ‘Seeing wild animals perform in circus-like shows is not just a bit of fun. For the animals in these 12 irresponsible zoos, and potentially many others glob...
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