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Japan - A new report released by WSPA and member society ALIVE on December 4, 2003 shows that not much has changed for animals kept captive in Japan's bear parks. The parks are moneymaking ventures designed to lure curious tourists. The bears are kept in over-crowded concrete pits, and tourists are encouraged to buy food to throw to the hungry bears, which then must fight for the scraps.

The conditions in the bear parks do not meet even the minimum standards and recommendations set forth by the Japanese government and the Japanese Association of Zoological Gardens and Aquariums. Since beginning their investigations 12 years ago, WSPA and ALIVE have repeatedly called for essential improvements to the health and welfare conditions at the bear parks, and lobbied the Japanese government for an effective law which protects the animals in captivity.

The new report confirms that little action has been taken to improve standards at the parks, and bears still receive insufficient space, shelter, enrichment and veterinary care.

Victor Watkins, director of WSPA's Libearty campaign, described the conditions witnessed at the parks: "Dozens of bears are crowded into bare concrete pits where they are left hungry for most of the day and tormented by crowds of visitors who tease them by throwing in 'bear biscuits' and watching the ensuing fights that take place. Bears injured in fights often have their wounds left untreated and many distressed bears display stereotypic behavior, rocking back and forth on the spot."

The bears are allowed to breed at most of the parks, even though the cubs are at risk of being killed and eaten by adult bears due to overcrowding. Some cubs are taken from their mothers when just a few weeks old to be kept chained in a petting area as a public attraction, causing them extreme stress and suffering. In three parks, Noboribetsu, Aso and Okuhida, cubs are forced to do bizarre circus acts such as handstands or riding a bicycle. These tricks are taught through a training process reportedly based on fear and punishment.

Watkins continues, "It's disheartening that the parks have failed to meet even the basic recommended welfare standards. Japan's bear parks display a shameful disregard for animal welfare, which is taking its toll on hundreds of captive bears that are exploited for entertainment. It is high time that the Japanese government passed an animal welfare law that will bring Japan's treatment of animals into line with that of the rest of the developed world."

Links: http://www.alive-net.net/

To read WSPA's full report, Begging for Change or to view our video about Japan's bear parks, click here.