A recently published report by animal welfare protection organisation Wild Welfare examined the impacts of COVID-19 on captive animals. Therein, it predicted that animal welfare standards experienced a decline during the pandemic.
The loss of visitor-derived incomes, as a result of the closure of zoos, aquariums, and other animal facilities, created financial difficulties for many areas of the industry. With or without visitor, the animals still required the same care and maintenance.
In their report, Wild Welfare reported that “The ability to provide adequate care is directly linked to the number and quality of animal care staff available and the provision of suitably maintained environments or enclosures.”
The charity believes that many animals have, regrettably, suffered from declining standards during the pandemic.
