BirdLife objects to proposed zoo

BirdLife Malta has objected to a proposal to set up a zoo in Malta, saying zoos did not foster a real appreciation of biodiversity or its conservation.

The environment organisation called the idea antiquated and one that would encourage illegal trade in wild animals.

BirdLife's statement was in response to a proposal by Dr Paul Simonini, reported in The Times on Saturday, to create an equestrian centre and zoological gardens, both for their entertainment and educational values.

The trade in wild animals was a major global illicit trade activity and many wild parrot species were facing extinction as a result of the demand generated by this activity, BirdLife said.

Zoos, BirdLife stressed, have never been the solution for the protection of animals. The best way to do so was to protect their natural habitat, not by breeding them.

It said China had been captive-breeding giant pandas for almost half a century, and had nothing to show for it except a history of failed pregnancy attempts.

Dr Simonini's proposal also met with opposition from the Malta Animal Rights Coalition, made up of six animal protection NGOs.