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JAPAN-A report highlighting the terrible conditions in two of the largest bear parks in Japan has been published by WSPA and the World Association for Zoos and Aquariums(WAZA)
WSPA Director of Campaigns, Leah Garces, said: "The conditions in these bear parks are appalling. The international zoo community is backing the claims we have made for several years and now the implementation of the report 's recommendations are key to improving the welfare of the bears in these parks".
Key welfare issues outlined in the report include, severe overcrowding and fighting due to unchecked breeding, inadequate nutrition due to unsupervised public feeding and untreated injuries due to almost non-existent veterinary care and unmanageable conditions.
The Japanese Association for Zoos and Aquariums has subsequently carried out its own investigation of these parks and has also upheld claims by WSPA and WAZA about the substandard and unsatisfactory conditions.
WSPA has been campaigning for many years to improve the welfare of bears in these facilities and hopes the report will prove to be a significant catalyst for change.