Zoo Awareness Weekend 2009 Protests and information stalls were held the length and breadth of the UK, and for the first time a demonstration took place in the Irish Republic to support the campaign.
Blackpool Zoo: Local campaigners always support Zoo Awareness events with a protest at Blackpool Zoo. A strong visual presence, including a very large banner stating 'Animal Prison', received lots of support from passing motorists. This years protest was particularly poignant as it was also in memory of Frances Gavin, a local animal rights campaigner who died recently. Frances dedicated more than 25 years of her life against animal abuse and was a big supporter of CAPS. She will be much missed by us all and the animals she loved so much. Bristol Zoo: Bristol Animal Rights Collective reported a good response from the public, with at least one family saying they would never visit a zoo again. Many more people were interested in finding out more about why animals should not be held captive. London Zoo: A large group of CAPS and London Animal Rights supporters were not put off by the police who used a Royal Parks by-law to stop them displaying any placards or banners. During the course of the day they handed out around 3,000 leaflets to people visiting or passing the zoo. Dudley Zoo: West Midlands Animal Action managed to turn people away by educating them about the reality of zoos. Concerned about the impact the protest was having, zoo staff ushered some visitors through the exit gate rather than the entrance to ensure they didn’t have to queue near demonstrators. Brighton Sealife Centre: The ongoing campaign supported Zoo Awareness Weekend with an information stall outside the aquarium, leafleting people entering or passing by. The visitors were told about the conditions of several of the animals there, especially the two turtles Lulu (held captive for 66 years) and Jersey, and the catfish who still languishes in a small tank. Protests are held every fortnight at the Sealife Centre. If you would like further information please ring or text Denise on 07931 747122. Hastings: Local CAPS supporters held a leafleting session outside the Blue Reef Aquarium as part of their regular campaign against the captivity of aquatic animals. Chester Zoo: Two CAPS supporters leafleted hundreds of houses near Chester Zoo, telling residents about the reality of zoos. Pembrokeshire: A protest was held at Folly Farm, an ‘adventure park and zoo’ for the first time. This is an expanding zoo which has recently started keeping giraffes, the only ones in Wales. Surprisingly, protesters were made very welcome by the owner who invited them up to the main entrance to hand out their leaflets and even offered them hot drinks! Hastings: Local CAPS supporters held a leafleting session outside the Blue Reef Aquarium as part of their regular campaign against the captivity of aquatic animals. To get involved with the campaign contact murkywaters@ymail.com You don’t need to wait until the next Zoo Awareness event to get involved. If you would like to campaign against your local zoo get in touch with CAPS for information and leaflets. For more information on our opposition to zoos see our website: www.captiveanimals.org/zoos and www.captiveanimals.org/aquarium/suffering.htm HOW YOU CAN HELP
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Dublin Zoo
Cleethorpes