Many of the animals have been stolen from their families in the wild to live in inhumane conditions. Their spirits are broken by handlers who beat them into submissive states.
CATERS NEWS AGENCY: ‘The true horror of Thailand’s zoos are revealed in these sickening images showing animals locked up behind bars. Wildlife including tigers, elephants and monkeys can be seen caged in the tiny enclosures and shackled with tiny, rusty chains that barely allow any movement. Environmental photojournalist Aaron Gekoski captured their plight as tourists stroll round the attractions ogling at the visibly depressed animals. The wildlife tourism industry in Thailand attracts up millions of visitors to see orangutans box, monkeys ride bicycles or sit on elephants in humiliating routines. But the animals are kept locked up in the cramped, dirty cages and reportedly subjected to awful abuse. Many of these pictures are taken in Pata Zoo which fills the top two floors of a crumbling shopping centre in central Bangkok
Aaron, 37, said: “Behind the shows and performances lies a dark side to this industry. The conditions in Pata Zoo are truly grim as the animals are kept in dank and dirty cages. People ask how I got access to these areas but they are there for everyone to see. It can be seen in the photographs but the animals are clearly depressed. The orangutans are not meant to be on the floor but up in the trees and are in general very solitary creatures. The captivity takes away these choices and is completely unsuitable. Many of the animals have been stolen from their families in the wild to live in inhumane conditions. Their spirits are broken by handlers who beat them into submissive states. They then live the rest of their lives in appalling conditions and are abused and mistreated on a daily basis. There’s zero justification for this – it’s all about maximising profits. The fact they’re allowed to operate legally is astounding”.’ SOURCE…
RELATED VIDEO: