Another Tragic Death at the Toronto Zoo: Urgent Need to Rethink Animal Welfare in Captivity

Two Deaths in Five Days Highlight the Ethical and Practical Challenges of Captive Conservation

The Toronto Zoo is grappling with a double tragedy. Still mourning the loss of Matu, a two-year-old Masai giraffe, who died during a routine medical procedure on July 25th, the zoo is now rocked by the death of a red panda cub just five days later. These dual deaths have reignited a fervent debate about the ethics and efficacy of zoos. The male cub, born in June 2024, succumbed to health complications despite intensive care efforts by the zoo staff. This tragic event underscores the inherent challenges and moral dilemmas associated with keeping wild animals in captivity.

A red panda cub, just shy of six weeks old, died at the Toronto Zoo on July 31, 2024. Photo of unrelated red panda taken provided by Alotrobo.

The Incident

The red panda cub, just shy of six weeks old, was found to be in distress, exhibiting signs of reduced appetite and hypothermia. Despite being placed in an incubator and receiving intensive care, the cub passed away on July 31st. A post-mortem examination revealed the cub had no fat reserves and suffered from intussusceptions in his intestines, a condition that can cause blockages and restrict blood flow. Additionally, signs of aspiration were found in his lungs, likely due to syringe feeding.

The mother, Sakura, a 10-year-old red panda, has been experiencing significant health issues, including abnormal neurological activity possibly resulting from the stress of her captivity. This has raised concerns about her ability to care for her remaining female cub, who, for now, appears healthy.

The Broader Implications

This incident is not an isolated case. Studies indicate that the mortality rate for captive red panda cubs can be as high as 40% within their first year of life. In the wild, the survival rate is even lower, with only about 20% of cubs reaching adulthood. These statistics highlight the vulnerability of red pandas and the immense challenges they face both in captivity and in their natural habitats.

Credibility of Zoo Conservation Efforts

Given the higher mortality rate of red panda cubs in the wild, it could be argued that zoos like the Toronto Zoo play a crucial role in conservation efforts. Zoos provide controlled environments where animals can be monitored and receive medical care that would not be available in the wild. This controlled setting can help increase the survival rates of vulnerable species and contribute to global conservation efforts through breeding programs and genetic diversity preservation.

However, while these efforts are commendable, they must be balanced against the ethical considerations of keeping wild animals in captivity. The stress and health issues observed in many captive animals are a testament to the inadequacies of these artificial habitats, even with the best intentions and care.

The 10-year-old red panda mother has also been experiencing significant health issues, including abnormal neurological activity - raising concerns about her ability to care for her remaining female cub. Photo by Ryutaro Tsukata

Effective Venues for Decreasing Mortality Rates

To enhance the effectiveness of conservation efforts and reduce mortality rates, several alternative approaches can be considered:

1. Community-Based Conservation Programs: Organizations like the Red Panda Network have demonstrated success through community-based conservation initiatives. These programs engage local communities in protecting red panda habitats and provide sustainable livelihoods, thereby reducing human-wildlife conflict and poaching.

2. Protected Forest Reserves: Establishing and maintaining large protected forest reserves, such as the proposed 430,050-acre Red Panda Community Forest Reserve in the eastern Himalayas, can provide safe habitats for red pandas and other endangered species. These reserves help mitigate the impacts of habitat fragmentation and human disturbances.

3. Sanctuaries and Rehabilitation Centers: Investing in sanctuaries that mimic natural habitats can offer a more ethical alternative to traditional zoos. These facilities can focus on rehabilitation and eventual release into the wild, providing a more natural and less stressful environment for the animals.

4. Global Breeding Programs: Coordinated breeding programs, like those managed by the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA), ensure genetic diversity and healthy populations. These programs also support field conservation efforts by funding local initiatives and educating communities about wildlife conservation.

5. Education and Advocacy: Public education campaigns should focus on the realities of animal captivity and promote alternative ways to engage with wildlife, such as virtual experiences, documentaries, and visits to ethical sanctuaries. Educating the public about the importance of in-situ conservation can drive support for habitat protection and community-based initiatives.

A Critical Perspective on Zoos

As an advocate for animal welfare and a critic of traditional zoo practices, I believe this tragic event calls for a reassessment of how we interact with and care for wild animals in captivity. Zoos have long justified their existence on the grounds of education, conservation, and research. However, the reality often falls short of these noble goals.

In my opinion, zoos primarily serve as entertainment venues, objectifying animals and failing to provide the natural environments necessary for their well-being. Enhanced enclosures, while an improvement, do not compensate for the lack of freedom, natural diet, and exercise that wild animals require. The stress and health issues observed in many captive animals are a testament to the inadequacies of these artificial habitats.

Recommendations for Change

1. Shift Focus to Sanctuaries: Instead of traditional zoos, we should invest in large animal sanctuaries that provide more natural and spacious environments for animals. These sanctuaries can serve educational purposes while allowing animals to live in conditions that closely mimic their natural habitats.

2. Enhanced Veterinary Care and Monitoring: Zoos must prioritize the health and well-being of their animals by providing state-of-the-art veterinary care and continuous health monitoring. This includes addressing the specific needs of each species and individual animal.

3. Legislative and Policy Reforms: Governments and regulatory bodies should implement stricter standards for animal care in captivity. This includes regular audits, transparency in operations, and accountability for any lapses in animal welfare.

4. Education and Advocacy: As mentioned above, public education campaigns should focus on the realities of animal captivity and promote alternative ways to engage with wildlife, such as virtual experiences, documentaries, and visits to ethical sanctuaries.

5. Support Conservation Efforts in the Wild: Conservation efforts should prioritize protecting natural habitats and supporting wildlife populations in their native environments. This approach addresses the root causes of species decline and reduces the need for captivity.

Conclusion

The recent deaths of Matu, the two-year-old Masai giraffe, and the red panda cub at the Toronto Zoo are tragic reminders of the complex ethical issues surrounding animal captivity. While zoos have made strides in improving animal care, the fundamental problems persist. It is time for a paradigm shift in how we approach wildlife conservation and education.

By focusing on sanctuaries, enhancing veterinary care, enacting legislative reforms, and supporting in-situ conservation efforts, we can create a more ethical and effective framework for protecting and respecting the animals with whom we share this planet.

Ed Boks is a former Executive Director of the New York City, Los Angeles, and Maricopa County Animal Care & Control Departments. He is available for consultations. His work has been published in the LA Times, New York Times, Newsweek, Real Clear Policy, Sentient Media, and now on Animal Politics with Ed Boks.