FIVE SISTERS ZOO CELEBRATES THE FELINE MAKING A FULL RECOVERY AFTER ADOPTING THE UNWANTED INJURED CHEETAH
West-Lothian-based Five Sisters Zoo, has announced that Ashanti the three-legged-cheetah has made a full recovery after her life-changing amputation surgery.
As the fastest land animal on earth, the cheetah reaches speeds of more than 100 kmph. So, when the crippling and complicated ankle break rendered four-year-old Ashanti lame, it was devastating for the beautiful big cat and her keepers.
When Ashanti’s previous zoo found itself having to close, it struggled to find another zoo to take her on as a result of her complicated leg fracture and its failure to heal despite surgery by the zoo’s vet. Despite this and knowing she would need significant care and treatment, the family-owned Five Sisters Zoo – renowned for its work and care for endangered animals – welcomed Ashanti into their care in March 2022.
Despite a further two surgeries to try return her leg to normal function, the specialist vet team reluctantly had to make the difficult decision to amputate her right hind leg. Now, six months on, the extraordinary cheetah has fully recovered and is now bounding around her habitat at the West Calder Zoo.
Brian Curran, owner of Five Sisters Zoo, said:“It was an incredibly difficult decision; it gave us all sleepless nights.
“When she first arrived at Five Sisters Zoo, Ashanti would cope with running around with the other cheetahs and didn’t appear to let the old injury slow her down too much. However, after lots of playing and running in their new large enclosure, Ashanti would periodically become quite lame and tired and would need a course of pain relief medication.
“Despite two further specialist surgical operations at the zoo to try to improve matters, we knew this wasn’t going to be sustainable or fair long-term, so our specialist veterinary team made the difficult decision to amputate her leg.
“After a successful operation and within just a few weeks of the surgery, Ashanti was clearly happier and much more contented which made us feel like we made the correct decision.”
Romain Pizzi FRCVS, Head of Veterinary Services for Five Sisters and President of the British Veterinary Association’s Scottish branch, said: “Ashanti’s injury was a complicated one, with a difficult break in her right hind ankle that had not healed when she arrived at the zoo.
“Despite our performing a further two operations at Five Sisters Zoo to try and return her leg back to a more normal function, she was not coping well, and was prone to injuring the leg easily. After much deliberation, we decided to amputate her leg and are so pleased with her recovery.
“Ashanti actually translates to ‘gratitude’, and while she might run away when she sees me now as I’m the one who operated on her, I hope she is, in fact, grateful and happy to be back on her (three healthy) feet!
“We can’t wait to see Ashanti continue to thrive and put a smile on everyone’s face for many more years to come at Five Sisters Zoo.”
Ashanti’s carers welcome guests and visitors to Five Sisters Zoo to view her full recovery for themselves.
During summer last year, when the UK faced record-breaking high temperatures of over 40C in July, over 50% of dogs treated for ‘heatstroke’ by PDSA* were those with flat faces (brachycephalic breeds) such as Pugs, British & French Bulldogs and Shih Tzus.
With the summer season underway, a group of UK dog welfare experts is urging owners of flat-faced dog breeds to take extra care to protect these dogs in the warm weather.
The poor ability of these types of dogs to keep themselves cool by panting because of their abnormally flattened faces means that they are at huge risk of heatstroke in hot weather.
A survey by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) showed that over half of vets surveyed had treated flat-faced dogs for heatstroke in the past year.
In a separate BVA survey, following last year’s record-breaking heatwave, many vets also reported being especially concerned about the impact of hot weather on flat-faced dogs, with some vets worried that owners often did not recognise visible or audible signs of heat stress in their dogs.
The Brachycephalic Working Group (BWG), a national group of the UK’s leading dog health and welfare organisations and vets, has issued advice specifically aimed at owners of flat-faced breeds, to help protect these dogs in the hotter temperatures and summer sunshine:
Help them stay cool in hot weather – Dogs don’t sweat like humans do; instead the main way they cool themselves down is by panting. The limited breathing abilities of some flat-faced dogs means they often struggle to cool themselves down and ineffective panting in these dogs only further exacerbates their breathing difficulties.
