 Japan's
bear parks still leave animals begging for change
WSPA
WSPA and Japanese animal welfare group ALIVE shows how hundreds of bears
continue to be kept on public display in open concrete pits in a new report
released on the 4th December 2003. In the medieval conditions of Japan's
eight bear parks, bears are encouraged to fight and beg for food thrown
at them by tourists.
The conditions in the bear parks contravene the recommendations and standards
set forth by the Japanese government and the Japanese Association of Zoological
Gardens and Aquariums. Since investigations began 12 years ago, WSPA and
ALIVE have repeatedly called for essential improvements to the health
and welfare conditions at the bear parks, and lobbied the Japanese government
for an effective law which protects animals in captivity.
Despite WSPA and ALIVE recommendations to bear park owners and government
officials, the new report confirms little action has been taken and bears
still receive inappropriate food and are provided with insufficient space,
shelter, enrichment and veterinary care.
Victor Watkins, Director of WSPA's Libearty campaign, described the conditions
of the parks; "Dozens of bears are crowded into bare concrete pits
where they are left hungry for most of the day and tormented by crowds
of visitors who tease them by throwing in 'bear biscuits' and watching
the ensuing fights that take place. Bears injured in fights often have
their wounds left untreated and many distressed bears display stereotypic
behaviour, rocking back and forth on the spot."
The cubs born into a life of captivity in the already overcrowded bear
pits risk being killed and eaten by adult bears. Some are taken from their
mothers when just a few weeks old to be kept chained in a petting area
as a public attraction, causing them extreme stress and suffering. In
three parks, Noboribetsu, Aso and Okuhida, cubs are forced to do bizarre
circus acts such as handstands or riding a bicycle. These tricks are taught
through a training process reportedly based on fear and punishment.
Watkins continues, "It's disheartening that the parks have failed
to meet even the basic recommended welfare standards.
Japan's bear parks display a shameful disregard
for animal welfare, which is taking its toll on
hundreds of captive bears that are exploited for
entertainment. It is high time that the Japanese
government passed an animal welfare law that will
bring Japan's treatment of animals into line with
that of the rest of the developed world."
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