Zoos and aquariums are often involved in international movements of trade in wild and captive-bred animals.

CITES general-secretary speaks at WAZA annual conference

Zoos and aquariums are being urged to support wildlife trade regulations and join the fight against wildlife trafficking.

Speaking at the annual conference of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), CITES secretary-general John Scanlon said: “We all want you to be able to enjoy wildlife for generations to come and you all have a role to play here.

“There are many threats to wildlife and the most immediate threat to many species is coming from the illegal trade in wildlife. We need ‘all hands on deck’ if we are going to win this fight and we must win it in quick time.”

Zoos and aquariums are often involved in international movements of trade in wild and captive-bred animals, many of which are protected under CITES (Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). They include lions, frogs, flamingos, parrots, tigers and sharks.

In his speech, Mr Scanlon also urged zoos and aquariums to continue and strengthen their support for wildlife conservation, animal welfare and education. He said that more can be done to educate zoo visitors about CITES, including how they can help by not buying illegally-sourced wildlife products

Welcoming the call, WAZA president Jenny Gray, said: “WAZA and its members realise we can play a central role in the battle against the illegal trade in wildlife - in fact, we have no choice: it is something we must do.

“Our expertise is needed more now than ever, and it is our obligation to set up and ensure that the WAZA community does all it can to win this fight.”

CITES has offered to provide support in developing materials for WAZA members worldwide to display. WAZA members are also being invited to observe World Wildlife Day 2018 under the theme ‘to protect big cats around the world’.