Encourage your dog to stay in shaded areas, avoid exertion (such as outdoor walks or a game of fetch) and stay indoors through the heat of the day. Never leave flat-faced dogs in a car or conservatory, where they can overheat rapidly even on a relatively mild or overcast day.
Plan your walks – Always avoid the warmest parts of the day to head out with your dog. Plan your walks for dawn and dusk. If this isn’t possible, it’s far better to skip a walk rather than risk a flat-faced dog going outside – a dog can develop heatstroke in as little as 15 minutes in warm conditions.
Keep cool with fresh drinks – Ensure your dog stays well hydrated by placing bowls of fresh water around the house. And for an extra cool drink, you can add in some ice-cubes.
Spot the early signs your dog is struggling with the heat – Being aware of physical changes to your dog from over-heating can enable owners to intervene earlier, hopefully before heatstroke sets in. Look out for the following changes in your dog: breathing more heavily than usual, having less energy, less playful than normal, panting more, stumbling or laying down.
Recognising the signs of heatstroke – Being able to spot the signs of heatstroke and knowing when to act can save your pet’s life. Signs can vary from excessive panting, confusion, bright red gums, foaming at the mouth, vomiting, diarrhoea, collapse or even seizures.
Cool your dog down quickly – if your dog shows any of the above signs, it’s essential to cool them down as quickly as possible. Move them into a cool area, pour cool water from the cold tap and offer them small amounts of water to drink. Be sure to contact your vet as soon as possible so they can offer the best advice for your situation. Always remember to ‘cool first, transport second’1 when taking your dog for veterinary care for heatstroke.
Knowing Pet First Aid could save your pet’s life – Being comfortable and able to perform Pet First Aid before you get to a vet could be vital for your dog in an emergency, especially in cases of heatstroke. PDSA has a free Pet First Aid guide, full of tips and tricks for pet owners, should the worst happen.
Due to their flattened skull shapes, flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs do not have the naturally longer nose that helps other types of dogs to lose heat during panting, meaning flat-faced breeds often struggle more than other types of dogs to lose heat effectively.
These problems are exacerbated in hot weather and especially if the dogs are exercised. Owners of flat-faced breeds should be extra vigilant in the summer months when it’s likely to be warmer than usual. Warm weather can be fatal for all breeds of dogs, so it is important all owners are aware of the severe dangers.
Dr Dan O’Neill, Chair of the BWG, said: “Flat-faced dogs are currently hugely popular in the UK but owners of these breeds need to especially vigilant to protect their dogs from heatstroke.
“Avoid exercise during hot parts of the day and wet these dogs liberally as soon as they show are any signs of overheating.
“If you are concerned, contact your vet as soon as possible. The core message is ‘when in doubt, don’t go out – Dogs Die on Hot Walks’.”
The BWG, which is made up of veterinary associations, welfare organisations, universities, the government, breeders and dog owners, has more information about heat-related illness in brachycephalic dogs, and an infographic with advice, on the Group’s website.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed commitments made this week by the UK’s leading online marketplaces, including Gumtree, Preloved and Pets4Homes, to sign up to new best-practice advertising standards for pets advertised for sale online.
Alongside the minimum legal requirements for pets advertised online, the 26 voluntary standards will help classified websites crack down on misleading, illegal or unethical adverts. This will improve animal welfare and help prevent unsuspecting buyers from getting ‘petfished’, where unscrupulous sellers pretend the pet they are selling is from a happy home, when in reality they have been bred or kept in poor conditions.
The new Advertising Standards were launched last week (30 June) by the Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG), a leading group of animal welfare organisations, trade associations and veterinary bodies including BVA. The group has been engaging with popular UK pet classifieds websites for over two decades to help websites better moderate the online pet marketplace.
Responding to the new standards, British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President Justine Shotton said:“Online marketplaces are extremely popular and so the commitment of these websites to the new advertising standards is hugely positive, and we hope other websites follow suit.
“Together, we can continue our work to rein in the Wild West nature of buying and selling pets online and make sure that animal welfare and buyer safety are front and centre.
