Shocking evidence of zoo's trade in wild animals
Basildon MP Angela Smith has joined the Captive Animals' Protection Society in expressing concern over wild animals being sold from zoos following revelations that the former Basildon Zoo sold a lion to undercover reporters. BBC TV's 'UK's Worst Pet Shops', broadcast on 19 February, revealed how the owner of Basildon Zoo, which closed to the public in November 2001, sold a lioness to undercover reporters for just £1,500. The investigators were not asked to prove they had the necessary paperwork for having a lion. The programme further claimed that the zoo's owner Yolande Surcouf said: "I don't care if you chop her up into lion steaks." Basildon Zoo has been surrounded in controversy for many years and was the subject of a boycott campaign by animal rights groups. The privately-run zoo had been criticised by CAPS for keeping animals in small and unsuitable conditions. The zoo also ran a pet shop from the site. In July 2001 CAPS received information from visitors to the zoo that a leopard cub was being handled by the public in the zoo's pet shop and a complaint was made to the council. CAPS has called on Basildon District Council to launch an investigation into the sale and to seek prosecution against those involved where necessary. When Basildon Zoo finally closed to the public CAPS expressed our concerns as to the future of the remaining animals. The BBC's investigations reveal that we were right to be so concerned. It also raises questions about how many other zoos are selling animals to the public or to pet dealers. Angela Smith, MP for Basildon and a Patron of CAPS commented: "I have received numerous complaints from my constituents about Basildon Zoo since I became an MP. It appears that the controversy surrounding the zoo has still not disappeared and I support CAPS' concerns and calls for action over this latest scandal." UPDATE: Basildon zoo owner convicted - click here to find out more. HOW YOU CAN HELP
Photographs © Captive Animals Protection Society |
