[Spanish]​ [Catalan] ​[French]​ [Deutch]​ [Portuguese]

Nowadays, in zoos you do not see elephants, you see elephant-shaped beings; nor giraffes, you see giraffe-shaped beings… because when you take an animal from its natural habitat to destroy its identity. Animals who are born and who die in captivity lose the bonds with nature bonds created through thousands of years of evolution. Captivity is a torture that unfortunately has become normalized in our society, not as obvious as bullfighting, but not harmless either. It produces great suffering and has serious consequences on the physical and psychological health of animals who have been deprived of one of their fundamental rights: freedom.

Zoos should not exists, but closing them down is not contemplated as an option in most cases. This is due to their belonging to powerful international organizations that promote breeding and exchange of animals.

Where would the animals in the zoos go if they are closed? Reality is that there are not enough animal sanctuaries for them due to number and diversity of species. Most of them will end up in other zoos, and the less fortunate in leather workshops, hunting grounds or exotic food restaurants. However, not doing anything is not an options. We cannot thing that a bigger cage or precinct with better environmental conditions is all we can do. We need bigger challenges, we need a change of paradigm. One opportunity for the transformation of the current model is the conversion of zoos in animal protection and defense centers, adapted to the sensibilities and scientific knowledge of the XXI century: transforming them in ZOOXXI, a revolutionary project to end animal exploitation in zoos.

The citizens in Barcelona showed their will to change the local zoo by supporting ZOOXXI through a citizen initiative. The signature collection process is over and now the first steps of the process are beginning in the City Council

This is why we ask you to sign this campaign and ask Barcelona´s major, Ada Colau, to go ahead with the conversion of the zoo in the catalan capital in a more ethical scientific and educational center. Barcelona could become the first step of the way to the conversion of all zoos in the world.

With this campaign we want to change an institution, heavily criticized because of its obsolete and mercantilists views, in a space for shelter, attention and assistance to animals that are today devoid of them. To injured, abandoned and confiscated animals. A zoo able to protect habitats and favor change and application of urgent and necessary environmental policies. A zoo that has enough professionals, knowledge and infrastructure to become a space for social, animal and environmental service.