“With these standards, websites will now block sellers from advertising animals with illegal mutilations like docked tails and cropped ears, banned breeds and prohibited species, underage kittens and puppies, or even postal deliveries for live vertebrates. They will also crack down on sellers advertising animals frequently without a local authority licence.
“Anyone thinking of buying a pet should always take the extra time to consider if they will be able to look after the animal’s health and welfare requirements. If an ad does not share basic information such as a photo, age, country of origin and relevant health tests, you should flag it to the website and be prepared to walk away to avoid dodgy sellers and animals that might have a poor quality of life because of how they have been bred.”
BVA has been actively involved in drafting the new advertising standards and will continue to support PAAG’s important work. The websites currently engaging with PAAG and who have committed to meet the Advertising Standards are:
Gumtree
Pets4Homes
Preloved
Puppy Choices
Friday Media Group
Freeads
Forever Puppy
Wightbay
For more information on the new PAAG Advertising Standards and advice on buying a pet responsibly, see: https://paag.org.uk/
PDSA Vet Nurse Shauna Walsh says: “As we approach the summer months, many of us may consider taking our dogs with us to the beach or letting them cool off in lakes and ponds. Swimming can be great exercise for dogs, but there are a few water safety tips every pet owner should be aware of.
“Before you think about heading out, make sure to check how hot it’s going to be. Even with the opportunity to swim, days out in the sun could put your dog at risk of heatstroke, so consider whether it might be safer to leave them at home.
“Remember that if it is too hot, even getting your dog to the water might be a problem as hot sand or tarmac can burn their paws. Once you and your dog are by the water, there are many things to keep in mind to help keep them safe.”
Make sure they can swim
“First, it’s essential to remember that not every dog is a natural swimmer. Dogs with shorter legs such as Corgis and dogs with flat faces such as Pugs may find swimming hard work. Some dogs won’t enjoy being in the water at all, so don’t force them. Watch out for signs that your dog is getting tired and encourage them back to you to rest.
“If your dog seems keen to enter the water, it is important to make sure they know how to swim first. If there is dog friendly or hydrotherapy pool nearby, they are great, safe places for them to practice swimming and get the hang of things.
“Taking it slowly and splashing in the shallows can help build their confidence before they venture deeper in. Use your arms to support them under their stomach as they get the hang of kicking with all four legs. Encourage them back to shore frequently, so they know where the exit point is and can return to dry land if they feel tired.
Choosing the right spot
“Picking the right swimming spot is a big step in ensuring your pet’s safety. If swimming in nature, make sure your pet is up to date with their vaccinations, and carefully select the location.
“Lakes are often calm and have plenty of shallow spots for your dog to rest. Make sure to scan the area for any hazards, such as fallen branches, boats, windsurfers, or fishermen as they could potentially present a danger to your dog.
“Also be on the lookout for blue-green algae – this grows in stagnant water and is toxic to dogs even in small amounts. Dog friendly beaches can also make perfect spots for a dip – but remember to check the tide times, look out for warning flags, and make sure the waves are small.
“It is important you never let your dog enter the canals as the water is often stagnant, which can be a health hazard as they may catch an infection and there’s increased chance of blue-green algae growth. There are also often dangers under the water and not many places for your pooch to climb out. Fast flowing rivers or flood waters are also unsuitable as the currents can quickly cause your dog to struggle and get into trouble.
What to do in an emergency
“Never leave your dog unattended around water, even if they are a strong swimmer. If your or someone else’s dog gets in trouble in the water, it’s best to avoid going in after them as this can put you in danger as well. If you can, remain on the shore, calling your dog to give them a target to swim towards. If there is an inflatable ring available, you can throw this into the water to help keep your dog afloat.
On a beach, lifeguards may be able to assist helping your dog to shore, otherwise ring 999 and ask for the coastguard to get help from professionals.
“If a pet becomes unresponsive after swimming or has drowned, it is important to know how to perform CPR to give them the best chance. While you begin CPR, have a second person ring your vet who will be able to offer support.
“If you do not feel confident in performing CPR or dealing with emergency situations with your pets, PDSA has a free pet first aid guide which offers both lifesaving and practical tips.”
