Auckland Zoo Aukland Zoo Soon to display Scarlet X Macaw in a mixed exhibit
- Thread starter Danale
- Start date
I'm biting my tongue Danale!
What's the big deal? Can you please explain?
I think they're talking about it being a hybrid. Unfortunately there are very few macaws in NZ and breeders often hybridise them. From their perspective it is understandable. In NZ macaws cost tens of thousands of dollars each, and if they can only get a scarlet and a blue-and-gold then they probably feel somewhat compelled to breed them together to create some babies to sell to make back their outlay
I could be wrong here , but my understanding is that it is VERY difficult for NZ zoos to obtain foreign species of birds -- ERMA , MAF , DoC red tapes , restrictions , prohibitions etc .......regardless of cost .
Personally , if the bird passes quarantine/health issues , I am more than happy for the zoo to display it , although if there is a reputable birder in NZ that can pair it with a suitable partner for breeding , that would be ideal !
Personally , if the bird passes quarantine/health issues , I am more than happy for the zoo to display it , although if there is a reputable birder in NZ that can pair it with a suitable partner for breeding , that would be ideal !
I can't "let it out" until you tell us more!!!!
Like, what is the purpose behind the decision to display a hybrid bird in contravention of ARAZPA's stated position on hybrids?
I dont know what the ARAZPAs stated position is on hybrids , or on displaying hybrids .
Most people who visit zoos wouldnt even know what "hybrid" is , or know of ARAZPAs existance and why they make policy.
Why cant the zoo use this as an example and explain to people about the whole issue of zoos and restraints .
Auckland Zoo does some education on ocean pollution problems , rain forest depletion issues , as well as displaying animals .
If the zoo can try to educate the people on any other issue involving zoos and conservation , studbooks , etc , they will have to display something to prove the point ?
I know that there are the %age of people who decide that they cant read on the days that they go to the zoo , but zoos still have to try to educate people
Most people who visit zoos wouldnt even know what "hybrid" is , or know of ARAZPAs existance and why they make policy.
Why cant the zoo use this as an example and explain to people about the whole issue of zoos and restraints .
Auckland Zoo does some education on ocean pollution problems , rain forest depletion issues , as well as displaying animals .
If the zoo can try to educate the people on any other issue involving zoos and conservation , studbooks , etc , they will have to display something to prove the point ?
I know that there are the %age of people who decide that they cant read on the days that they go to the zoo , but zoos still have to try to educate people
I'm assuming this new one is a bird that has been donated to the zoo (rather than bought by them)?
Auckland already has blue and gold macaws, is that right?
Auckland already has blue and gold macaws, is that right?
Official response from Auckland Zoo
Hi Nigel
Thanks for your query. I apologise for the lateness of this reply which was due to me being away from my office for a few days.
So, to your questions; I am working on the premise that the relevant ARAZPA policy that your contributor refers to is part 17 of the Code of Practice, which currently states:
"ARAZPA institutions… Do not selectively breed wildlife for characteristics not representative of corresponding wild populations, unless it can be demonstrated that the result of such breeding will assist in delivering a positive message about conservation values and the conservation of wildlife. Spaces needed for direct conservation and/or education purposes should not be compromised by such a breeding decision."
(As a matter of interest I understand that there is currently a move to amend this policy so that it covers acquisition through methods other than breeding, and yet allows for members to acquire such animals for welfare reasons on the understanding that spaces needed for direct conservation and/or education purposes should not be compromised by such a decision.)
So I'm afraid that it would be inaccurate to state that the decision to display a hybrid bird 'is in contravention of ARAZPA's stated position on hybrids' as we haven't contravened any ARAZPA policy - although a hybrid macaw did come into our collection, we didn't breed it. It is also true to say that we acquired the macaw as a response to a stated welfare need, as the group dynamics in which it had been placed were not commensurate with safeguarding its future wellbeing.
In response to the question as to what purpose was behind the decision to display this macaw, I decided to do so as I am of the firm opinion that it will assist in delivering a positive message to our visitors about conservation… and that spaces needed for other purposes won't be compromised (there are no ASMP programs for macaws.)
I hope this answers your questions and many thanks for your kind comments about our FOTZ Newsletter.
Kind regards
Charles Cadwallader
Curator, Life Sciences
Hi Nigel
Thanks for your query. I apologise for the lateness of this reply which was due to me being away from my office for a few days.
So, to your questions; I am working on the premise that the relevant ARAZPA policy that your contributor refers to is part 17 of the Code of Practice, which currently states:
"ARAZPA institutions… Do not selectively breed wildlife for characteristics not representative of corresponding wild populations, unless it can be demonstrated that the result of such breeding will assist in delivering a positive message about conservation values and the conservation of wildlife. Spaces needed for direct conservation and/or education purposes should not be compromised by such a breeding decision."
(As a matter of interest I understand that there is currently a move to amend this policy so that it covers acquisition through methods other than breeding, and yet allows for members to acquire such animals for welfare reasons on the understanding that spaces needed for direct conservation and/or education purposes should not be compromised by such a decision.)
So I'm afraid that it would be inaccurate to state that the decision to display a hybrid bird 'is in contravention of ARAZPA's stated position on hybrids' as we haven't contravened any ARAZPA policy - although a hybrid macaw did come into our collection, we didn't breed it. It is also true to say that we acquired the macaw as a response to a stated welfare need, as the group dynamics in which it had been placed were not commensurate with safeguarding its future wellbeing.
In response to the question as to what purpose was behind the decision to display this macaw, I decided to do so as I am of the firm opinion that it will assist in delivering a positive message to our visitors about conservation… and that spaces needed for other purposes won't be compromised (there are no ASMP programs for macaws.)
I hope this answers your questions and many thanks for your kind comments about our FOTZ Newsletter.
Kind regards
Charles Cadwallader
Curator, Life Sciences
What you can read in the thread is what I got .... it sounds like this case it was an issue of animal welfare .
I cant honestly see Auckland Zoo deliberately contravening ARAZPA , and would they decide to do it if it may mean more emails from myself/others asking them to explain their position .
I cant honestly see Auckland Zoo deliberately contravening ARAZPA , and would they decide to do it if it may mean more emails from myself/others asking them to explain their position .
