New PETA video allegedly shows Bowmanville Zoo owner explaining tactics

By News Staff

Warning: Video contains graphic content and foul language.

A new video has been released by the animal-rights organization PETA which appears to show Bowmanville Zoo owner Michael Hackenberger explaining his methods for training animals.

The video, which was posted to YouTube and the PETA website Thursday morning, shows a man PETA claims is Hackenberger saying that punishment is the only way to force an animal to perform.

“At the end of the day, it’s only through disincentives that you can absolutely force an animal into something,” the man says.

The man in the video says there are different ways to motivate the animals.

“I can throw out a lash whip and I can have it caress the animal,” he says in the video. “Or I can carve my initials in their side.”

“This footage confirms what shocking earlier video recordings brought to light: that Michael Hackenberger’s use of violence and physical intimidation is a pattern of constant abuse,” said Brittany Peet, PETA Foundation’s deputy director of captive animal law enforcement. “The OSPCA has been notified, and we look forward to the results of its investigation.”

The video appears to be another segment of the same video previously released by PETA on Dec. 22.

Following the release of that video, the Ontario Society for the Protection of Animals sent officers to the Bowmanville Zoo to examine animals at the zoo, but no action was taken. The OSPCA says their investigation is ongoing.

Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums has also launched an investigation into the zoo but they can only remove accreditation from the facility. The OSPCA can press charges against zoo ownership or handlers should they feel abuse has occurred.

A former employee of the zoo told with CityNews that Hackenberger used “vice and fear techniques” to control animals at the facility.

Hackenberger defended his methods and slammed PETA’s allegations in a YouTube video posted on the Bowmanville Zoo website.

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