It’s a sad reality but many people have no idea what goes on behind the scenes at their local zoo. Many people believe they are supporting animal conservation, but in reality, they are funding a cruel industry where animals are kept in cramped cages for profit. This is why it’s so important to get the truth out, and that’s exactly what Freedom for Animals (FFA) does.
Exposing the Truth: Uncovering the Hidden Suffering
As an investigator for FFA, I’ve spent years visiting zoos, aquariums, and mobile zoos across the globe. My job is to gather evidence of the conditions animals are forced to endure and share it with the public.
Sometimes, I go undercover as a regular visitor, taking pictures and documenting the environment. Other times, I need to go deeper, working undercover to capture video footage from behind the scenes.
The truth is, these animals live in a perpetual state of confinement. And while their misery is heartbreaking, it’s also a testament to the critical work we do at FFA. Every investigation makes a difference! The images and videos we expose spark conversations about zoos and aquariums, and change public perception. Ultimately, we hope to see these facilities shut down for good.
The Zoo Industry: A Cruel Reality for Animals
Every year, FFA highlights the realities of the zoo industry during our annual Zoo Awareness Weekend. This year, we focused on Sea Life London Aquarium, a facility built underground where many of the animals will never see the light of day.
One particularly disturbing observation was the group of penguins, denied access to fresh air and natural light. Instead, they are forced to live in a small, artificial space with only a small pool and a wall painting of their natural habitat as “enrichment.”
Gentoo penguins, native to the Antarctic, travel vast distances each year to find food and care for their families. They are lively and social animals, incredibly well-suited to their natural Arctic environment, not a concrete cage filled with fake snow and artificial light.
Seeing nine penguins, at least four of whom sat facing the wall, was devastating. One penguin remained motionless, staring at the painted wall, an eerie reflection of his lost home. How can this cruelty be allowed?
A Cage is a Cage, No Matter How Pretty the Decorations
The zoos and aquariums often try to mask the reality of captivity by using painted landscapes and fake plants. This attempt to create a “natural” environment is nothing more than a sad attempt to fool visitors.
Imagine being trapped in a prison for your entire life, with no hope of escape. That’s the reality for the penguins, and countless other animals held in tanks at Sea Life London Aquarium.
Gus, a giant albino gourami fish, was another heartbreaking sight. Swimming alone in a small tank, he seemed utterly defeated. People laughed at his appearance, but to me, he was a symbol of the suffering inflicted on these animals. In the wild, Gus would inhabit large rivers and lakes, traveling long distances. Instead, he is confined to a small tank with no enrichment, a cruel and unnatural existence.
Phoenix, a green turtle, was another victim of captivity. I watched her swim back and forth, pressing her flippers against the tank walls, desperately trying to escape her confinement. In the wild, she would migrate thousands of miles, returning to the same beach where she was born to lay her eggs. But in the aquarium, her natural instincts and ancient journeys are denied.
Our Mission: Empowering Change Through Awareness
Through investigations like these, we can show the public the true cost of captivity. We can shine a light on the suffering and help raise awareness. Because when public attitudes change, long-term change begins. Please donate to our appeal today, and help us continue to expose the truth about the zoo industry. Together, we can help these animals.
(All images taken on Sealife London Aquarium investigation by FFA).
