Proposed legislation seeks to exploit rules surrounding roadside zoos

A private member’s bill introduced late last year aims to tighten rules around licensing and operating facilities housing captive wild animals.

Tabled in December by Lucille Collard, Liberal MP for Ottawa-Vanier — and joined by Dolf DeJong, Director General of the Toronto Zoo and representatives of World Animal Protection Canada — the Captive Wildlife Protection Act, 2024 seeks to implement changes to unlicensed facilities across the province.

If passed, the legislation would require mandatory licensing for zoos and zoo-like facilities as well as annual inspections, explained Erin Ryan, wildlife campaigner for World Animal Protection Canada, and would also prohibit the use of wild animals for purely entertainment purposes. such as petting sessions, photo shoots or performances that would compromise their well-being.

“Currently, anyone can collect wild animals like lions and tigers, and they can open to the public and operate as a zoo. This has led to a proliferation of these dangerous and cruel roadside zoos,” Ryan said.

“These are attractions that keep wild animals largely in substandard conditions, which, as we have seen, causes animal suffering…but it also poses a risk to the public.”

At the local level, the proposed legislation could impact the popular Elmvale Jungle Zoo, which is home to a variety of rare and exotic birds, primates, zebras, giraffes, tigers, lions and other animals . The zoo’s 30-acre property is located on County Road 27, about 20 minutes north of Barrie.

Messages to Elmvale Jungle Zoo seeking comment were not responded to prior to publication of this article.

Currently, Ryan says no license is needed to keep non-native wild animals in a zoo and there are no consistent standards required.

If the legislation passes, all facilities would be required to meet clear licensing requirements, including proof of financial resources and emergency preparedness plans. This would cover well-known places and tourist attractions, right through to gardening operations.

Without any government regulations, Ryan says this can lead to dangerous interactions between visitors and animals.

“We have seen escapes and injuries due to these conditions and it is really no surprise that without any type of regulation, Ontario is the weakest jurisdiction when it comes to regulating the custody of “wild animals,” she added.

Although Ryan acknowledged she was unaware of any specific issues with the Elmvale Jungle Zoo in recent years, the facility, which opened in 1967, was highlighted in the organization’s 2022 reportNothing new at the Zoo. The report noted some concerns related to the care of the animals housed there, including a lion kept in an enclosure considered too small, and a lack of meaningful enrichment other than a raised platform.

That report also noted a social species of bird housed alone, which Ryan said would not be considered “appropriate” in most zoos.

“We know this is a provincial issue and it will take a long time before it is introduced at the provincial level. I think this bill really demonstrates that there is a desire to see that,” Ryan said. “We have seen progress on this issue in the past; it’s just never been a high enough policy priority and now it’s a new opportunity to try to get across the finish line.”

Collard says the ownership and care of wild animals should be reserved for qualified individuals and organizations subject to appropriate government oversight.

“It is long past time for Ontario to implement a regulatory framework for the keeping of wildlife to ensure animal welfare and public safety,” she said in a press release.

“The safety and well-being of animals and people depends on these regulations,” DeJong added, noting that this law would send a clear message that substandard conditions and neglect have no place in Ontario.

“As a leader in wildlife conservation and education, the Toronto Zoo strongly supports these first steps to protect animals and communities. »

The hope is that the legislation will eventually force roadside zoos that don’t meet standards to close permanently, Ryan acknowledged.

“By setting standards, we will eliminate the worst players. This legislation applies to all facilities that keep wild animals in zoos and zoo-like establishments, whether large or small. The Toronto Zoo is a major facility and they joined us in the discussion in December…but unfortunately many of these roadside zoos that don’t meet the standards simply won’t be able to meet to these licensing requirements.

Although Ryan says it’s difficult to determine how individual zoos will fare if the bill passes, facilities that already have industry accreditation likely will have no problem meeting the guidelines.

“Those who don’t have one, maybe not. I think most people would agree that the ownership and care of wild animals should be reserved for qualified individuals and organizations subject to this government oversight,” she added.