I do agree that there are species that need captive attention but zoos refuse to give them attention. (Western Ring Tailed Possum) but we have plenty of resources to care for exotic species the problem is the mindset of thre government and by extension the ZAA.
Our import laws even for zoos are unreasonably strict meaning that zoos concentrate on easy to keep and money making (even non for profit zoos) species flushing out both natives and exotics.
The main problem though is the native mammals that do get attention, our most endangered mammals are small rodents, possums and the occasional macropod and a few others. Conservation efforts for the northern Hairy Nosed Wombat are abysmal, zoos need to constantly monitor the population so in case of an emergency they can take action if needed.
The worst problem is some of the places themselves. Phillip Island Wildife park for example has horrible husbandry conditions and has absolutely no benefit to conservation and is much more popular than moonlit Sanctuary who does a little bit for conservation but is 30 minutes to an hour away from the major holiday areas.
The issue is that zoos are solely focused on entertaining the public first and foremost but the other big problem is that major zoos are getting lazy and converting old and possible space into more kid and playground areas even if the zoo already has five.
The biggest enemies to conservation are children (like under 10), and Koalas .[/QUOTE]
Our import laws even for zoos are unreasonably strict meaning that zoos concentrate on easy to keep and money making (even non for profit zoos) species flushing out both natives and exotics.
The main problem though is the native mammals that do get attention, our most endangered mammals are small rodents, possums and the occasional macropod and a few others. Conservation efforts for the northern Hairy Nosed Wombat are abysmal, zoos need to constantly monitor the population so in case of an emergency they can take action if needed.
The worst problem is some of the places themselves. Phillip Island Wildife park for example has horrible husbandry conditions and has absolutely no benefit to conservation and is much more popular than moonlit Sanctuary who does a little bit for conservation but is 30 minutes to an hour away from the major holiday areas.
The issue is that zoos are solely focused on entertaining the public first and foremost but the other big problem is that major zoos are getting lazy and converting old and possible space into more kid and playground areas even if the zoo already has five.
The biggest enemies to conservation are children (like under 10), and Koalas .[/QUOTE]
