Noah's Ark Zoo Farm boss is defiant over elephant plan
ANIMAL welfare experts have criticised plans to introduce up to 10 elephants at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm.
Leading groups including the RSPCA, Born Free Foundation, Captive Animal Protection Society and Animal Defenders International (ADI) all say they have grave concerns about the proposed elephant enclosure planned for the zoo in Wraxall.
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But zoo owner Anthony Bush, above, who has planning permission for a new area in which he intends to house ten elephants and establish a breeding programme, said he will push on with the project.
The welfare of elephants in captivity has long been a cause for concern and the organisations have already made their position against the practice clear.
They say studies show the animals often develop lameness, obesity and behavioural abnormalities when kept in zoos, as well as having a far shorter lifespan and higher infant mortality rate than wild elephants.
RSPCA senior scientist Dr Ros Clubb, who visited the zoo farm last month, said: "It is clear elephants do not fare well in zoos and we believe it would be highly irresponsible to introduce yet more of the animals to such a damaging environment.
"They are highly intelligent and sensitive animals. In the wild they range over tens of kilometres of land a day, exploring and foraging.
"We remain to be convinced that any European zoo could provide a suitable environment for these and other behavioural needs and have urged Mr Bush not to proceed with his proposals."
Craig Redmond, campaigns director for the Captive Animals' Protection Society, said: "Zoos are unsuitable places for any species, but particularly so for elephants, which is why so many zoos in the UK and USA have stopped keeping them."
But Mr Bush, who invited the RSPCA on site, told the Evening Post last night that the groups were being "uncharacteristically negative" about the situation.
He said he was going to great lengths to ensure a healthy, happy home for the animals, including installing trees to eat from, a swimming pool and sand pits – which he claims is a far cry from how they have been treated before.
"Elephants haven't lived long in captivity because they were obese as in the past, their trainers would spoil them with buns and bread," he said.
"Here there will be several areas of browse (trees) for them where they can eat all day long by moving from one to another. It will also help them to socialise, which is important.
"These people are just sounding off for their own reasons but I intend to push ahead. It is not a question of them expecting me to stop."
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by Dumbo, the Elephant
Saturday, August 07 2010, 2:09PM
“Thanks for that Chris but it still doesn't explain what BEP knows in order to state that Mr Bush:
'....intends to house ten elephants and establish a breeding programme....'
Was this from the horse's mouth when BEP spoke to Mr Bush on Thursday evening?
I think it is important to find out as 10 elephants in 12.5 acres (5 hectares) is a far cry from 4.
Similarly a 'breeding programme' would not really be in keeping with the 'European Elephant Sanctuary' that was described in the planning papers....”
by Chris, Bristol,England
Saturday, August 07 2010, 1:35PM
“Yes Why was does the BEP give so much publicity to all these minority groups and Idealists WHY ?
white the majority are ignored
the Media completely dominated by the Lib- Left there is no middle of the road anymore ........democracy gone”
by Dumbo, the Elephant
Saturday, August 07 2010, 11:40AM
“Hang on, where did 10 elephants and a breeding programme suddenly come from?
In this story of 23 June 2010 BEP state:
'The new enclosure will be home to four female elephants, all of which will be rescue animals' -
http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Ark-s-elephant-enclosure-size-11-football-fields/article-2336218-detail/article.html”
by Mark, Bristol
Saturday, August 07 2010, 9:46AM
“Anthony Bush is certifiable, he actually denies the facts of evolution & tries to teach lies to schoolchildren. In addition to this he wants to keep these poor elephants in cramped conditions. The problem is he thinks his imaginary friend put all the animals on the earth just for him to do as he pleases with... nutter!”
by Spartacus, Bristol
Friday, August 06 2010, 6:43PM
“If you have dominion over the animals as a divine right, you can do as you please.”
by C Darwin, The Beagle
Friday, August 06 2010, 4:33PM
“Bob, I was trying to point out that the owner of this "zoo" ignores evidence and advice in all areas of his business.”
by Diane, Weston super mare
Friday, August 06 2010, 3:58PM
“@kath, bristol Having visited this zoo recently with my children I can only say you are talking a load of waffle.”
by kath, bristol
Friday, August 06 2010, 12:50PM
“So Anthony Bush is to push on with this project despite being advised that it would not be in the animals interests. Why is he allowed to continue owning this zoo after the treatment of the tigers that died in his care last year. it was proved that he mutilated this poor creature and then buried the remains. It later transpired that the tigers were part of the great bristish circus. As a result of these appaling actions Mr Bush and Noah's Ark Zoo had their association with BIAZA ( British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aqauriums terminted. We must remember this tragic atory and think if he is allowed to go ahead against all advise he obviously doesn't care one iota about the animals welfare. Please please don't support his greater than thou attitude.”
by richard, bristol
Friday, August 06 2010, 10:55AM
“Im sure the Elephants would have much more freedom here than they did at Bristol zoo.”
by bob, bristol
Friday, August 06 2010, 10:52AM
“@C Darwin, The Beagle , Pardon ??”