Butterfly exhibitors and suppliers

Preamble

The continued existence of butterfly parks and exhibitions and breeding farms depends upon recognition that our profession is based on respect for the dignity of the animals in our care, the people we serve and other members of the international entomological profession. Acceptance of the BES (Butterfly Exhibitors and Suppliers) world conservation strategy is implicit in involvement in the BES. The profession must recognize:

• the ideals to which its members aspire;
• the dignity of character which they exhibit in the performance of their duties;
• the need to adhere to self-imposed ethical standards.

Whilst recognizing that each region may have formulated its own code of ethics, the BES will strive to develop an ethical tradition which is strong and which will: i) form the basis of a standard of conduct for our profession.

Basic principles for the guidance of all members of the Butterfly Exhibitors and Suppliers:

Assisting in achieving the conservation and survival of butterflies must be the aim of all members of the profession. Any actions taken in relation to an individual animal must be undertaken with this higher ideal of species survival in mind.

Promote the interests of wildlife conservation, biodiversity and animal welfare to colleagues and to society at large.

Cooperate with the wider conservation community including wildlife agencies, conservation organizations and research institutions to assist in maintaining global biodiversity.

Co-operate with governments and other appropriate bodies to improve standards of animal welfare and ensure the welfare of all animals in our care.

Encourage research into and dissemination of achievements in biological conservation, animal husbandry, entomological technology, architecture, exhibit design, management practices, etc.

Deal fairly with members in the dissemination of professional information and advice.

Promote public education programs and cultural recreational activities of exhibitions.

Work progressively towards achieving all professional guidelines established by the BES.

At all times members will act in accordance with all local, national and international laws and will strive for the highest standards of operation in all areas including the following:

1. Animal Welfare
Whilst recognizing the variation in culture and customs within which the BES operates, it is incumbent upon all members to exercise the highest standards of animal welfare and to encourage these standards in others. Training staff to the highest level possible represents one method of ensuring this aim.

2. Acquisition of insects
All members will endeavor to ensure that the source of animals is confined to those born in captivity and this will be best achieved by direct contact. This will not preclude the receipt of animals resulting from confiscation or rescues. It is recognized that there is a legitimate need for conservation breeding programs, education programs or basic biological studies, to obtain animals from the wild. Members must be confident that such acquisitions will not have a deleterious effect upon the wild population.

3. Transfer of Animals
Members will ensure institutions receiving animals have appropriate facilities to hold the animals and skilled staff who are capable of maintaining the same high standard of husbandry and welfare as required of BES members. All animals being transferred should be accompanied by appropriate records with details of health, diet, reproductive and genetic status and behavioral characteristics having been disclosed at the commencement of negotiations. These records will allow the receiving institution to make appropriate decisions regarding the future management of the animal. All animal transfers should conform to the international standards and laws applying to the particular species.

4. Mutilation
Mutilation of any animal for cosmetic purpose, or to change the physical appearance of the animal, is not acceptable. Mutilation adopted to keep insect in the exhibition, that not affect the insect welfare and life quality, are possible under direct expertise management. (e.g. wing tip beetles cutting).

5. Release-to-the-Wild Programs
Except for the release for local tradition or were strong scientific evidence demonstrate that is not dangerous for ecosystem or that insects released could became a pests, no release-to-the-wild program shall be undertaken without the animals having undergone a thorough specialists examination to assess their fitness for such release and that their welfare post release is reasonably safeguarded. Following release, a thorough monitoring program should be established and maintained. The IUCN/SSC/Reintroduction Specialist Group guidelines for reintroduction should always be followed.

6. Living butterfly and insect managing
Butterfly and, in general, living insect trade is not allowed for use different than exhibition for scientific, educational and conservation purposes. Butterfly or insect release in environments built for different purposes than the aforementioned are not allowed. Whether not in contrast whit this ethic code, the status of private, associative or public managing is not relevant to allowed living butterfly or insect managing.

7. Butterfly and insects breeding
Butterfly and insect breeding is allowed in the respect of this code and the aim of the BES. Should be encouraged and sustained breeding project that guarantee local sustainable economy in the respect of the wild life, environment and the human rights.

This Code of Ethics for the live butterfly industry was proposed by Dr. Enzo Moretto at the ICBES conference in Malaysia, 2000. The document was based on the main code of ethics adopted by zoo organizations.