KZN Wildlife sets the record straight on Draft Captive Wild Animal Policy

Draft Captive Wild Animal Policy
August 9, 2006; Dr Jean Harris and Jeff Gaisford

Globally, nationally and provincially the welfare of wild animals living outside their natural environment (ex situ) either in captivity, or in some form of holding, is the cause of great concern, as are the risks to biodiversity, and wild populations that uncontrolled trading translocations and releases of wild animals pose. This has spurred Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) to begin developing relevant draft policies in KZN. It seeks to develop a consistent framework that prevents damage to biodiversity and contributes to conservation, while setting standards to safeguard the welfare of affected wild animals.

The process began three years ago with the development of a draft primate policy in close consultation with a wide range of stakeholders. During the course of this process it became obvious that an umbrella policy was necessary for all aspects of ex situ animal management. Stakeholders were invited to submit their comments to EKZNW to assist in refining the draft policy and were given a month to submit their material. A public meeting was held during this period (2 September) in order to allow them to workshop their ideas with us. A two week extension was granted shortly after this.

At the Public Meeting held on 2 September, EKZNW readily agreed to undertake further consultation processes on the umbrella ex situ policy, and this has been communicated to every person who had submitted comment so far, including the film industry, circus representatives and the KZNAIA. This is in recognition that the draft ex situ umbrella policy is relatively recently developed by EKZNW, and is in line with our commitment to consult meaningfully with all key stakeholders groups. We are therefore, with regard to this draft policy, at the start of a process. We feel that some stakeholders have jumped the gun in claiming that they have not been consulted sufficiently. We appeal to them all to come to the party and assist us in developing a policy that has the best interests of captive wild species at heart.

Contrary to published claims, the draft Policy for the management of ex situ animals in KwaZulu-Natal, is intended to enable (not ban) the registration and permitting of both sanctuaries and rehabilitation centres, but requires that they meet minimum standards. Facilities keeping animals for display (e.g. zoos, crocodile farms, bird parks and falconers) would not be put out of business by this policy but rather, provided they meet standards of animal husbandry and contribute to conservation research and awareness (by providing educational material as is done at Ushaka Marine World), they will be afforded accreditation and streamlined permitting. The policy does seek to address the existing problems and lack of standards in the use of wild animals for entertainment (e.g. chimpanzees, lions and elephants in circuses and the film industry) and the breeding and trading of exotic wild species as pets. We are more than willing to engage with these stakeholders and to listen to their concerns and suggestions. EKZNW (who issues the permits for keeping wild animals in captivity) cannot abrogate its responsibility to practice due diligence and to aim for ethical conservation practices and humane use of wild animals. Our aim is to achieve a management framework for ex situ wild animals that is synergistic with national legislation and international best-practice.

The draft ex situ primate policy currently out for public comment was developed over 3 years in intensive consultation with stakeholders to establish criteria for registering primate centres, while setting standards for care and management of primates in captivity. Primates are highly intelligent, social animals, and have special needs in captivity, and the policy and standards reflect this. EKZNW intends to move ahead swiftly to finalise these documents, taking the comments received into consideration and undertaking further consultation with specific stakeholder groups if necessary.
Some confusion and semantic debate about policies and legislation has been introduced into the process. A policy is a document approved by the KZN Nature Conservation Board, containing standards giving effect to legislation and best practice. It assists to determine and direct decisions and actions of staff within EKZNW while providing guidance to the public. They affect stakeholders directly in that they guide staff during the normal course of business in, for example, the issue of permits. Thus it is essential to offer policies for public comment before adoption.

EKZNW thanks the public for engaging in this process, and for all the comments received to date. Despite valid concerns and valuable criticisms raised by some stakeholder groups, we have received many supportive comments. We strongly believe that we are ALL at the drawing board in an effort to compile a set of standards that address the issues of all parties involved and, most importantly, the wellbeing of captive wildlife and the safeguarding of our biodiversity assets.

(This article was co-authored by Dr Jean Harris and Jeff Gaisford and published in the Witness on 3 October 2006)