ANIMALS IN ZOOS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 898, 15 February 1930, Page 30

ANIMALS IN ZOOS

“THEY DON’T WORRY” ‘LONDON EXPERT’S OPINION Professor James Peter Hill, F.R.S., vice-president of th 6 Zoological Society of. London, discussing recent letters in the London “Daily Mail,” from correspondents who have contended that it is cruel to keep animals in captivity and that zoos should be abolished, said to a reporter: “I think it is absurd for the correspondents to declare that animals suffer to the extent of cruelty in our zoological gardens. “The animals live in properlyequipped cages and under healthy conditions. Food is regular and the attention is good, and the health of the animals is given every consideration. “If they become sick they are taken to a sanatorium and properly treated, down to local ailments like toothache. “Zoo officials are conversant with their animals and their ways and habits and do their utmost for their comfort. Our officials know all about the mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes and lions and tigers and their treatment. “The habits and feeding of the animals are closely watched. There is a veterinary surgeon attached to the gardens. “Illness among the animals in recent years has decreased owing to much bigger cages being used and to the improvement of general sanitation.” He said when asked if animals suffered mental torture through being in captivity: “I do not think there is any evidence that they do. The period from being first caged until they settle down in the zoo is very short. I do not think the animals worry.’*