Our team of campaigners has been busy investigating reports of abuse and negligence at Victorian "B grade" (private) zoos.

Buxton Zoo houses and displays a wide range of animals - native and exotic species - in an archaic menagerie fashion. Pens and enclosures are too small, water is filthy, and many animals display stereotypical behaviour and depression (see photos below). In the past month, the Department of Resources and the Natural environment (D.R. N.E.) have succeeded in laying wildlife offence charges on the owner of Buxton Zoo. These go to court June 18th. However, these charges do not extend to the exotic animals. In collaboration with the R.S.P.C.A. we have decided to try and have charges layed in regards to the unsatisfactory conditions under which Buxton Zoo’s exotic animals are kept. We will be re-visiting the zoo to obtain further incriminating evidence, and with the aid of the R.S.P.C.A. proceed to prosecute . . and hopefully succeed in the zoo’s de-licensing.

Wedge Tail Eagle enclosure	Dingo enclosure
Macaque Monkeys	Sulpher Crested Cockatoos

Although Buxton Zoo is our current focus, we wish to address as many problem zoos as possible. The AL (Vic) ZooWatch Campaign aims ultimately to change the laws and policies that allow the establishment and continuation of private zoos. We are currently undertaking a wide spread census of all victorian private zoos to document the chronic nature of the problem. We will then proceed to lobby and protest both publically and politically to raise awareness and communicate the urgency of the issue and critical need for legislative changes to take place.

To assist us with our investigations of private zoos we rely upon public or anonymous insider complaints to bring a problem to our attention. Therefore, if you have visited, worked at, or heard of a private zoo at which animals are subjected to inhumane conditions, cruelty or negligence - please inform us and we will investigate promptly.

If you know of any matters at zoos that need investigating, please contact the Animal Liberation office on (03) 9419 5188 or via email (see hotlink below).

Last updated 10 August 1997

Email: alib_vic@paradigm4.com.au

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