Statement from Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums on today's Ontario government protection of marine mammals announcement

OTTAWA, Jan. 27, 2015 /CNW/ - Statement from Massimo Bergamini, Executive Director of Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), on today's announcement by the Ontario Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services on enhanced standards of care for marine mammals.

"Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums welcomes today's announcement by Community Safety and Correctional Services Minster Naqvi signaling the Government of Ontario's decision to move forward with enhanced standards of care for marine mammals.

CAZA looks forward to working with Ministry officials and other stakeholders in developing the very best practicable, science-based standards of care for marine mammals and making Ontario a world-leader in this area.

We were pleased to note that the Expert Panel report released today by the Minister also recommends a speedy adoption of the recently announced Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) Marine Mammal Guidelines.

CAZA also supports the adoption of the CCAC guidelines and is committed to incorporating them into its accreditation standards.

Today's announcement is a welcome development, however much remains to be done.

With some 60 unaccredited zoological facilities in the province, CAZA will continue to urge the Government of Ontario to, like other jurisdictions, follow the lead of the Province of BC and move toward stronger rules for the keeping of exotic animals as well as an accreditation-based licensing system for zoos and aquariums."

SOURCE Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA)

Massimo Bergamini [phone], via e-mail [email protected] or on Twitter @CAZA_ED