World's leading zoo association accused of overlooking horrific cruelty

Zoos belonging to World Association of Zoos and Aquariums filmed allowing shocking mistreatment of elephants, dolphins, lions, bears, penguins and whales

Dozens of examples of harrowing cruelty towards animals in zoos have been overlooked by the world's top zoo organisation, animal welfare groups have alleged.

Zoos belonging to the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (Waza) have been filmed over the past five years making animals perform dangerous tricks, confining them to inadequate premises and beating them, contrary to Waza's code of ethics, which demands the "highest standard of animal welfare".

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