Press Conference: International Zoo Experts Detail SF Zoo’s Serious Animal Welfare Problems

Animal Protection Group Calls for Transformation to Animal-Focused Rescue Zoo

San Francisco, Calif—Zoo experts from the U.S., U.K. and Australia will today outline serious animal welfare concerns at the San Francisco Zoo, and In Defense of Animals (IDA) will call on the city to address these problems and transform the troubled institution into an animal-focused rescue zoo.

WHAT: Press Conference with Zoo Experts
WHERE: City Hall, 2nd floor in front of Board of Supervisors Chambers
WHEN: Friday, February 1, 2008; 11:15 a.m.

The experts who have toured the zoo and will speak at today’s press conference include:


  • Peter Stroud, 27 years zoo industry experience, including zoo management and development as former Senior Curator Melbourne Zoo and Former Director of Werribee Open Range Zoo in Australia.
  • Les Schobert, 30-year zoo veteran, formal general curator North Carolina and Los Angeles Zoos.
  • Dr. Robert Atkinson, former Curator of Woburn Safari Park, U.K. and Head of Wildlife Department for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).

“The San Francisco Zoo is an outdated facility with many exhibits that raise serious animal welfare concerns,” the experts agree. They found evidence that zoo management is failing to provide an adequate environment for animals and not incorporating current knowledge about animal welfare and modern, progressive zoo practices and animal care.

Since the tiger tragedy in December, city officials are reviewing management and oversight of the city-owned zoo and have expressed interest in a comprehensive approach to deal with the zoo’s many problems. IDA is calling for the Board of Supervisors to convene hearings on the inhumane conditions at the zoo and the pressing need to transform it into an institution that places priority on the well-being of animals, and teaches the public to respect animals and the environments in which they live.

IDA is an international animal rescue and advocacy organization based in San Rafael, CA.