Dr. Koen Margodt

Zoos have been in the news recently for killing healthy animals. Some zoo people focus on typical prey animals, but want to expand this to all animals in their care, including great apes and dolphins. In this essay, I explain that this fits within the context of zoos struggling to establish viable breeding programs. They want to keep too many species, often not endangered, and face serious breeding problems. One solution is to kill unwanted animals; another would be to keep fewer species. I also outline the risks of this approach for companion animals and animals living in the wild. It turns the clock back decades, if not centuries. At the very least, zoos should keep fewer species in larger enclosures. Even better would be to transform zoos into sanctuaries—places that truly respect animals as individuals and do their utmost for each one. Besides the animals themselves, this issue clearly creates tensions between conservationists and other animal advocates.

We have written an open letter to the people and authorities of the Faroe Islands, asking them to end the hunt of pilot whales and other cetaceans. Together with Dr Jane Goodall and other experts, we argue that cultural traditions need to adjust to respect animal welfare. The way these highly sensitive sea mammals are killed is even illegal in many slaughterhouses.

Together with Dr Jane Goodall and other members of the Jane Goodall Institute's Ethics and Cetacean committees, I'm deeply saddened by the death of the beluga Hvaldimir. The body of Hvaldimir was found by fishermen, floating in the waters off Norway late August. A necropsy has been undertaken to determine the cause of his death but to this point, the full results have not yet been released. Preliminary information shared by the police indicates that he has not been killed intentionally, even though some claimed he had been shot.

Hvaldimir's life was a combination of tragedy and positivity. Tragedy, because he should never have been kept in captivity. Positivity, as there were so many special moments between him and the many people caring for him. Recently, we signed a letter so that he would not be moved to a remote location, far away from familiar humans. There was no perfect solution, but based upon scientific and ethical considerations, we genuinely believed this was the best option for him. We had to respect his autonomy, his freedom of choice as a smart, sensitive individual.

His death is a double tragedy, as some have been using intimidating tactics, blaming others for his unfortunate death. I've seen copies of messages by some animal advocates which are morally and legally deeply troublesome. I firmly believe that, even if we disagree on particular viewpoints, we should always aim towards building bridges of dialogue. There's no other road forward.

Let us be inspired by kindness, as Hvaldimir showed towards us. His sad passing is a poignant reminder to us all that to create a more respectful world for all animals, we, as humans must also respect one another.

Finally, I'd like to express my deep appreciation for the efforts by animal advocates such as Sebastian Strand of Marine Mind, Audun Rikardsen and Ingrid Visser.