Recent images of an apparently malnourished male kangaroo at the Emperor Valley Zoo have once again brought to the fore ethical and other concerns regarding animal welfare in T&T.
Already, Minister of Agriculture Kazim Hosein, whose ministry oversees the zoo, has expressed personal dismay over the condition of the kangaroo and has called for an investigation to uncover the reasons for the animal’s poor state.
At the same time, the zoo has sought to assure the public that it will address the issue soon.
This, however, is not the first time such concerns have been raised locally about the treatment of animals in captivity.
In August 2018, the Zoological Society defended a photograph of an African lion that seemed weaker and thinner than normal.
Then in September 2019, a red kangaroo died at the zoo, with fireworks from Independence Day blamed for the tragedy.
While proponents continue to define zoos as sanctuaries for education and conservation, opponents describe them as archaic institutions that are inherently cruel regardless of their intentions. The argument that life in captivity can never match the richness of the wild, leading to a lower quality of life, therefore holds some weight.
Conversely, those who support keeping zoos open often point to their educational role, as well as their role in helping to establish a link between humans and animals that can encourage conservation initiatives.
However, this in no way diminishes the burden of responsibility on staff of the Emperor Valley Zoo—or any other zoo for that matter—to ensure the welfare of animals, by prioritising their physical and mental health through scientific research and veterinary care.
Admittedly, the Emperor Valley Zoo has largely kept its reputation intact despite the few cases where they have been called to account for questionable circumstances.
The zoo has been keenly involved in conservation and research initiatives, such as breeding programmes for endangered species. It also houses and cares for animals illegally imported into T&T, ensuring their extension of life as opposed to euthanising them.
In May 2019, a jaguar cub was surrendered at the zoo, and in December that same year, police rescued an adult female jaguar, which was also given to the zoo for conservation.
By doing so, those animals were offered better protection and care through the experts at the zoo than what they could have received from those who illegally smuggled them into the country.
It is imperative now that the zoo reassures the public that this latest incident does not irreparably damage its reputation.
Public pressure and awareness must be a catalyst for improvements.