Creationist zoo suspended for animal treatment violations

Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, a private zoo near Bristol in England, has had its membership in the British and Irish Association of Zoos (BIAZA) suspended pending an investigation of charges of breach of conduct. The zoo which, along with exhibiting animals, preaches Creationism, is not being suspended for promoting an anti-science agenda (a British Humanist Association news release states that "The zoo, which advances creationism, seeks to discredit a wide variety of established scientific facts that challenge their religious views, such as radio carbon dating, the fossil record and the speed of light."), but for problems with its treatment of animals.

 

An undercover investigation by the Captive Animals Protection Society revealed numerous breaches of animal welfare standards including the breeding of animals for a circus (the Great British Circus, which uses live animals in its shows) as well as improper disposal of animal carcasses. In the latter instance, CAPS discovered that a tiger which had died in childbirth, was skinned, had its head and feet cut off and stored in a freezer, and the remainder buried on Noah's Ark Farm Zoo property. This contravened regulations that require such animals to be sent off for cremation. A video taken by the undercover investigator shows the graphic evidence and catches Anthony Bush, the zoo owner, and another zoo volunteer, describing how they hid what was being done and mislead regulators.

 

More information on how Noah's Ark Zoo Farm promotes Creationism and denigrates science and humanism, can be found here and here.

 

 

Photo Credit:

1) Dead and skinned tiger (photo from Wild Aid)

 

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