In many zoos, animals are kept in conditions that fall short of acceptable welfare standards. In some cases, the physical, psychological, and behavioural needs of the animals are only partially met—or worse, entirely neglected—leading to poor welfare outcomes and prolonged suffering.
ACRES is often approached by concerned members of the public who raise issues about the treatment of animals in specific zoos. To assess these concerns, we conduct Zoo Surveys—a comprehensive evaluation of the animals’ living conditions, focusing on whether their Five Freedoms are being met. These freedoms serve as internationally recognised benchmarks for animal welfare, and failure to meet them often indicates serious welfare issues. Learn more about our Zoo Animal Welfare – ACRES.
In many of our assessments, we have observed animals displaying abnormal behaviours—clear indicators of psychological distress. When such signs are present, ACRES may carry out scientific behavioural studies, which involve prolonged observation of the animals to gain an in-depth understanding of their daily routines, behaviour patterns, and potential stressors. The findings from these studies are compiled and shared with the respective zoo, along with tailored recommendations for improvement.
ACRES also collaborates with individual zoos and zoo associations, both locally and internationally, to raise awareness, exchange knowledge, and promote best practices in zoo animal welfare. Our goal is to collectively address substandard conditions where they exist and improve the welfare of animals in captivity through constructive engagement and capacity-building.
In 2008, ACRES conducted Zoo Animal Welfare Workshops in Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore for NGOs, government agencies, and members of the public. These workshops equip participants with the knowledge and tools to conduct their own Zoo Surveys and engage meaningfully with the zoo industry to advocate for better conditions.
How else can zoo animals be protected?
Governments play a critical role. Robust legislation is essential to regulate zoos, protect captive animals, and ensure high welfare standards. At ACRES, we advocate for the implementation and strengthening of such laws and actively support improvements to existing legislation that safeguard the wellbeing of zoo animals.
Beyond legal reform, ACRES campaigns against outdated and often cruel practices, such as the use of animals in circus-style shows, for photo-taking sessions, or animal rides—all of which prioritise entertainment over animal welfare.
Since 2001, ACRES has worked alongside the zoo industry across Asia to improve the lives of captive animals. Our collaborative efforts have led to meaningful welfare enhancements in various institutions. In 2002, our investigations into the conditions of chimpanzees sent by the Singapore Zoo to zoos in Malaysia, Indonesia, and China revealed severely substandard living conditions. After positive dialogue with the Singapore Zoo, we were encouraged when they committed to improving their animal exchange protocols to ensure better care and accountability.
In 2003, ACRES raised serious concerns regarding cheetah petting sessions introduced at the Singapore Zoo. Such forced interactions—with no opportunity for the animals to retreat—can be highly stressful and detrimental to their wellbeing. We met with zoo representatives to discuss both animal welfare and visitor safety, and were heartened when, the very next day, the zoo announced the discontinuation of these sessions. This swift decision reflected a shared commitment to animal welfare and responsible public engagement.
In 2004, we initiated discussions with the Singapore Zoo regarding the welfare of polar bears kept in tropical conditions. Improvements were made following our recommendations, including the addition of shade cloth, mist fans, and a small air-conditioned area within their enclosure. While these changes were steps in the right direction, we remained concerned about the unsuitability of Singapore’s tropical climate and the enclosure’s limited, barren space.
In 2005, we voiced further concerns about the use of animals in the zoo’s circus-style show, Spirits of the Rainforest, which included acts such as an orangutan performing “magic tricks.” ACRES advocated for the removal of such unnatural and demeaning performances. We welcomed the zoo’s response in revamping the show to focus on natural behaviours—an encouraging step toward more respectful and educational wildlife presentations.
In 2006, ACRES expanded our zoo welfare efforts to Japan. Following investigations into the living conditions of polar bears at Japanese zoos, we worked directly with zoo management to recommend and implement welfare improvements.
In 2009, ACRES had the honour of presenting our Zoo Animal Welfare work at the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) conference in the United States. This was followed by another presentation in March 2010 at the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) conference in Australia.
Through these international platforms, we were able to bring critical attention to the need for improved animal welfare standards in certain zoos. Our goal was to foster dialogue, share insights, and advocate for a more compassionate and ethical approach to captive animal management.
We were deeply encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive reception and the support expressed by members of the global zoo community. These engagements reaffirmed the importance of collaboration in advancing the welfare of animals in human care.
