Zoo trouble

IT is distressing to learn that measures to improve inadequate facilities at Edinburgh zoo have been "put on hold while the company tried to resolve financial issues" (your report, 8 December).

By The Newsroom

Published 9th Dec 2009, 00:00 BST

Licensing conditions imposed on the zoo require "off-show" areas for big cats to be upgraded "to ensure staff safety, hygiene and animal welfare are not compromised by further deterioration", and the report says Edinburgh council "called for a 'radical refurbishment or replacement' of the food store and veterinary areas of the zoo".

Edinburgh is regarded by the zoo community as one of its best, and is one of the main charitable zoos that refer to themselves as "progressive zoos". If such major shortcomings exist at Edinburgh, it seems reasonable to ask what is going on in the other 400-plus licensed zoos around the United Kingdom.

CHRIS DRAPER

Born Free Foundation

Horsham, West Sussex