News & blogs

‘The European Commission’s passive attitude towards this matter is extremely concerning’ 

EU citizens from six surveyed countries overwhelmingly support better regulation of the exotic pet trade within the EU, according to an opinion poll by Savanta ComRes for Eurogroup for Animals and AAP Animal Advocacy and Protection. However, the new EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2030, published last week, fails to include any clear actions to respond to these concerns and tackle the booming trade in exotic species.

An overwhelming...

The COVID-19 crisis has prompted decision makers to clamp down on the legal and illegal trade of exotic animals in the EU.

Describing the COVID-19 crisis as a “man-made catastrophe caused by the booming international trade in wild animals”, leading Brussels news outlet POLITICO claimed on Friday that MEP Agnès Evren (EPP) fully supports the idea of a ‘Positive List’ approach to fight wildlife trafficking and to effectively regulate the exotic pet trade in the EU. A Positive List states which animal species are suitable and safe to be kept as pets – but...

April 7th was World Health Day 2020. This year, there was an extra emphasis on this day as the world is engaged in an unprecedented battle against a new infectious coronavirus. That is the reason why 240 organizations, including AAP Animal Advocacy and Protection, are calling on the World Health Organization (WHO) to limit global wildlife trade.

Initiated by World Animal Protection, the animal welfare organizations are launching an urgent appeal because of the COVID-19 outbreak. The new coronavirus has spread to humans from a wild animal, most likely traded on a...

Unfortunately, we decided to cancel all guided AAP tours in March. This is to minimize the risk for the animals to get infected with the new corona virus. Whether or not guided tours will continue from April on will be decided later. Even though it is not yet known whether the animals at AAP are susceptible to the virus, we don't want to take any risks with their often very vulnerable health. During their work with the animals, the caretakers strictly adhere to hygiene rules: often washing their hands, good cough hygiene, and having a mouth cap or keeping enough distance in the...