AbstractsLaw & Legal Studies

The purpose of this thesis was to research the phenomenon of animal welfare in tourism as a response to rising national concerns for animals under human domain. The objective of the research was to observe the organization of Korkeasaari Zoo and the aim was to assess if their operations and activities were in compliance with the existing animal welfare legislation of Finland. Furthermore the objective of the research was to assess the state of the animals and their enclosures in the zoo, and attempt to verify the adequacy of the implemented law directives. The research was carried out as a case study intended to focus on the zoo of Korkeasaari. The method for obtaining the qualitative data was observation with purpose of gaining needed information regarding the general operations of Korkeasaari Zoo, and the condition of the animals and their confinements. The theoretical framework, consisting of relevant law directives from the Animal Welfare Act, guided the research process. The data collected was finally analysed against the theoretical framework and related concepts derived from appropriate and specialized sources. The result of the observation revealed the general activities and procedures of Korkeasaari Zoo, connected to their cooperation with other organizations, realizing their work for animal species and preservation. The activities included scientific research, educating the public, breeding species, and the practice of animal treatment and environmental enrichment. The results further revealed the state of the animals and their confinements in relation to welfare. It is concluded that Korkeasaari Zoo adequately endeavour to treat the animals in their care to the best of their knowledge and with regard to the directives of the Animal Welfare Act, which at present time is considered adequate to pursue its purpose. The animals observed revealed little to assume that their individual welfare were violated and their enclosures appeared to be enriched to fit the needs of the species. Further research on visitor values regarding nature and conservation is suggested, which may lead to the development of more effective promotions for conservation, supporting the essential activities of modern zoos.