Infobus: ACRES

At some zoos and marine parks, including many throughout Asia, animals are still made to perform in circus-style animal shows. Animals forced into such “entertainment”, like cycling bears, golfing orangutans and fire-hoop jumping tigers, endure enormous stress and pain. The training methods for performing animals at certain zoos, marine parks and circuses have been documented to include beatings, food deprivation, drugging and removing or impairing their teeth and claws. Often, these animals are not given adequate housing or care and live in appalling conditions when not performing.

It is clear that the welfare of many captive wild animals is severely compromised by the substandard conditions that they live in and the way that they are exploited in circus-style shows or photography sessions. We can help by not supporting those captive establishments which exploit wild animals or keep them in substandard conditions.

Since 2001, ACRES (Animal Concerns, Research, and Education Society) has been working to improve the welfare of zoo animals throughout Asia. So if you want to do your part and learn what you can do to help these animals, come on down to the Infobus from 1730 to 1930h and listen to what ACRES has to say!