Positions and Values

Many aspects of having wild animals in captivity and how to care for them are controversial. CPT has established positions that guide our decisions, clarify our message, and distinguish us from other facilities.

Private Ownership
CPT is opposed to the private individual ownership of dangerous wild animals as pets or for any other private purpose. CPT is opposed to the use of wild animals for purposes other than education or breeding in accordance with Species Survival and Population Management Plans.

Entertainment
CPT is opposed to the use of wild animals for purposes other than education or breeding in accordance with Species Survival and Population Management Plans.

Circuses
CPT is opposed to the use of wild animals for purposes other than education or breeding in accordance with Species Survival and Population Management Plans.

Animals in Captivity
CPT believes that the ideal home for wildlife is in their natural habitat. CPT’s position is that captivity is necessary when:

• Wildlife has been removed from their natural habitat illegally
• An individual animal has been abandoned or is injured and unable to survive unaided
• Removing individuals becomes necessary for captive breeding in order to save the species from extinction

Captive Breeding
CPT believes that the ideal home for wildlife is in their natural habitat. CPT’s position is that captive breeding is necessary only when it can be used to save a species facing extinction, and that it should be done in accordance with Species Survival and Population Management Plans. CPT is opposed to captive breeding for any other purpose that does not promote the welfare of the species.

Hybrids (white tigers, ligers, etc.)
CPT is opposed to breeding hybrid species such as the Liger (tiger/lion), designer animals such as the Savannah Cat, and the breeding of wildlife for color selection or other recessive traits, such as white tigers. These animals deplete resources that might otherwise be devoted to rescuing other wildlife or working to save wildlife species in their native habitats.

De-clawing
CPT takes no position on de-clawing domestic animals, but is opposed to de-clawing wildlife unless it becomes necessary for the health and welfare of the animal.

Canned Hunts
CPT is opposed to the use of wild animals for purposes other than education or breeding in accordance with Species Survival Plans.

Hunting
CPT takes no position on legal hunting, but is opposed to poaching and other forms of illegal hunting.

Vegetarianism
CPT takes no position on vegetarianism.

Use of Animal Products (Fur, Leather, etc.)
CPT takes no position on the use of legally obtained animal products, but is opposed to poaching and other forms of illegally obtaining animals or their byproducts.