This summer at Cats Protection we’re inviting cat lovers to hold a Pawsome Tea anytime, anywhere. Whether you choose to hold a casual coffee morning or a yummy bake sale at work, any funds raise will then be put towards our vital cat welfare work.
By taking part you’ll be truly ‘baking a difference’ for cats in need and you can choose whether to donate to your local branch or centre or to the charity as a whole.
With every pot of tea poured, biscuit dunked and cake cut you will help give our feline friends a chance at finding their furever home. A £10 donation could feed a cat in care for 50 days, while £50 would cover neutering a cat or kitten.
At Cats Protection we help an average of 157,000 cats and kittens a year through our national network which includes around 210 volunteer-run branches and 34 centres. Our vision is to help people see the world through cats’ eyes and your cat-themed tea will help us achieve that goal.
Anyone wishing to take part can sign up by visiting:
where you will also find plenty of resources to make planning your event a piece of cake – from DIY bunting and invitations to recipe ideas and advertising posters. We can’t wait to have a cuppa with you!
Councils have new powers to reduce the negative impact of fireworks
From today (Thursday June 22), councils can designate Firework Control Zones that would make it a criminal offence to ignite a firework, or knowingly throw a lit firework in a zone which can include private properties or gardens.
The maximum penalties are a fine of up to £5,000 or up to six months in prison.
Organised public firework displays will still be permitted within Zones to allow people to enjoy fireworks safely.
The provisions are one of the key measures from the Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Articles (Scotland) Act 2022.
Minister for Victims and Community Safety, Siobhian Brown said: “Evidence and engagement with communities shows strong public support for tougher action on fireworks, which along with other pyrotechnic articles can cause harm, serious injury and distress to people, pets and the wider community.
“Giving local authorities additional powers to create Firework Control Zones, with input from the local community, marks a significant step in tackling the issues caused by fireworks, which are dangerous when used inappropriately.
“This change to the law demonstrates our absolute commitment to further improve public safety and wellbeing for our communities.”
Police Scotland Chief Inspector Nicola Robison said: “Fireworks Control Zones allow local authorities the power to designate areas where fireworks cannot be possessed or set off and ultimately restricts the improper use of such items in Scotland.
“It is a criminal offence to be in possession of, or setting off, fireworks within a Fireworks Control Zone and I would urge all members of the public to be aware of designated zones within your local area to ensure you are not in breach of the legislation.
“Police Scotland is committed to keeping the public safe from the risk of harm associated with the reckless and criminal use of fireworks and we welcome the addition of Fireworks Control Zones within Scotland.”
Review Group member, and Director of Innovation and Strategic Relations at the Scottish SPCA, Gilly Mendes Ferreira said: “We warmly welcome introduction of Firework Control Zones.
“The restrictions are much needed to prevent unnecessary suffering among pets, farm animals and wildlife.
“They will help to alleviate distress caused by fireworks and also prevent any firework debris that can be harmful to, or ingested by, animals.”
With the weather warming up, most of us would rather spend time outdoors – keeping our furry friends involved where safe and possible. For those of us with nosey or curious dogs, however, organising a picnic with a pet can be a slightly daunting prospect.
That’s why, this National Picnic Week (17-25 June 2023), leading vet charity PDSA has shared its top tips for a re-bark-ably peaceful picnic with a dog.
The key, according to PDSA Vet Lynne James, is just a bit of forward planning:
Stay cool
“While it’s tempting to choose a sunny day to take advantage of the warmer weather, be mindful of the temperature,” she explains. “Pets are at risk of life-threatening heatstroke and also sunburn, so avoid going out when it’s warm, and always choose a spot with plenty of shade. You can also bring a pop-up sun shelter to keep them protected.
Pets and toys
“Make sure your pet has access to plenty of clean, fresh water while you’re out to keep them hydrated. Collapsible bowls are a great space saving item to take with you when you’re out and about – including at picnics.
“There are also plenty of tools you can use to keep your pet cool, including cooling collars, mats for them to lie on, and toys. But remember, if in doubt, don’t go out – your dog will be cooler and safer staying at home.
