World Animal Protection urges Kenya to immediately close abusive wildlife facilities across the country.
Their new report, “Behind Bars: Lifting the Lid off Kenya’s Cruel Wildlife Farming,” uncovers severe animal abuse.
Investigators found crocodiles, giraffes, ostriches, tortoises, monkeys, and hippos confined in small, stressful conditions.
Many wild animals were illegally taken from nature and falsely marketed as captive-bred, harming biodiversity.
Alarming Welfare and Health Findings
Researchers documented overcrowding, untreated injuries, parasite infestations, poor diets, and extreme stress in every facility.
Some tourist attractions allowed visitors to handle or feed animals without hygiene protocols, increasing zoonotic disease risks.
The report confirms that captive wildlife farming fuels illegal wildlife trade and undermines Kenya’s conservation efforts.
Urgent Policy Reforms Needed
World Animal Protection calls on Kenya to prosecute and shut down exploitative wildlife farms immediately.
Authorities should enforce laws to prevent wildlife trade, expand moratoriums, and ban wild animal–visitor interactions.
Kenya can lead the region by adopting wildlife-friendly policies while updating its national wildlife law.
Ending commercial wildlife farming will protect animals, conserve biodiversity, and reduce public health risks.
