After Cebu City Zoo visit PETA says animals ‘lack space’

CEBU, Philippines - The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia is asking the Cebu City government to improve the city zoo because the animals' cages are too small for them.

"Many of the animals are being housed in severely inadequate cages. Although all the enclosures at the facility urgently need upgrades, our biggest concern is the lack of space allowing no freedom of movement for the monkeys, civets and snakes," said Jason Baker, PETA Asia vice president for international operations.

PETA recommends to the city government for it to adopt a policy prohibiting the breeding, buying, selling and trading of animals "to better care for the ones already in the facility and make the most of limited financial resources."

Aside from adopting the said policy, Baker said the Cebu City Zoo management should work closely with veterinary schools, ensure that enclosures are well-designed for the animals' mental and physical needs, and provide appropriate and sufficient food and clean water.

In a recent visit to the zoo, Baker said their inspector found out that almost of the cages are undersized and no sufficient amount of water were stored, particularly in the crocodile's enclosure.

"Water is very essential to the well-being of crocodiles. Without water deep enough to swim and float, crocodiles are not able to thermoregulate (allows an organism to maintain its temperature) their bodies," he explained.

Baker said the animal facility does not have enough space to accommodate enclosures for all the existing animals.

"I know that you share our concern about the welfare of animals and want to improve the conditions at the zoo," he said, stressing that there is a dire need to enhance animal welfare particularly in the zoo.

The PETA's letter was earlier endorsed by Dr. Librado Macaraya Jr., chairman of the Cebu City Parks and Playgrounds Commission to the City Council.

In its session last week, however, the council referred the letter back to Macaraya and to Cebu City Zoo Giovanni Romarate for "appropriate actions." — (FREEMAN)