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Petting Zoos: Conservation or Exploitation

Wong Siew Lyn, Co-Founder and Editor, Macaranga | Lee Kwai Han, Environmental Journalist and Contributing Writer, Macaranga

13-Jan-25 15:00

Petting Zoos: Conservation or Exploitation

Petting zoos, with their promise of up-close wildlife encounters, have surged in popularity, blending education, entertainment, and exotic allure. Yet, as highlighted in Macaranga's latest two-part investigative report (Petting Wildlife Sending Mixed Signals and Jury Out on Whether Petting Zoos Aid Conservation), these facilities often walk a fine line between fostering conservation awareness and inadvertently harming wildlife. From stress-induced behaviours in animals to ethical concerns about sourcing exotic species and the risk of zoonotic diseases, the articles probe the complex realities of petting zoos in Malaysia. Joining us to discuss this are Macaranga co-founder and editor Wong Siew Lyn, and writer Lee Kwai Han, to explore the deeper implications of petting zoos on wildlife welfare, conservation, and public perception.

Image credits: Lee Kwai Han, Shutterstock

Produced by: Juliet Jacobs

Presented by: Juliet Jacobs


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Categories:  environmentLaw/Activism

Tags:  wildlife centresthe bigger pictureearth matterspetting zooswildlife conservationillegal wildlife tradeillegal wildlife pet tradecitesperhilitananimal welfare





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