Volume: 3, 2024
3rd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A034
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL3.A034
Published online: 24 April 2024
ICDSUPL, 3, A034 (2024)
Transport of wild animals to zoological gardens. Geographical perspective
Weronika Michalska1*
1 Department of Regional and Political Geography, Faculty of Geography and Regional Studies, University of Warsaw, Krakowskie Przedmieście 30, 00-927 Warsaw, Poland
* Corresponding author: wc.michalska@uw.edu.pl
Abstract
The contemporary role of zoos, in addition to providing entertainment to visitors, primarily concerns activities aimed at protecting wild animal species, especially those at risk of extinction, and promoting the idea of nature conservation. An inherent element of the functioning of zoos is mutual cooperation with institutions with a similar operating profile around the world. One of its manifestations is the transport of specific species, which contributes to maintaining their well-being and protecting biodiversity. Issues regarding the long-distance transport of wild animals between zoos in Europe are regulated by guidelines from the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA). Its aim is to provide support and supervise the activities of zoos, animal welfare and education in the field of environmental protection. Sometimes unexpected events may occur during the transport of animals, making it difficult to maintain sufficient animal welfare. Moreover, certain species or individuals may react in a specific way to the stressful situation they encounter. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the challenges faced by zoos in ensuring appropriate conditions when transporting animals between facilities, thus ensuring their well-being, contributing to the preservation of global biodiversity. The issue of the reasons for transporting animals between zoos and legal regulations regarding the appropriate conditions in which it should take place will be discussed. The spatial aspect of transporting animals over long distances by air or land, which is necessary in the sciences of geography, will also be taken into account. The principle of geographical proximity in the context of transport, not only of wild animals, plays a significant role in cooperation between zoological gardens. The author, referring to research on the reactions of specific animal species during transport, taken from the literature and her own field observations in selected Polish zoos and interviews with zoo employees, will try to indicate the main challenges related to ensuring animal welfare during travel. An attempt will also be made to indicate ways of protecting animals during transport.
Keywords: transport, wild animals, welfare, zoological garden
How to cite
W. Michalska, 2024. Transport of wild animals to zoological gardens. Geographical perspective. In: 3rd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL3.A034