The British Humanist Association (BHA) has called on the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, North Somerset Council, Visit Britain and South West England to take action on Noah’s Ark Farm Zoo in North Somerset.
The zoo, which advances creationism, seeks to discredit a wide variety of established scientific facts that challenge their religious views, such as radio carbon dating, the fossil record and the speed of light.
Andrew Copson, BHA Director of Education and Public Affairs, noted ‘We believe Noah’s Ark Farm Zoo misleads the public by not being open about its creationist agenda in its promotional activities and by advancing misunderstandings of the natural world. We have therefore asked the South West England and Visit Britain tourist boards to stop promoting the zoo. As they are public bodies we believe it is inappropriate that they should support establishments that seek to urge religious or ideological beliefs upon people in these ways.
‘As Noah’s Ark Farm Zoo threatens the public understanding of the natural world we have asked the local authority, who issues the zoo with its license, to ensure that the zoo’s education practices are inline with relevant government and other guidelines. Although the zoo has been refused membership of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, it is a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums. We have requested that they also ensure the zoo meets their own educational guidelines’.
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For further comment or information, contact Andrew Copson on 020 7079 3584 or 020 3675 0959.
The British Humanist Association (BHA) is the national charity representing and supporting the non-religious and campaigning for an end to religious privilege and to discrimination based on religion or belief. It is the largest organisation in the UK working for a secular state.