Page 20 - Animals Asia Review 2015

Captive Animal Welfare

giving captive animals a voice

© Karl Ammann
NO VOICE

NO CHOICE

2015 saw the launch of our international “No Voice, No Choice”

campaign calling on people to stand as one to reject wild animal
shows and performances, not just in Asia, but worldwide.

The animals unfortunate enough to ind themselves in the
“entertainment” industry have no choice but to perform – their
lives depend on it. The cruel training methods used to force wild
animals to learn tricks are often brutal, and well documented.
Orphaned chimpanzee babies are transported in horriic
conditions to spend their lives performing in Chinese zoos.
Our campaign attracted international media attention and
celebrity support from high proile stars like Ricky Gervais and

the cast of Downton Abbey – who point out that they choose to
be entertainers, unlike the animals who are forced to perform.

We continue to call on people across the globe to use their
voice to spread the message that wild animals are not here for
our amusement.

What we do

We are working to end the exploitation of wild animals
living in captivity in zoos, safari parks and ocean parks.
We work with the relevant government authorities and

zoo owners to bring about change, and our media
campaigns and school visits are reaching many millions
Animals forced to perform before roaring crowds are known throughout China and Vietnam.

to display signs of severe stress and panic before shows.

Airport advocacy

In 2015,
Sadly, animal abuse often goes hand in hand with tourism. 32,000

That’s why in 2015 we worked with Beijing International
Airport, the second busiest airport in the world, to display our
captive animal welfare message for an entire month on their people pledged NEVER
giant billboards.
to patronise performing
animal shows.

Millions of passengers saw animated images of tigers,
elephants and moon bears suffering in circuses – along with the
‘
messages: The wild is my natural home. Animals are not born to Many people have been duped into
perform. Our joy should not be built on their suffering.
believing that there is nothing wrong with

posing for a selie with a wild animal,
or they even believe that the animals

enjoy performing. But the truth is that

they have no choice. We urge tourists

to question the decisions they make

on holiday, because a quick photo

opportunity for you, can mean alifetime
’
of misery for another individual.

With your generous support, millions more people throughout
Dave Neale
Animal Welfare Director
China are exposed to our campaigns each year.

20 Animals Asia Review 2015