“If you are worried about the weather, consider having a garden picnic instead. Your dog will be able to go inside if they get too warm, and you don’t have to worry about car travel or walking them to a picnic destination.”
Keep your food safe
“Dogs are curious by nature and can often be food-motivated– so it’s only natural that they should want to investigate your food (and perhaps even take a bite or two). Yet some human foods are toxic or dangerous for dogs, and you wouldn’t want your pet eating your entire lunch!
“First, think about what you’ll be taking the food in. A basket or bag that can be closed and secured are ideal to keep a potential food thief at bay. You can also try zip bags and lunchboxes.
“Second, keep your dog busy while you’re eating. They’re likely to be intrigued by your own food, so why not bring them a snack to distract them? You can even make your own cooling treats at home.
“Finally, be mindful of the food you’ll be bringing. Accidents do happen, and dogs can be quick to jump on food that is dropped on the floor. That’s why we always recommend avoiding bringing foods that are harmful to dogs altogether – including chocolates, grapes, food on skewers, and meat on the bone.”
Leave room for playtime
“If the weather is cool enough to play, factor in some time for this before you settle to eat. This way, your dog can burn off any extra energy and which will help them to be more relaxed when it’s time for you to eat.
“Bringing toys to keep your pets entertained is always a great idea, and tools such as puzzle feeders are a great way to keep your dog engaged away from your snacks.”
Beware of natural hazards
“Watch out for insect or bee stings, which are very common over the spring and summer season. These can be treated at home, providing they’re not severe and haven’t triggered an allergic reaction.
“Common signs of an allergic reaction include rapid swelling – often of the lips, eyes, ears and face – vomiting or diarrhoea, as well as breathing difficulties. Rarely, it could also cause your pet to collapse or faint.
“If the swelling is located around your pet’s face, neck or throat, or if they have difficulties breathing, call your vet immediately and take your pet there, keeping them as cool as possible.”
Make sure your dog is on a lead
“You likely won’t be the only picnickers out and about, so make sure everyone can enjoy their day by keeping your dog on a lead. This will ensure your dog isn’t tempted by other people’s lunch! You could use a sturdy ground tether in a shady spot to attach their lead to.”
“Summer is an exciting time of the year, and often means more time spent outdoors. However, while many of us can’t wait to bask in the warmer weather, it’s crucial for pet owners to keep in mind that a new season means new risks for four-legged friends”, says PDSA Vet, Lynne James:
Beware of the BBQ
“While we may enjoy the sunshine and take delight in an opportunity to cook up a storm outdoors, there are lots of things pet owners should be aware of when organising a summer barbecue. One thing to be wary of is furry family members getting hold of things they shouldn’t – eating things like kebab skewers or the core from corn-on-the-cob can cause serious and potentially life-threatening injuries.
“Make sure any leftovers and rubbish are thrown away in a bin that your furry friend can’t raid – food smells can be irresistible for pets, so make sure everything is paw-proof! Though it can be tempting to share tasty barbecue treats with your furry friend, undercooked and fatty foods can upset their stomach and cause sickness or diarrhoea. Bones are also a nasty choking hazard for dogs and risk causing dangerous blockages or damage to their insides.
“All pets should be kept at a safe distance from the barbecue as hot food, coals, and ashes can cause serious burns. Coal barbecues can take a while to heat up, so it is best to block off the area or keep your pet inside to stop them getting dangerously close. Whilst you’re grilling, keep an eye on where your pet is as the tasty smells may entice them to jump up and burn their paws.
Watch out for algae
“When out on walks, it is important to look out for blue-green algae, which is most prevalent in still or stagnant water during summer and autumn. Despite its name, this is actually a type of bacteria which is highly poisonous to animals and can sadly be fatal, or result in long-term health problems for those that survive. Dogs are particularly at risk, as they are more likely to drink from ponds while out on a walk, or swim in affected water.
“Before letting your pooch dive in, make sure to check for blue-green algae. It often appears as a green or blueish scum, but sometimes has a brown tinge that can be seen on the water’s surface. It can also clump up and the blooms can create foam on the shoreline. However, it can be tricky to spot – look out for warning signs or dead fish in the water.
“Symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning can occur very quickly (within 15 minutes to one hour of exposure) and even a small amount can be lethal to a pup, so it’s important to act quickly and contact your vet immediately if you are concerned. Signs to look out for include vomiting, twitching, seizures, diarrhoea, increased thirst, drooling, breathing difficulties, or collapse.
Keep cool
“Pets can quickly overheat in warm weather, so it’s important to keep your furry friends cool while they’re enjoying time outside. Heatstroke is a serious situation that without swift treatment, can develop quickly, with sometimes fatal consequences.
“Signs of heatstroke can vary from excessive panting, confusion, bright red gums, foaming at the mouth, collapsing or even seizures. It’s important to ensure your four-legged friend always has access to fresh water and can easily get out of the heat to a cooler area when they need to – if they’re a sun worshipper, you might need to convince them to take regular breaks indoors!
“To help prevent dogs from overheating you can encourage supervised water play and keep them indoors or in cooler, shaded spots. Make sure to only take them out for a walk in the cooler evenings and mornings – and only if the ground temperature has cooled down! To help protect any neighborhood cats, including your own, regularly check greenhouses, sheds, and garages and encourage any of your own feline friends to hang out in well-ventilated rooms.
“For animals that live outside such as rabbits and guinea pigs, signs of heatstroke can include drooling, short and quick breaths, confusion, lack of energy, unconsciousness or even seizures.
“For these outdoor furry friends, it’s vitally important to keep their enclosures out of direct sunlight. If your garden doesn’t provide much shade, you can make your own by draping a tarpaulin or towel over part of your furry family member’s run – just make sure there’s a nice through-draught of cool air so it doesn’t get too hot inside.
“Remove any plastic houses, dens, and tunnels as they can become humid – instead opt for ceramic or cardboard alternatives. To provide some extra comfort you can also place a frozen water bottle on the outside of your small furry friend’s enclosure for them to lie against, or even buy some cool mats or blocks – but check these regularly for any damage.
“All of these situations can be preventable, but if the worst does happen then it’s important that owners are prepared to deal with the situation. I’d encourage anyone who doesn’t feel confident in providing emergency treatment to their pet to download PDSA’s free pet first aid guide, which has a host of resources that range from lifesaving tips to treating small cuts and scrapes.”
Dogs Trust West Calder is calling on local dog lovers to take part in the biggest ever nationwide survey to help dogs and owners of the future.
The 2023 National Dog Survey will help the charity better-understand the UK’s estimated 13 million-strong pooch population and the part dogs play in their owners’ lives, shaping the support the charity offers to canine companions and their families.
This will be the second time Dogs Trust has called on dog owners to provide feedback about their furry friends, after the inaugural National Dog Survey was launched two years ago.
Over 350,000 people completed the 2021 National Dog Survey, and the charity is hoping for an even bigger response this year. Following the 2021 survey, Dogs Trust has created new services to help the nation’s dog owners – including cost-of-living support, Reactive Dog Classes, and a new, free to access, Behavioural Support Line.
Staffed by specialist Behaviour Support Line Officers equipped with a range of behaviour qualifications and expertise – including animal behaviour degrees, dog behaviour accreditations, and hands-on experience – the support line has already helped thousands of owners and their previously problematic pups.
Susan Tonner, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust West Calder, said:“Over 350,000 people responded to our first National Dog Survey, giving us a real insight into how people care for their dogs here in the UK.
“We’ve since used all that we learnt to launch new services providing tangible support to dogs and their owners, including our Behaviour Support Line, helping them to tackle behaviour-related issues before they turn into real problems.
“What owners tell us through the National Dog Survey this year will again shape the future services provided by Dogs Trust so we can continue to support the nation’s dogs and their owners.”
The 2023 National Dog Survey is open until 18th June and covers topics including behaviour, breed information and how people like to interact with their four-legged friends.
Susan added: “We want to build a complete picture of what dog ownership looks like today and ensure we can provide dog owners with the support they need.
