A dozen Ontario zoos were given a failing grade by a world animal protection agency Tuesday because of poor conditions.
The World Society for the Protection of Animals issued report cards to 16 zoos across the province, including wildlife sanctuaries and tropical gardens.
An auditor with professional zoo experience was hired to look at the enclosures of mostly large animals including bears, wolves and big cats.
The four zoos that passed the audit included the Toronto Zoo, Jungle Cat World in Orono, Muskoka Wildlife Centre in Severn Bridge and Zooz Nature Park in Stevensville.
The most common problems found in the audit were spaces that were too small for the animals and "animals ... displaying some form of abnormal behaviour – pacing, rocking, excessive grooming," said Melissa Tkachyk, WSPA campaigns officer.
As well, 36 of 80 exhibits assessed received failing marks for safety.
"Flimsy cages and flimsy, low barriers will likely lead to more animals' escaping," said Pat Tohill, WSPA campaigns manager, in a statement.
The group also criticized the Ontario government for failing to regulate the zoos properly.
"Standards must be brought forward that cover native and exotic wildlife and safeguard the visiting public and zoo employees. Until this happens, Ontario's zoos and the Ontario government itself will keep failing the grade," said Mr. Tohill.
Ontario and British Columbia, the WSPA says, are the only two provinces that do not require a permit for people to keep wildlife.
"Anyone can keep a lion, a monkey or a kangaroo in the province of Ontario, and there are no regulations whatsoever to ensure their proper care," Mr. Tohill said.
The report is based on a series of audits done at the province's zoos in the spring of this years.
A failing grade was given to 66 of the 80 exhibits by a professional hired by the WSPA.
