"The entire zoo concept needs to be reexamined, 
restructured, and reinvented." 
~~ Rob Laidlaw

"For more than 25 years, Zoocheck has been a leading voice for the protection of wild animals. We are the only Canadian organization with a specific focus on captive wild animal issues and problems." ZooCheck.com

STRAIGHT FROM ZOOCHECK.COM:
Zoocheck Canada is a national animal protection charity (#13150 2072 RR 0001) established in 1984 to promote and protect the interests and well-being of wild animals.

Zoocheck works to improve wildlife protection in Canada and to end the abuse, neglect and exploitation of individual wild animals through:

• investigation and research
• public education and awareness campaigns
• capacity building initiatives
• legal programs
• legislative actions

SUCCESS Over the years, Zoocheck's professional, animal protection campaigns have resulted in the closure of some of Canada's worst zoos; the cancellation of plans to construct new zoos and aquariums; improved husbandry conditions for captive wild animals; new or improved municipal bylaws across the country that control or prohibit the keeping and display of wild animals by private citizens, circuses and traveling shows; regional and national public education and awareness programs; a greater awareness of captive wildlife issues; and support for projects that directly protect animals in the wild.

Zoocheck has also provided vital support to the efforts of individuals, organizations and governments throughout Canada and around the world as they work to address wildlife problems and issues in their own regions. Training workshops have been conducted, campaign tools developed and advice, information and assistance provided to hundreds of different animal protection initiatives over the years.

Biography
Rob Laidlaw has spent 30 years campaigning to protect animals of all kinds. His work has taken him from Canada's north to tropical Asia and includes more than 1,000 visits to zoos around the world. He is a Chartered Biologist, avid outdoorsman, cave explorer, and a founder of the wildlife protection organization Zoocheck Canada. He regularly provides commentary on animal issues to print, radio and television media and speaks to groups of all ages throughout the world.

In 2008, Laidlaw’s first children’s book, Wild Animals in Captivity, was released. His second book, On Parade, The Hidden World of Animals in Entertainment, is scheduled for release in 2010, while a third book about rescue centers and sanctuaries is now in the works.



For more information, please visit Rob's websites at www.zoocheck.com andwww.wildanimalsincaptivity.com.