“The 2023 National Dog Survey only takes 10 minutes, and it couldn’t be easier to fill in.
So, whether you complete it while having a cuppa, waiting for the bus, or on your lunch break, you will be making a real positive impact on the lives of dogs and humans.”
For more information and to take part in the National Dog Survey, visit www.nationaldogsurvey.org.uk. The closing date is 18th June.
“No animal exists for our entertainment, to suffer for the sake of a souvenir photograph, to live a life blighted by cruelty for the instant click of a camera. So, join us. Be a voice for the voiceless. Pledge not to take a ‘Selfish Selfie’ and be part of a movement toward a fairer, kinder world, for all living creatures.” – Dame Virginia McKenna, Born Free’s Co-Founder & Trustee
Thousands of wild animals are being held captive, abused and exploited for financial gain in the souvenir photo prop industry.
Holidaymakers & tourists are unknowingly risking their own health & safety due to potential spread of disease and attack from deeply distressed animals.
Born Free is calling on the public to act urgently to end this suffering and to pledge not to take ‘Selfish Selfies’.
Born Free’s powerful report, ‘Selfish Selfies: The Exploitation of Captive Wild Animals for Souvenir Photos’, is released today.
Today, 1st June 2023: As thousands of Britons prepare to head abroad on their holidays in the coming months, international wildlife charity Born Free is calling on holidaymakers to back its campaign to end the cruel, exploitative, and dangerous practice of using wild animals for souvenir photos, by pledging not to take ‘Selfish Selfies’ this summer.
Around the world, countless captive creatures are being abused and exploited for financial gain at tourist hotspots, attractions, and zoos. This exploitation is capitalising on the public’s ‘love’ of animals, their desire to get close to, and even touch, wild, exotic species, and to have that moment captured on camera.
However, many holidaymakers are unaware of the poor conditions and barbaric treatment these animals often experience. Distressingly, the rise of social media and the aspiration for the perfect selfie, or timeline shot, is now perpetuating this brutal, money-making industry.
The true extent of the cruelty behind the camera clicks in the captive animal photo industry is revealed in Born Free’s powerful report, ‘Selfish Selfies: The Exploitation of Captive Wild Animals for Souvenir Photos’, released today.
The study highlights the serious animal welfare issues, threats to species in the wild, and the public health and safety risks associated with the use of captive wild animals as living props.
While the cruelty may not be immediately evident, animals exploited as photo props may have been subject to any number of cruel practices, including:
Capture from the wild: Photo prop animals are often forcibly removed from their mothers and family groups as babies.
Mutilation: Many have their teeth and claws removed to stop them biting or scratching, and birds may have their wings clipped or pinioned to prevent them flying away.
Manipulation: Photo prop animals may be dressed up, chained, tethered or even sedated using drugs, often concealed in feeding bottles.
Distress: Constant handling and exposure to sun, noise, camera flashes and crowds can be extremely stressful.
Poor housing and care: Photo prop animals may be forced to live in cramped conditions, often suffer malnutrition, and lack medical treatment.
Many animals used for photo opportunities are the innocent victims of the illegal wildlife trade and are taken from the wild, often using cruel trapping methods, or torn from their family groups.
Their mothers and other group members may be killed or injured while trying to defend their babies. These terrified, defenceless animals are stuffed into sacks or cages and taken away to be sold. This horrific trade directly impacts the worrying decrease in populations of endangered, threatened and vulnerable species.
‘Selfish Selfies: The Exploitation of Captive Wild Animals for Souvenir Photos’ lays bare the danger and distress caused to the animals involved. But the report also highlights another, less apparent, danger: the potential harm to human health.
The high risk posed to people from contact with captive wild animals cannot be underestimated. Wild animals are naturally unpredictable and dangerous, particularly when they are stressed and kept in appalling conditions.
As a result, there have been incidents where direct contact with captive wild animals, including posing with animals for photos and selfies, has resulted in human injury and even death.
The report also underlines concerns about the spread of disease. Many animals are carriers of zoonotic pathogens, organisms that can spread from animals to people. These pathogens are most likely to spread in situations where the animals are distressed and in close contact with people, such as during photo prop sessions.
