Implementation of Directive 1999/22/EC relating to the keeping of wild animals in zoos
5.5.2011
Question for written answer E-004700/2011
to the Commission
Rule 117
Linda McAvan (S&D) , Martin Callanan (ECR) , Nessa Childers (S&D) , Chris Davies (ALDE) , Julie Girling (ECR) , Dan Jørgensen (S&D) , Kartika Tamara Liotard (GUE/NGL) , Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE) , Vittorio Prodi (S&D) , Carl Schlyter (Verts/ALE) and Daciana Octavia Sârbu (S&D)
We refer to Council Directive 1999/22/EC of 29 March 1999 relating to the keeping of wild animals in zoos[1].
Bearing in mind that the conservation of biodiversity is a key objective of the directive, and that the majority of the Member States are currently failing to meet all the conservation requirements specified in Article 3 thereof, could the Commission please explain how it intends to ensure that:
- 1.all zoos (as defined in Article 2 of the directive) meet these requirements?
- 2.the competent authorities in the Member States are better informed about these requirements?
- 3.zoos truly adopt the mandatory role of conservation centres, making an effective contribution to the conservation of threatened species?
Furthermore, what steps has the Commission taken to assist Member States and the competent authorities and to ensure that they have the relevant knowledge, tools, guidance and training to apply the directive?
In the light of the role zoos are required to play, could the Commission please inform Parliament how European zoos are contributing to the conservation of listed threatened species endemic to Europe, and whether they are leading our conservation efforts to reduce biodiversity loss?
- [1] OJ L 94, 9.4.1999, p. 24.
OJ C 314 E, 27/10/2011