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Callout for contributions to a radio programme on zoo euthanasia

Discussion in 'United Kingdom' started by Communityzoo, 17 Feb 2014.

  1. Communityzoo

    Communityzoo Well-Known Member

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    BBC Radio 4 are making a programme on the debate around euthanasia of healthy zoo animals, with a focus on the practice in the UK.

    They are doing background research at this stage, and are looking to speak with people who would be interested in contributing (anonymously or otherwise) to the debate, especially if you are currently working in the field/ are an ex-keeper, or know of specific events, articles, or publications you could point them to.

    The researchers may be looking to include some people in the programme but are largely seeking just background research at this stage.

    They have stressed that they are looking for people on all sides of the debate and intend this to be a balanced programme.

    PM me if interested.
     
  2. zoogiraffe

    zoogiraffe Well-Known Member

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    They have already approached a fair number of people on the forum privately,all of whom have already declined!!
     
  3. Shorts

    Shorts Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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    That might only be the people you know that have been contacted/you may not know all those contacted.:p
     
  4. zoogiraffe

    zoogiraffe Well-Known Member

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    Quite correct I should have said all the ones that I know of have declined!
     
  5. dean

    dean Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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    I'm Sorry,call me a cynic an aging one at that, but the days of the BBC being balanced are long gone On the infinite monkey cage a couple of Weeks ago another BBC Radio 4 (my channel of choice) program one of the female contributers said at least 3 times "As a vegan I would rather animals go extinct than live in a zoo" the shear arrogance of that statement should have drawn a response from other contributers it didn't. Thy also had a program a few years back with Quentin Letts of the Daily Mail entitled "What is the point of zoos" i missed the conclusion as I had arrived at work before the program ended, but I can guess the conclusion.
    For balance they will have 10 contributers: 4 in favour 6 against. I suppose if they wait long enough they will find ex keepers with a grudge who will tell them what they are looking for.
     
    Last edited: 17 Feb 2014
  6. Taisha

    Taisha Well-Known Member

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    As a way out I suggest: BBC should do two versions, one version for the people in favour, one version for the people against.

    Doesn't seem to work with newspapers regarding this topic though: Some articles might be posted and valued only because they express the view of the poster - I refrained from posting the counter part.
     
  7. Shorts

    Shorts Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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    Whilst smart-mouthed cynic is my usual default position I do think it's important for appropriate persons to engage the media on this issue. The alternative is that only one perspective is represented -let's face it the "anti-zoo brigade" seize all opportunities to push their agenda, would you prefer it that theirs is the only view that is heard?

    I think it's also very important to accept that this situation is not simply a pro-zoo/anti-zoo argument -opinions are split on this issue amongst pro-zoo people (which contributes to making it an interesting subject). Personally I don't think Born Free would add much to a debate (in the same way asking UKIP their opinion on a contentious EU issue would be pointless, they're only going to give one, anti-EU, answer).

    Personally I think Radio 4 (along with the broadsheet/berliner media) is the best chance of the issue being considered/discussed rationally rather than just used for a quick/cheap sensationalist headline. Evidence for this opinion would be Colin Tudge's piece in the Telegraph. It's also important to remember that the BBC can be challenged if their coverage is deemed to be unbalanced -however that accusation can only be made if they're made aware of all opinions in the first place.

    I think the best people, with the necessary gravitas, to offer their opinions would be owners/workers and (yes) ex-workers from zoos. After all if they truly believe their opinion on the matter is correct they should be willing to engage with the media (i.e. it doesn't look good to insist you're right but refuse to discuss/justify your opinion). In this instance, David Gill has made some good (pro-culling) arguments and I'm sure Douglas Richardson could also make some interesting points (I read a great article by him on culling, in Ratel, many years ago). Similarly I think it would be valid to obtain YWP's opinion on the matter.

    This is one of the biggest zoo-related stories to hit the media in recent times and a genuinely complex and interesting moral/ethical issue. As such, the pro-zoo community need to engage the media on the issue to provide explanation and clarity of the detailed arguments involved. The alternative is for the anti-zoo lobby to present the "simplified version" (to serve their agenda) which I doubt any of us would prefer.
     
  8. Taisha

    Taisha Well-Known Member

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    This I forgot...:D
     
  9. dean

    dean Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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    @Shorts I agree with your poiont of view, and one of the big positives that could come out of the whole debate is that one of the reasons it is necessary to cull healthy stock is we need MORE zoo's the wild isn't safe -the human population of Africa alone is set to double this century-and until if ever it is safe zoo's and wildlife parks are the only solutions.
    Sadly I don't trust the BBC to be even handed unless it suits their PC agenda and zoos aren't seen as PC to the intelligentsia I'm afraid.