Mobile Zoos and Other Itinerant Animal Handling Events: Current Status and Recommendations for Future Policies

Abstract

Mobile zoos are events in which non-domesticated (exotic) and domesticated species are transported to venues such as schools, hospitals, parties, and community centres, for the purposes of education, entertainment, or social and therapeutic assistance. We conducted literature searches and surveyed related government agencies regarding existing provisions within laws and policies, number of mobile zoos, and formal guidance issued concerning operation of such events in 74 countries or regions. We also examined governmental and non-governmental guidance standards for mobile zoos, as well as websites for mobile zoo operations, assessed promotional or educational materials for scientific accuracy, and recorded the diversity of species in use. We used the EMODE (Easy, Moderate, Difficult, or Extreme) algorithm, to evaluate identified species associated with mobile zoos for their suitability for keeping. We recorded 14 areas of concern regarding animal biology and public health and safety, and 8 areas of false and misleading content in promotional or educational materials. We identified at least 341 species used for mobile zoos. Mobile zoos are largely unregulated, unmonitored, and uncontrolled, and appear to be increasing. Issues regarding poor animal welfare, public health and safety, and education raise several serious concerns. Using the precautionary principle when empirical evidence was not available, we advise that exotic species should not be used for mobile zoos and similar itinerant events.

Analysis of Strategies to Improve Human Resource Performance in Employees Technical Implementation Unit Paser Belengkong Animal Health Center

“…Formulation of strategic alternatives for resource performance improvement strategies Human (HR) at UPT Puskeswn Paser Belengkong who is in position Quadrant I is an aggressive strategy, so the SO strategy (Strength Opportunities) is chosen (Warwick et al, 2023). Aggressive strategies for increased strength increase opportunities is by utilizing the existing strengths of UPT Puskeswn Paser Belengkong to take and expand existing opportunities.…”

Assessment of Animal Welfare at an Exotic Animal Fair in Poland: A Focus on the Quality of Exhibition Containers for Reptiles and Amphibians

“…Exotic animal fairs attract many enthusiasts and lovers of exotic species. However, during these events, many potential threats must be considered [24,25]. During exotic animal fairs, many people can directly contact various animal species.…”

“…Refs. [5,6,10,[17][18][19]23,24,39,54,[58][59][60]67,[78][79][80][81][82][83][84][85][86][87][88] are cited in supplementary materials. Funding: This research received no external funding.…”