Joint Statement: Wanpi World Safari Zoo & Animal Protection Coalition

In 2020, Wanpi World Safari Zoo announced plans to import 18 giraffes and several other wild animals from Eswatini. The move elicited strong opposition from animal protection organizations in Taiwan. The groups urged Wanpi World to align with international trends and stop bringing more wild animals into captivity.

As a result of extensive communication between Wanpi World and local animal protection groups, Wanpi World today announced its decision to drop the plans. The move was unanimously applauded by local and international animal protection organizations.

Wanpi World stated “Last year, a new management team took over Wanpi World and discovered many areas in need of improvement in the 25-year-old operation. The new management team launched a slew of initiatives to transform the zoo including investing additional funds and human resources. The plan to import giraffes from Eswatini was initiated only after the zoo established a new animal hospital, upgraded facilities and practices and made substantive improvements to animal welfare.

Wanpi World noted that its original intention was to set up a conservation site in Taiwan for giraffes that are currently threatened by natural hazards and illegal poaching in Africa. The zoo sought to establish a new satellite giraffe population to maintain a sustainable giraffe population and preserve genetic diversity to mitigate against the threat of extinction. As such, the zoo ensured that the necessary quarantine facilities and conservation strategies were properly established before submitting the application to import the animals to Council of Agriculture. In addition, the zoo planned to invite a group of experienced Swati veterinarians and zookeepers to accompany the animals and form a multinational care team at Wanpi World.

However, animal protection organizations asserted that zoos must move away from the obsolete model of amassing wild animals for captive display if they wish to contribute to species conservation. The campaigners urged Wanpi World to support conservation projects in Africa instead of removing the animals from their natural habitats, and cautioned that long-distance transport and quarantine procedures caused distress in animals.

Following nearly a month of consultation and consideration, Wanpi World today officially announced that it had terminated its plans to import the wild animals.

Wanpi World stated: “Despite our good intentions, it would defeat the original purpose of the project if it cannot obtain the trust of the public. As such, despite having obtained a permit to import the animals and established quarantine facilities, we have decided to cease the project with immediate effect. We will continue to support animal conservation and habitat restoration work in Africa in the hope of providing a better living environment.”

“Caring for animals is a lifetime commitment. It is our responsibility and our mission. Though an unexpected twist, the termination of this plan offered us a valuable opportunity to engage in open and meaningful conversations with local animal protection groups. Moving forward, Wanpi World will continue to upgrade its facilities and animal welfare standards. Together with those who care about animals, we will continue to learn and grow.”

Joint statement issued by:

• Wanpi World Safari Zoo

• Environment & Animal Society of Taiwan (EAST) 

• Taiwan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TSPCA)

• Taiwan Animal Equality Association (TAEA)

Translated by Vivian Lau