There are hundreds of zoonotic diseases that can spread from animals to humans, including rabies, hepatitis, botulism and salmonellosis, and close contact with an animal may cause infection or the disease to spread.
Born Free is determined to end this dangerous and exploitative industry and is asking the public to take a stand and not have a photo taken with, or pose for selfies with, captive wild animals.
To take action, the first, vital step is to go to www.bornfree.org.uk/selfish-selfies and pledge not to take or be involved in a ‘Selfish Selfie’ this summer. Then share that important message on social media.
There are other important actions the public can take, as tourists and consumers:
Don’t visit or book excursions to facilities that include close contact or photo opportunities with captive wild animals.
Don’t like or share social media posts showing your friends or celebrities posing with captive wild animals.
If you witness animals being used as photo props during an organised tour or excursion, express your disapproval directly to your tour guide or rep. If a hotel, restaurant or other business is involved, complain to the management.
Make a note of the location where photo prop animals were seen. If possible, and it is safe to do so, take a photo or video of the scene. Submit a report via Born Free’s ‘Raise the Red Flag’ online form at bornfree.org.uk/red-flag-report.
Born Free strongly believes the responsibility doesn’t lie only with the public. National governments need to develop, pass and enforce legislation to address animal welfare concerns and protect precious wildlife.
There needs to be better regulation of the global travel industry to prohibit the advertising and sale of activities that negatively impact animal welfare. Travel companies and tour operators need to ensure that they don’t promote or sell excursions that feature animal photo props and close contact activities with captive wild animals.
And social media corporations need to make the publishing of a ‘Selfish Selfie’ a reportable animal cruelty issue.
For decades Born Free has fought for the welfare and freedom from abuse for all captive wild creatures. The troubling prominence of the wild animal photo prop industry in the social media age is the modern face of this battle, one that that the organisation will continue to campaign to end at every level.
‘Selfish Selfies: The Exploitation of Captive Wild Animals for Souvenir Photos’ clearly shows that by working together, the public, holidaymakers, the tourism industry and social media companies can achieve transformative change and end this exploitative industry. Born Free believes the power is literally in all of our hands. Pledge not to take that picture and stop the suffering caused by ‘Selfish Selfies’ – for animals, for humans and for a kinder, fairer world.
Will Travers OBE, Born Free’s Co-Founder and Executive President said, “Selfish Selfies, the taking of selfie photos with captive live animals, has been one of the least understood forms of animal abuse, until now.
“It seems such an innocent activity and yet, as our report shows, the negative impacts on the health and welfare of the animals involved, and on the people taking part, who risk injury or the possibility of contracting a disease, and who, without realising it, are perpetuating a brutal and cruel activity that causes immense trauma and suffering, can no longer be ignored.
“I would urge everyone to read the report and to pledge never to have their photo taken with a captive wild animal, however tempting it may be. I also call on all social media platforms to make the publishing of a Selfish Selfie, a reportable animal cruelty issue.”
Dr Mark Jones, Born Free’s Head of Policy added, “The chance to get as close as possible to wild animals, perhaps even touch and hold them, is often a strong temptation.
“This temptation is exploited by those wanting to profit at the expense of the animals involved and it has sadly become increasingly common for captive wild animals to be used as living props for souvenir photos and selfie opportunities at popular tourist destinations and attractions around the world.
“People might question what real harm that one quick ‘must have’ photo could cause, but it should be remembered that there are many other people handling or posing with the same animal, every single day, with serious health and welfare implications for the animals, health and safety risks for any people involved, and threats to species in the wild.”
Sarah Jefferson, Born Free’s Captivity Campaigns Information Coordinator, concluded, “Born Free strongly advises people not to support the animal photo prop industry or pose for selfies with captive wild animals.
“We receive hundreds of tourist reports via our Raise the Red Flag platform concerning the use of animals for souvenir photos and we encourage people to speak out when they witness such exploitation and to voice their concerns further with their tour operator or travel agent, to any zoo or facility involved, and to the relevant tourism authorities in the country they are visiting. We need people to take action to bring this cruel exploitation to an end.”
