Introduction:

     A zoo is a place where wild and, in some instances, domesticated animals are kept in captivity and should receive intensive care. However, a common issue with such establishments is that animals are often kept in complete solitary confinement, serving primarily as entertainment to satisfy visitors' curiosity rather than for educational purposes. Animals in these facilities are susceptible to permanent frustration, excessive aggression, and the suppression of their natural instincts, as they live in conditions vastly different from their natural habitats. Thus, this concept paper aims to influence the spread of zoo conservations, where visitors are educated and animals are well-treated.

     While completely eliminating zoos may be an idealistic goal, we can advocate for a better alternative. Some facilities in the Philippines have already taken steps toward more ethical wildlife care by providing larger enclosures that closely resemble natural habitats and incorporating enrichment activities that support the animals' well-being. Through this, we can promote the development of safari parks designed to mimic the animals' natural environments, providing a more humane and better experience for both the animals and the visitors.

Purpose:

     This concept paper promotes the humane treatment of captive animals, with a particular emphasis on the Manila Zoo and other establishments where animal welfare is still a major issue. According to Clubb and Mason (2003), many traditional zoos continue to keep their animals in cramped, uninhabitable spaces that do not satisfy their biological and psychological requirements, which causes stress, aberrant behavior, and poor health. Naturalistic environments, like those at Cebu Safari & Adventure Park, where animals have more room to move freely, are crucial, according to modern zoological methods. According to research, large, enriched spaces improve animal welfare by lowering stress levels and encouraging natural activities (Mason et al., 2007). To guarantee that animals flourish in captivity, it should be a top priority to switch from outdated cage systems to large enclosures that resemble natural habitats.

     In addition to enhancing habitat, this project aims to fight for stricter government regulations to safeguard zoo animals and increase public understanding of the ethical issues associated with animal captivity. Zoochosis, a psychological disorder marked by repeated behaviors like pacing and self-harm, is one of the many captivity-related problems that many zoo animals experience, according to studies (Clubb & Vickery, 2006). Although the Philippine Animal Welfare Act (RA 8485) establishes a legislative foundation for animal protection, its implementation is uneven and frequently puts zoo aesthetics ahead of the welfare of the animals. To ensure that caged animals receive appropriate veterinary care, sufficient nutrition, and enrichment activities that replicate their natural environments, organizations like the Manila Zoo may be compelled to adopt greater welfare standards in response to growing public criticism and government scrutiny.

     Lastly, the Manila City Government should invest in enhancing the zoo animals' quality of life rather than focusing on expensive infrastructure upgrades for the convenience of tourists. Globally, ethical zoos, like the San Diego Zoo and Singapore Zoo, make investments in conservation efforts, habitat improvements, and welfare programs based on research that puts the needs of the animals above those of the public (AZA, 2021). The idea that animals are sentient beings deserving of respect, compassionate treatment, and legal protection rather than just being attractions is strengthened by supporting this cause. By supporting reform, we encourage a change in public opinion that prioritizes ethical responsibility, education, and conservation over spectacle and financial gain.

Description: 

Animal safety and welfare is a crucial part of preserving and maintaining the planet’s biodiversity. In the Philippines, such laws R.A. 8485 (Animal Welfare Act of 1998), which regulates the operations of zoos, pet shops, and other animal facilities, and R.A. 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001), which protects wildlife and their natural habitats, serve as legal safeguards to protect animals from cruelty and exploitation.

Animals in captivity deserve environments that support their well-being and safety. To address this, the plan includes:

• Support Animal Welfare Laws

   A key step towards effectively advocating ethical animal sanctuaries is to actively support animal welfare laws. These laws aim for a common goal: ensuring that animals are treated humanely, giving them necessary protection and care. With this, educating and encouraging the public on the relevance and importance of these laws transpires individuals, leaders and advocacy groups to create a stronger foundation and join initiatives in creating a positive conservation for animals as well as their natural environment.

• Education, Awareness and Fundraising Campaigns

   Through education, raising awareness and securing enough funding, animals, especially the vulnerable ones can attain the proper care and protection. Being informed and knowledgeable regarding the emotional and physical trauma animals endure promotes understanding and empathy to support sanctuaries as an alternative for zoos. This will help to create an impact to understand the mission and purpose of naturalistic sanctuaries through utilizing various platforms such as social media and conducting educational talks. Fundraising campaigns are also vital as initiatives. Donation drives and fundraising events in a form of virtual, charity and program based with organizational partnerships gain efforts for food support, medical care and shelter for animals to provide their needs. 

• Collaborate with Communities and Non Governmental Organization/Partnerships

   Another plan of this project is to collaborate with communities and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that care for animal protection. Through this partnership, it is possible to create long-lasting programs that improve the quality of life of captive animals. Community engagement efforts may also include educational campaigns, volunteer programs, and fundraising initiatives to support the construction and maintenance of animal habitats that mimics a naturalistic setting. NGOs may also provide specialized knowledge, advocacy, and help in fundings to ensure ethical and scientific standards of animal care are complied with. This initiative also calls the attention of the government to shift funds from infrastructure development towards animal protection care, arguing that there is too much emphasis on entertainment and not much on education and conservation when it comes to zoos. Public awareness campaigns will highlight instances of mistreatment and advocate for stronger policies that protect animals from neglect and abuse.

• Create Safe Space for Animals (Creating Naturalistic Habitats)

   According to an article by Smith et al. (2024) abnormal behavior and higher stress levels are usually seen in zoo animals, underlining the need to design more naturalistic environments. By providing animals with an opportunity to perform their natural behaviors with little stress, enclosures simulating their natural habitat ancd containing varied structures, plants, and dynamic elements can go a long way in enhancing their life quality. Moreover, the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) promotes welfare-oriented architectural design to promote the humane treatment and conservation of animals in captivity. This campaign is in line with WAZA's vision to work with local organizations, including the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and institutions like Wild Welfare, to establish high standards for animal welfare in the region.