One of Australia’s oldest zoos is holding thousands of animals captive. This is Adelaide Zoo in South Australia.
From native species held behind bars in their own country to entire families born into captivity, the stories and origins of these animals may vary but one thing is true for all - they are all here against their will.
Some like the giraffes, Komodo dragon and giant pandas have been transported from other zoos or protected wildlife centres, while others like the hamadryas baboons were each born here - the concrete walls and glass panels will be the only life they know.
Many animals suffer psychologically in captivity. Our investigators filmed a Sumatran tiger pacing repeatedly, jumping and clawing at the glass, a red panda running in circles around their enclosure and intelligent primates languishing behind bars.
Gibbons, alligators, penguins, meerkats and other species, have their young taken from them and sent to other institutions.The zoo also partakes in the breeding of non-endangered animals, and uses animals for paid encounters.
At Adelaide Zoo, each of the animals are treated as commodities - born or captured, confined, bred, showcased and exploited. Captivity isn’t cute.
Instead of going to a zoo or commercial wildlife park, help protect animals in their natural environments. Choose an ethical alternative when visiting South Australia.
