BBC's Our Zoo...

Well, what can I say...

As some people might know, the BBC have decided to do a series on Chester Zoo's history throughout the years (which is now one of the most popular zoos in the UK). It documents how the zoo first came around, documenting from 1930 to present day, and so the BBC has made the history into a small drama series. Below is two links to two articles written about this series, but there is a twist to it, the fact that the BBC have now been accused of animal cruelty for using wild animals on set.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2736611/EXCLUSIVE-BBC-accused-animal-cruelty-using-wild-animals-new-six-series-revolutionary-zookeeper-vowed-abolish-cages.html#ixzz3BxYtDU6n

http://www.captiveanimals.org/news/2014/08/bbc-fire-leading-animal-charities-performing-wild-animal-use

I feel that the second article is absolute rubbish!! Purely because an organisation (which I dislike) that is called CAPS (Captive Animals Protection Society) together with Born Free Foundation and Wild Futures have made the accusations and all CAPS generally want to do is "protect animals" by closing down all zoos, circuses and Film/TV sets that use animals, and train wild animals for entertainment but.. what they don't understand is the time, money and effort it takes for conservation and real protection of these animals. There is much more I can say about CAPS but that is for another time when it becomes necessary!  

I know the campaign is all about the fact they use wild animals in the programme, but isn't that the point? It is documenting how it became a zoo and how conservation has changed over time to protect these animals. A spokes person from the BBC have told the press that an RSPCA performing animals advisory service was contacted before the filming began and the BBC programme have followed all guidelines at all times, also stated was that there was a vet onsite all the time whenever animals were filmed and stated there there were no incidences that happened. This I think is a reasonable answer for the BBC to use wild animals (even if they are trained, but to be honest, some animals in zoos are trained anyways and only generally for health checks, transportation and veterinary treatments).   

Some statements in the article explain that this might affect the pet trade and the use of animals in circuses. Yes; it could affect these trades, purely because whilst people like me and other keepers, who understand the needs of these animals and their wild behaviours, other people dont understand, however; I feel that by using these animals for this particular programme will not affect the trades (well not as much anyways) as it could educate how valuable these animals actually are, and how conservation is needed to protect these animals.

Most of these animals have been captive bred and therefore have no knowledge of being in the wild even though they do obviously still possess their wild behaviours. These articles are not saying about the way the animals are treated, they are merely stating the reasons for using wild trained animals for entertainment.

I for one, can't wait to watch! I love reading and watching about the history of zoos, and how much zoos have changed overtime (even if it has been made into a drama series!). I think it shall be interesting to watch, especially as I love Chester Zoo! The first episode airs on BBC 1 on Wednesday 3rd September 2014.

Below is the link to BBC's IWonder, it features the present Chester Zoo and is all about what zoos are for! Its worth a watch, very interesting videos!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/ztkpn39#zsjyvcw

This post is just my opinion, so I do hope I haven't offended anyone (if I have please do say, and I do say I'm sorry!) and please feel free to comment below!