Basildon Zoo
Archive - November 2001

The Captive Animals Protection Society became involved in May 2001 when we were contacted by local campaigners, disturbed that in their opinion no action was being taken to help the animals at Basildon Zoo.

We immediately helped local animal protection campaigners to coordinate a hard hitting campaign to close Basildon Zoo. We suggested that campaigners organise public meetings, hand out leaflets outside the zoo and in the town to educate the public. We sent in our undercover investigator, and our report on the visit was featured on the front page of the local newspaper and on regional radio in July 2001.

Less than 5 months after CAPS became involved, the owner of Basildon Zoo has decided not to apply for the renewal of the Zoo license. It was obvious to those who had visited the zoo that the zoo would not have been able to meet the licensing requirements necessary.

As yet a decision has not been made publicly as to the future use of the site, nor of the fate of the animals. The welfare of the animals is our main concern. Latest news on Basildon Zoo will be added to this site.

Report on a two hour visit to the zoo in July

It was a weekday, so there were only a few visitors taking about half an hour to tour the small zoo tucked behind a garden centre and pet shop.

Enclosures for most species are wooden aviary-type structures with mesh fencing, several appearing in need of repair, with rotting wooden frames for example. All were small with little enrichment. Despite that the Secretary of State's Standards of modern zoo practice state:

'Accommodation should take into account the natural habitat of the species and seek to meet the physiological and psychological needs of the animal.'

Signs were generally poor, a couple of enclosures appearing to be missing signs altogether, most simply naming the species and giving basic information about them. The Secretary of State's Standards say:

'Accurate information about the species must be available. This should include as a minimum, the species name, both scientific and common, its natural habitat, some of its biological characteristics and details of its conservation status.'

Many enclosures had no stand-off barriers. None of the owls had them and some, such as the African Spotted Owls, were perched close to the front mesh. It would be easy for a visitor to put fingers through the mesh and be injured.

Where there were stand-off barriers, they were at times too close to the enclosure. For example, an adult could easily reach into the fox or lioness enclosure. In fact the owner stroked the red fox by leaning over the barrier. The Standards of modern zoo practice state:

'Distance or barriers between animals and between enclosures and visitors must be sufficient to minimise transmission of disease or potential pathogens. Stand off barriers must be provided and designed where necessary to ensure public safety. Safety barriers should be designed to prevent children either from getting through, under or over them.'

The leopard spent a lot of time during this, albeit brief visit, pacing around the enclosure. Apparently there is also a male, a black leopard, but he was out of sight, presumably in the indoor enclosure.
Carla the lioness lives in an enclosure, approximately 17m x 11m, with a grass floor surrounded by a concrete path. For enrichment there are two wooden platforms in the middle, a small upright wooden post with an old tyre tied to it, and an old ball. She appeared to be on her own - apart from a sign that named her there was no other information.

Carla's enclosure is opposite, and in clear view of, the 'farmyard' area with pigs and goats. She was possibly agitated by this, pacing the edge of her enclosure. Presumably, it is somewhat uncomfortable for the pigs and goats who have a predator eyeing them up all day.

The Standards of modern zoo practice note:

'Animals which may interact in an excessively stressful way must not be maintained in close proximity.'

Presumably worse for the pigs and goats who have a predator.

A jungle cat lives in enclosure approx 10m x 5m, consisting of branches and vegetation. Equally small enclosures were 'enjoyed' by the Amurian leopard cat approx 9m x 5m, and a serval approx 10.5m x 8.5m. Two Eurasian lynx live in approx 14m x 11.5m, with earth floor, bark chippings, logs, overgrown vegetation, and a narrow wooden platform. In an enclosure with a small, still pool were two short-clawed otters.

Two arctic foxes live with a red fox in an earth floored enclosure, with a wooden kennel, and what were either two hollows or earths. The red fox appeared nervous, taking more notice of visitors and moving to the other end of the enclosure. The fox didn't have a collar on as had been seen previously, and contrary to reports by other visitors, there appeared no tension or aggression between the foxes.

One of the owners said that the red fox had been brought to her by a farmer as a cub three years ago and that her Jack Russell raised the cub. The fox became excited by the woman's presence, running around the enclosure. She said she usually went in to play with the fox but didn't have time. She leaned over the stand-off barrier to put her fingers through the mesh and touch the fox's muzzle.
Probably the largest enclosure at the zoo was the 'farmyard' with numerous goats and piglets. Two piglets appeared to be trying to suckle from a goat who was trying to get away. Visitors were encouraged to touch the goats and although a sign said hands should be washed the toilet block was at the other end of the zoo.

The Standards of modern zoo practice state:

'The zoo must have adequate hand washing and sanitising facilities close to the contact point and obviously sign posted. If children are in contact with or feeding animals prominent signs must warn them not to place their faces against the animals, nor to put their hands in their own mouths afterwards.'

It is remarkable how many zoos have allowed contact between animals and visitors during the foot and mouth crisis. A sign near the meerkats said the zoo had been closed due to foot and mouth and appealed for donations.

A sign on one aviary said the birds were donated by Bell Pet and Bird Centre. A sign on the crow enclosure said the bird had been brought in by a member of the public. The zoo had treated it with intention of release but it had 'taken to easy life' and its flying ability was impaired so it was decided he should stay.

Other animals at Basildon Zoo include cotton top tamarins, ponies, red bellied kangaroo, rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets.

Under the Standards of modern zoo practice 'If animals bred in zoos are sold as pets to the general public a license is required from the local authority under the Pet Animals Act 1951.' Basildon Zoo has a Pet Shop License, and in July 1997 offered animals for sale in 'Country Gardens and Smallholding' including jack Russell dogs, German shepherd dogs, pygmy goats, ponies and a baby guanaco (from the llama family). There is still a pet shop at the zoo.

As a final extract from the Secretary of State's Standards of modern zoo practice:

'Zoos should demonstrate measurable performance in conservation, education and research. A zoo should have a written education strategy and an active education programme.'

It is hard to believe Basildon meets these lofty ideals. A campaign has been launched to close Basildon Zoo, receiving front page coverage in the local newspaper.

UPDATE: Basildon owner convicted - click here to find out more.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

	Don't visit zoos - your money keeps them in business.
	Become a CAPS supporter - you can help to make a difference.

Photographs © Captive Animals Protection Society