EUTHANASIA, WELFARE, & RESILIENCY

Dr. Heather Bacon

Euthanasia: Towards a Good Death

Increasingly in animal welfare, we aim to provide a ‘good life’ for the bears we keep and manage in zoos, sanctuaries and rehab centres. However, their intrinsic value to human society, and our emotional bond with them, may often confound objective decision-making around end-of-life animal care. Whilst the slaughter of animals for food production, or humane end-points for animals used in research, are often clearly prescribed and regulated, it is rare for such protections to be extended to bears under human care. There is perhaps, an assumption that the bears we rescue, rehabilitate and care for will automatically experience good welfare throughout their lives and deaths. But is this always the case?

This presentation will explore some of the ethical and practical considerations when considering the euthanasia of our bears in different contexts – what does euthanasia really mean? How can we manage it well? And what do we need to consider when we as caregivers or veterinarians need to make that decision, or support others in making decisions around euthanasia? We’ll draw on research from around the world to better understand some of the challenges to really achieving euthanasia for bears under human care, and explore challenges and opportunities in providing a good death.

Dr. Julie Howard

From Compassion Fatigue to Compassion Satisfaction

Caring for animals is a labor of love driven by empathy, but compassion fatigue, which is a reality in the animal care field, can lead to irritability and detachedness. This presentation will review signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue, characteristics that make people more vulnerable, and ways to overcome it making you a better overall caretaker for the animals in your charge.

Nov 21, 2024

9-11am PST / 12-2pm EST / 6-8pm CET