Surplus Animals Quotes

“In the past, the disposal of unwanted surplus animals was facilitated by exotic animal auctions; some occurring seasonally, while others were monthly events. Dealers would acquire animals from AZA-accredited facilities through the online databases of available surplus zoo animals and arrange for their transfer and sale at auction facilities (Green, 1999; Webber, 2022). Zoos promoted the breeding of captive endangered animals and argued that proximity to these animals engendered respect and provided an ex-situ opportunity for learning about our natural world, yet these same animals (quite literally) were treated as 'stock' when deemed surplus. Entire herds of endangered species are said to be dragged "screaming" onto auction blocks to endure the degradation of being sold to the highest bidder: a tragic irony considering their former designation as revered endangered animals and 'respected' genetic ambassadors (Derby, 1997, p. 11).”
― Eve D'Vincent, Captive Ambassadors: The Hidden Lives of Zoo Animals