
A petition is calling for a ban to boozy nighttime events at ZSL London Zoo which campaigners say have ‘absolutely no consideration for the animals’.
Late night events at ZSL London Zoo have been cancelled in recent years due to a string of high-profile incidents, including one in which a man poured beer over a tiger’s head.
Campaigners claim the zoo has simply rebranded the event and the same drunken antics and animal welfare issues exist.
But the zoo told Totally Vegan Buzz that animal welfare is its top priority and no animals have ever been harmed at the events.
ZSL London Zoo’s website advertises tickets for ‘Zoo Nights’ which are exclusively for adults, serve alcohol and feature live music and a ‘variety of entertainment’.
“Find out what animals really get up to after dark in our Birds and the Bees tour, where our expert guides will help you unravel the mysteries of sex in the animal kingdom,” the website offers.
The website features eight events starting at 6pm throughout June and July.
Read: Tesco removes fish and meat counters from supermarkets due to ‘low customer demand’
‘This cannot go on’
The petition calling for a ban states: “This cannot go on any longer. This is a recurring event where the zoo is basically turned into a nightclub for the night, with music blaring and alcohol being sold, with no care for the animals and with countless incidents in previous years.”
The petition lists previous incidents at the zoo including a man pouring beer over a tiger, visitors trying to enter enclosures, penguins being chased and butterflies being crushed by customers.
The petition continues: “This has to stop. There is absolutely no consideration for the animals who are already kept at the zoo against their will, it is all for consumers.
“The last thing these animals need is to be surrounded by drunk people and loud music. This event has been rebranded several times with no indication of it being cancelled for good.”Totally Vegan Buzz has contacted ZSL London Zoo for comment.
Sign the petition here.
A spokesman for ZSL told Totally Vegan Buzz: “At ZSL London Zoo, our animals come first. During the day, or at special events, our expert vets, devoted zookeepers and specialist animal welfare officers are dedicated to ensuring that we provide everything they need to stay healthy, stimulated and fit.
“Zoo Nights is one of the ways we aim to bring people closer to wildlife. A relaxed evening, giving adults the time to embrace their youthful sense of awe and wonder, we invite busy Londoners to reconnect with nature, learn about the amazing animal kingdom, and leave inspired to act.
“Heavily sensationalised news reports – no visitor ever injured an animal, nor got into an animal enclosure – from an event held five years ago have no bearing on Zoo Nights, nor the engaged and respectful visitors we see coming through our doors to experience a chilled evening among incredible species.
“We have strict measures in place and animal welfare is always a top priority when planning events. At every Zoo Nights event we have an animal welfare officer present along with our expert zookeepers who care for our animals. We also monitor sound levels and ensure we continuously adhere to all relevant policies.
“As part of international conservation charity, ZSL, we’re working around the world to tackle the unprecedented threats facing the world’s wildlife today. From illegal wildlife trade to plastic pollution to habitat loss, our experts are on the front line making the world a better place for the animals we share it with. Since 2017, Zoo Nights has contributed more than £1million to our work.”
Read: These 6 compassionate Game of Thrones stars are vegans and animal rights activists
What do you think of ‘Zoo Nights’? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Lifestyle
Vegan culture, food, beauty & more
Is Tobey Maguire vegan? Here’s what we know
- Mohsina Dodhiya
- 17th August 2023
Tobey Maguire often speaks about veganism and animal issues. Tobey Maguire, the actor best known for playing Spider-Man in the Sam Raimi trilogy, is a vegan. He has been a vegetarian since 1992 and became a vegan in 2009. A lifelong commitment to animal rights Maguire’s decision to go vegan was motivated by his love …
Continue reading “Is Tobey Maguire vegan? Here’s what we know”
Plant-based food jobs surge with 32% growth in just 3 months
- Mohsina Dodhiya
- 17th August 2023
The number of open jobs advertised in the plant-based industry increased by almost a third from April to July 2023, GlobalData reported. The plant-based food industry is booming, and this is reflected in the number of job openings in the sector. According to data from GlobalData, the number of open jobs advertised in the plant-based …
Continue reading “Plant-based food jobs surge with 32% growth in just 3 months”
VEGAN MEMES
NEED A LAUGH?
QUIZZES
All the quizzes you love to binge!
QUIZ: If you score 11/12 on this quiz, you’re a verified vegan food expert
- Marlon Farrugia
- 10th January 2020
How much vegan knowledge do you have stored away? Do you have to Google your way through a shopping trip, or do you have all the bad E-numbers memorised? Find out now with this quiz. Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a dedicated vegan for many years, and …
Continue reading “QUIZ: If you score 11/12 on this quiz, you’re a verified vegan food expert”
QUIZ: What is your perfect Vegan Halloween Costume?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 13th October 2019
Spook Season approaches. There will be ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and glucose. You need a costume, and you want to it to show off your personality, which means VEGAN. But what to choose? Take our quiz to find out your perfect outfit. Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a …
Continue reading “QUIZ: What is your perfect Vegan Halloween Costume?”
QUIZ: What kind of vegetable are you?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 26th September 2019
“If you were a vegetable, what kind would you be?” A question that has tormented humanity throughout the ages – until now. Read: QUIZ: If you score 19/20 on THIS quiz, you’re a Vegan God Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a dedicated vegan for many years, and …