Wildlife park CEO says Brexit continues to affect 'animal welfare'
David Field says the movement of animals around the continent has been "devastated" by the UK leaving the EU
A top zoo boss says animals are still bearing the brunt of Brexit.
Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) CEO David Field claims the movement of animals around the continent has been "devastated" by the UK leaving the European Union.
Mr Field says their conservation breeding programmes have also been damaged since the country left the EU two years ago.
He's urging the UK Government to take action to help operations at RZSS facilities, which include Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park in Kincraig.
Agreements for transferring animals "disappeared overnight"
Mr Field says they have flagged the matter to the UK Government, but it continues to be an issue.
He said: "The movement of animals between ourselves and Europe has been devastated by Brexit.
“The agreements we used to have for moving animals between ourselves and Europe just disappeared overnight.
“This is damaging to our conservation breeding programmes, it’s also having an impact on the welfare of animals, because some of our animals which should naturally move out of their groups are not being able to move at the moment.
"The level of licensing, permissions and health permissions makes it really difficult.
"It’s becoming urgent, it’s becoming welfare related because certain animals can’t move.
"We can’t suddenly build all these big new facilities for all these animals.
"It’s a really important issue that needs to be resolved by the UK Government.
“I know zoo animals may not be the priority, but getting approved ports to bring zoo animals in are yet to be approved, so it’s really damaging."
A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said: "We are aware of some delays to the movement of zoo animals. We are working with BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums), to identify the key issues and ways forward."
Wildlife hub will allow park to become "international attraction"
Work on a new hub for the Highland Wildlife Park is set to begin this year, with plans to open in time for the park's 50th anniversary next year.
Scotland's Wildlife Discovery Centre will include various learning facilities which will allow people to connect with the nature of the Cairngorms.
Mr Field says it'll be an important milestone in the park's history when completed.
He said: "Scotland’s Wildlife Discovery Centre is a huge project for us, because this is going to be a facility that will tell you everything about the glory of the Cairngorms.
"It will introduce the people, the place and the animals of the Cairngorms.
"It’s embedded in the Cairngorms, it’s embedded in the Wildlife Park.
"It will have accessible learning facilities and great display areas.
"It enables the park to become that international visitor attraction it deserves to be.
"This is one of the most important things that will happen in the lifetime of the Highland Wildlife Park."
"Feisty" animals to return to the Highlands by Easter
A herd of vicunas will return to the Cairngorms.
Along with attractions such as the tiger and polar bear cubs, it's hoped the lama-like creatures will help boost visitor numbers.
Mr Field said: "They’re incredibly endangered and the come from the Highlands of Peru and South America.
"They’re quite feisty and some people might remember that we had a couple of males some years ago, but we’re bringing in a new herd of vicuna.
"They will certainly be in for Easter."
A number of roles and opportunities are currently available at the Highland Wildlife Park.
For more information, head to the RZSS website.