Letter: Zoos safeguard wild animals

Zoos safeguard wild animals

Sir: Your article about animal adoption in zoos (26 October) failed to mention the real benefits to animals, zoos and people. Whilst funds generated via animal adoptions contribute towards feeding, housing and veterinary care for zoo animals, the real benefit is that funds which would otherwise be used to supply this care can be released to help zoos carry out their primary role of creating awareness about the natural world and the necessity to conserve it.

Also, by adopting animals, the public become more interested in the natural world, and more likely to appreciate the need to support conservation.

It is incorrect for Les Ward of Animal Advocates to imply that zoos are not contributing to conservation in the wild. This year, via the Tiger Week Appeal, the Federation of Zoos and its member-collections have raised over pounds 65,000 for wild tiger conservation in India, Sumatra and Siberia in partnership with Global Tiger Patrol and Tusk Force. Since 1989, members have raised over pounds 5m to support 69 projects in 36 countries by supplying not only money but also husbandry and management skills, staff and equipment for habitat and species conservation in the wild.

NICK L JACKSON

Chairman, Federation of Zoos

London NW1