I read with great concern the article, “U.S. zoos sell animals for hunts” (Sept. 13).
The American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) is concerned because it calls into question the professionalism and ethical practices of the zoo community, a community of dedicated, conservation-minded, caring men and women who devote their lives to saving animals from extinction.
The practice of “canned hunts,” where an animal is confined in a cage in order to be easily killed, is abhorrent to the entire North American zoo community. The AZA and its 164 accredited members condemn such practices and have staunch guidelines to prevent any zoo animal from being hunted.
It is important to recognize that all accredited North American zoos and aquariums are bound by a code of professional ethics. Members are specifically prohibited from participating in the activities alluded to by the Humane Society of the United States.
We challenge the allegations made by the Humane Society and have already proven the inaccuracy of these charges in several local communities.
