I READ with interest and incredulity the letter from Clinton Keeling (Citizen, Nov 1), explaining that a "lay person" had no right to criticise a zoo.

I reject this assertion completely! I live in a democratic society and enjoy freedom of speech. When I encounter cruelty and abuse I will be vocal in my condemnation.

This is not "ignorant arrogance" but common sense compassion for other species.

Perhaps Mr Keeling (given that he purports to be such an expert) can explain the relevance of circus tricks to conservation? Why were Blackpool Zoo elephants subjected to electric shocks, hoisting and winching in order to train them to perform for the public?

And what has he to say on the subject of the cover-up that followed?

Iain Valentine, zoo manager, was reprimanded for lying about the position -- surely this is indicative of the arrogance of the zoo industry, an industry that is content to exploit animals in pursuit of profit.

D Moorby talks about a vendetta against Blackpool Zoo. Nothing that has been said in criticism has been untrue -- how can drawing attention to the truth be a vendetta?

She talks about Blackpool Zoo being a "lifeboat" for extremely endangered species. A lifeboat is no different to a prison if you have no prospect of ever being rescued. How many "extremely endangered" species are held at Blackpool Zoo? And what has Blackpool Zoo contributed to their reintroduction into the wild?

I doubt very much that they can offer a success story in reply.

I remember the two litters of tiger cubs born at Blackpool Zoo in direct contravention to the breeding programme that Blackpool Zoo is meant to subscribe to. These "accident" litters produced captive tigers that had no chance of ever living in the wild; born to be exhibits --"museum population" is an apt description.

I am bored of reading about the vendetta against Captive Animals Protection Society and local director Pat Simpson.

It is obviously much easier for people like C Keeling and D Moorby to attack others than to listen to and accept criticism.

When will people realise that conservation is about saving animals and their habitats IN THE WILD and not about keeping them in captivity to amuse thousands of school children?

Animals exist for their own reasons. It is extremely arrogant to imagine that we have some supreme right to exploit them in order to service our own needs.

Louise McGettigan,

South Street,

Lytham.