For Immediate Release
May 6, 2008 |
For More Information:
Shanna Young
Executive Director, Marketing
(416) 392-5936 |
Three Zoo Reindeer to relocate to accredited facility
May 6, 2008, Toronto, Ontario: Toronto Zoo today announced that Bowmanville Zoo,
a Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) accredited zoo, will take three
male European reindeer. The Bowmanville herd recently was reduced in size due to
the deaths of several older reindeer, thereby freeing up paddock and holding space for
three new animals. Once all of the necessary applications, veterinary checks and
permits have been completed and approved, the animals will be transferred to this new
location. This process may take a few months to complete. The animals to be
relocated are two 4 year old male reindeer that have been advertised internationally for
three years on the Toronto Zoo’s surplus list and a male calf born on Sunday night. The
calf can be relocated when it reaches a year old and is weaned from its mother.
The successful placement of the animals with an accredited institution is always the first
option thoroughly investigated as per the Zoo’s policy and procedures. Conditions
regularly change as other accredited zoos evaluate their own animal breeding programs
and space capacity.
Toronto Zoo’s Animal Care, Research and Acquisition Committee met last night to
review the euthanasia of newborn male reindeer as per the Zoo’s existing policy. As the
animal welfare oversight Committee, the Committee re-affirms the policy as a necessary
last resort for responsible animal population management in keeping with zoo
accreditation guidelines.
Toronto Zoo is a respected conservation, education and research facility with a
responsibility for the breeding and preservation of wildlife and the maintenance of
healthy and genetically viable animal populations. Zoo staff take this responsibility very
seriously and agonize over decisions affecting the animals’ welfare.
The Zoo respects and appreciates the comments, questions and suggestions received
from zoo supporters over this very difficult and sensitive issue. Discussion and review
can only provide for a better basis on which to make difficult decisions and help
encourage the accreditation of more facilities in Canada so that more options for animal
management are available in the future.
