Zoos back in Angela Smith's firing line 3

Governance | 7 Apr 2010

Angela Smith may be minister for the third sector but there's one particular kind of charity she seems intent on getting rid of.

Not content with refusing to attend the launch of the Compact Refresh, one of the most important contracts between government and charities, because it was held at London Zoo, Smith has now declared in and interview with the Daily Gazette for Essex, that zoos - most of which are registered charities - should all eventually be closed down.

It’s not all bad though - she has accepted that zoos cannot all be shut immediately, instead suggesting target dates for the final animals to be imported and the last zoo to be shut.

In addition to her role as charities minister, Smith is also a patron of the Captive Animals Protection Society.

London Zoo is understandably disappointed: “The comments of Angela Smith MP represent her personal view, not those of the government,” said a spokeswoman for the Zoological Society of London.

“We feel disappointed that Ms Smith, who is supposed to represent our interests as a charity, allows personal bias to limit her role as charities minister.

“We would welcome the chance to show Ms Smith some of the amazing work ZSL does to conserve animals and preserve their natural habitats using funds generated through our two zoos.”

They shouldn’t hold their breath…

Who's Who: Angela Smith

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Wendy Ahl
Fundraising Manager
Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land
8 Apr 2010

Regardless of the rights and wrongs of zoos, Angela Smith is misusing her position as a minister to promote her own personal views and and those of an organisation of which she is patron.

This is unacceptable and is something that the new government, whichever party it may be, should ensure it does not allow any politician to do in the future.

[Reply]

Steve Waite
fundraiser
charity
7 Apr 2010

well done to the minister i say. we could do with more MPs who stand by their principles.

[Reply]

Richard Molineux
Consultant
Molineux Fundraising
7 Apr 2010

Zoos are important. To shut them would be typical of a mind that hates what it does not understand.

Colchester Zoo in Essex, for example, is an example of a zoo which keeps its animals in prime condition and excellent surroundings; pursues a very necessary rare species breeding policy; instructs and entertains the public, notably children who become passionate about what they see and hear (so unlike, close up, the tiny images of TV); and costs the taxpayer nothing.

No wonder Smith can't stand such spectacular examples of excellence flourishing outside her client state and limited imaginative reach. Still, with luck, she may be shut down fairly soon...

[Reply]

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