Housing Standards at the Zoo
SIR,—At an international meeting of zoological societies, which nal held in London a few weeks ago, enormous admiration was expresso( by the continentals for the huge success of our Zoo as a box-officl attraction. For it was estimated that by the end of the year no fen than three million visitors will have passed through the gates.
Can the Zoological Society be urged to spend some of this money ie improving the cramped and inhumane conditions in which many of the animals still live ? The foxes, wolves, jackals and their kind are keg in solitary confinement in a row of shamefully small cages, without any outlet or room for exercise. The sight of these lithe and active animals, hopelessly and ceaselessly beating to and fro in the small space in which they can move, is an indictment against the humanity of our nation and the thousands that shriek in sentimental excitement at Brumas and the more popular attractions. The more active of the tigers, jaguar etc., are in like case. It would be better to see six in freer surrounding than the twenty or so there are now in those cramped, old-fashioned cages.
I suggest our Zoological Society should set an example to the corgi. nentals not only in box-office attractions. Let them buy no more new exhibits until the old ones are in larger and more natural surrounding if not in London then at Whipsnade or somewhere else more roomy, If we are a " nation of animal-lovers" we should have a Zoo worthy of it in every respect. At present it is not.—I am, Sir, yours faithfully
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