In 2010, the Singapore Zoo announced plans for a larger, climate-controlled enclosure for the polar bears. The inclusion of temperature regulation and softer substrate marked progress, aligning with recommendations ACRES had long advocated for. Nevertheless, we continued to urge the relocation of Inuka—the younger polar bear—to a more suitable, temperate facility once Sheba passed.
However, ACRES continues to urge the removal of performance elements in shows such as Elephants at Work and Play and Splash Safari that involve unnatural tricks or presentations that diminish the dignity of the animals involved.
We encourage all zoos to phase out shows that feature forced behaviours or that trivialise wildlife for entertainment. Animals deserve to be respected for who they are—not what they can be trained to do.
In recent years, there was a growing public awareness and concern in Malaysia regarding the welfare of animals in zoos. More Malaysians were speaking out against the poor living conditions and inhumane practices observed at certain facilities, reflecting a collective call for higher standards of care and compassion for animals in captivity.
In response to growing concerns over the welfare of animals in captivity, ACRES established the Malaysia Zoo Animal Welfare Programme—an initiative dedicated to raising zoo animal welfare standards across the country. Our approach focuses on constructive collaboration with key stakeholders, including Malaysian NGOs, the zoo industry (notably the Malaysian Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria – MAZPA and SEAZA), and the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia (PERHILITAN).
Following a comprehensive survey of welfare standards across 39 zoos in Peninsular Malaysia, ACRES met with Dr. Kevin Lazarus, Chairman of MAZPA, to present our findings. Since then, we have continued our dialogue with MAZPA through ongoing meetings aimed at identifying and implementing strategies to improve zoo conditions.
A cornerstone of our programme is capacity-building for local NGOs, empowering them to take the lead in driving long-term improvements in zoo animal welfare across Malaysia. To support this, ACRES organised two capacity-building workshops focused on zoo animal welfare.
The first workshop, held in June 2009, welcomed representatives from several Malaysian NGOs—such as Friends of the Earth Malaysia, SPCA Johor, SPCA Penang, and SPCA Selangor—as well as veterinarians and a representative from a Malaysian zoo. The workshop introduced participants to the foundational principles of zoo animal welfare and the specific needs of wild animals in captivity. Attendees were trained to conduct zoo surveys and to design and lead their own welfare campaigns. During the workshop, ACRES also presented the key findings from our 39-zoo survey, highlighting critical areas of concern.
The second workshop, held in March 2010, brought together Malaysian NGOs, representatives from PERHILITAN, MAZPA, and several zoos. This session once again focused on assessing captive animal welfare, training participants in zoo survey techniques, and addressing issues uncovered during the 2009 investigation. It culminated in two days of roundtable discussions, where all stakeholders collaboratively developed an action plan to begin addressing welfare deficiencies in Malaysia’s zoos.
We are encouraged by the commitment shown by our partners and look forward to continuing our collaboration with PERHILITAN, MAZPA, Malaysian zoos, and dedicated NGOs. Together, we strive for a future where all zoo animals in Malaysia live in environments that prioritise their health, comfort, and dignity.
In October 2009, ACRES was honoured to participate in the MAZPA Keeper Training Workshop in Malaysia. Our Animal Caregiver, Hafz’zan Shah, presented the work of ACRES to zookeepers and staff from various zoos across the country. Since then, we have actively shared environmental enrichment resources with zookeepers to support the development of more engaging and species-appropriate habitats for the animals in their care.
We were also pleased to welcome MAZPA representatives to our March 2010 Capacity-Building Workshop and Malaysian Zoo Animal Welfare Programme roundtable in Kuala Lumpur—an event that strengthened partnerships and reaffirmed our shared vision for better welfare standards in Malaysia’s zoos.
Ending Tiger Abuse at Danga Bay Petting Zoo
In 2010, ACRES received disturbing video evidence of a tiger being beaten during photography sessions at Danga Bay Petting Zoo in Johor. In response, ACRES collaborated with SPCA Johor and Friends of the Earth Malaysia to raise these concerns with PERHILITAN Johor and YB Tan Kok Hong of the State Exco Council. The discussions addressed not only the tiger’s abuse but also broader animal welfare concerns across three zoos in Johor. Following these engagements, authorities confirmed that the tiger photography sessions at Danga Bay Petting Zoo