I always find it somewhat amusing how many raccoons are kept in European zoos, considering how easy it is to see them here in the States. I could literally take a short walk outside right now and have a decent chance of seeing a large group of them. When I was a teenager, I always had to kick the dumpster before throwing our trash bags in so that the critters could jump out and run away!
Sorry, that was rather a cryptically villainous comment...
Not long for raccoons in Europe – they're being phased out as a result of the EU Invasive Alien Species Regulation. One or two other species on the list might also raise your eyebrows, given their present ubiquity.
Just looked over the list. Muntjac, coati, and African ibis all surprised me. Understandable why the EU would want to take these measures, I'm aware that raccoons are an invasive species in Germany at least. It is a shame that they have to be phased out, though.
With Brexit upcoming, will these phase-outs occur in the UK as well?
Ah, but it specifies ring-tailed coati
UK zoos are legally required to adhere to the regulations until we formally leave the EU. After that is anyone's guess.
