The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) believes it’s about time to start phasing out zoos. Instead of keeping animals in cages, PAWS suggests focusing on things that clearly benefit both animals and people. Ana Cabrera, who heads PAWS, mentioned in an interview that it would be better to put efforts into planting trees or creating parks—without turning them into places where wild animals are kept behind bars.
Cabrera understands that closing zoos right away isn’t practical since there are already animals living there. What PAWS is really pushing for is to stop bringing in new animals. Let the ones already in zoos live out their lives, but make sure they’re cared for properly. This suggestion came up after the city of Manila announced plans to put Isla, a female lion, on display at Manila Zoo. Groups like PAWS think it’s not right to confine animals like Isla. They believe wild animals should be out in their natural environments, not stuck in cages.
Cabrera also pointed out that animals are often unhappy in zoos. Even if they’re well-fed or given bigger spaces, it doesn’t change the fact that they’re not in their natural habitats. Without the company of their kind—like Mali the elephant—animals can still feel pretty miserable.
Meanwhile, officials at Manila Zoo say that Isla is being well cared for and that keeping her there isn’t a form of animal cruelty. They assure the public that she’s getting proper treatment every day.
Cabrera also questioned the educational value of zoos. She mentioned studies that show kids don’t really learn much from seeing animals in captivity. Phasing out zoos is seen as a necessary step toward improving animal welfare.
