The animal rights organization World animal protection works for stronger animal protection, including in zoos. They want the Swedish Work Environment Authority to take the initiative for a “fundamental review of the safety situation” at all of Sweden’s zoos.
– This is another example of a systematic error where I think that work environment work seems to be neglected, says Sandra Jönsson, an expert at the organization, about the chimpanzees’ escape.
The incident at Furuviksparken follows several escapes and accidents at Swedish zoos. In November, one of the world’s most venomous snakes – a king cobra – escaped from the Skansen Aquarium, and at the Öland Zoo, a zookeeper was mauled to death by an eland antelope at the end of the summer.
– Now it has been a bit much for them to be seen as individual cases. The industry must get to the bottom of what kind of animal husbandry you should have. There are a number of zoos that deliver as you would expect but there is too much sprawl.
“The situation can create dangerous animals”
How the chimpanzees at Furviksparken got out of their enclosure is still unclear, but it ended with three being shot dead. Sandra Jönsson believes it was a safety measure because animals living in captivity are not as shy as wild animals.
– Chimpanzees are incredibly strong for being so small and cute. If they end up in situations where they feel crowded, they do like any other individual and defend themselves. The situation can create dangerous animals.
Louise Carlsson, nature conservation expert at WWF who visited Morgonstudion, is also critical.
– This should never have happened. Something has gone wrong from the start. They must not escape.
Djurparksföreningen: Work still to be done
The member organization Swedish zoos association, of which Furuviksparken is a part, feels confident about the safety of Swedish zoos despite several serious incidents. But Daniel Rooth, zoologist and press liaison, admits there is work to be done.
– Unfortunately, we have had a couple of fairly close things now. We are well-visited tourist destinations, so it is clear that it is seen and noticed in the media when things happen. We have challenges in our facilities where there are deficiencies, he says.
At the beginning of next year, the organization will begin work with updated advice and regulations regarding safety and work environment work.
Hear conservation expert Louise Carlsson at WWF tell more about chimpanzees in the clip above.