There has recently been a string of vandalism and animals escaping from zoos in the U.S. Flaco, a Eurasian eagle-owl, escaped from the Central Park Zoo in New York City earlier this month. He’s currently living freely in Central Park.
The Dallas Zoo has experienced numerous security issues recently, including the escape of two emperor tamarins and a leopard. The animals were later recovered. Unfortunately, that was not the fate of Pin, a lapped faced vulture who also escaped, but was found dead of an apparent stab wound.
These stories raise important security and animal welfare considerations of captive wildlife in zoos. Born Free USA Programs Director, Dr. Liz Tyson, was interviewed by The Dallas Observer regarding these concerns and our work to encourage zoos to phase out the keeping of wild animals.