This becomes a major blow to the biodiversity of the affected region. However, the truth remains that zoos often have insufficient knowledge of the animals they are housing. This can have huge negative effects on the environment in many adverse ways. Private individuals with the financial means use their money to procure rare or exotic animals from zoos to add to their own private collections. However, only a certain number of each species are really needed, and so should breeding result in a sharp increase, these numbers are reduced via various methods. Animals live in cruel conditions, confined to small cages without the enrichment they need to lead full, happy lives. Should Animals Be Kept in Zoos? | KQED Education It is not possible to have zookeepers versed in a detailed understanding of every single species. But whether recent events have triggered a profound shift in public consciousness is harder to . See Related: Best Wildlife Conservation Jobs. Fewer and fewer states are allowing residents to keep captive wild animals without a permit. Roadside zoos dot the American landscape. Zoos accredited by the A.Z.A. These wild animals are sold at auctions, pet stores or over the internet. Whats Causing Their Decline? Reintroduced animals have a hard time coping with life in the wild after long periods away. CreditPhotographs by Peter Fisher for The New York Times. 2021 ScienceTimes.com All rights reserved. However, suffering doesnt have to be physical; boredom, confinement, and stress can cause an animal a lot of suffering. For intellectual property information and terms of use, visit our Intellectual Property Terms of Usepage. Should animals be kept in captivity? - The Current Zoos often do more harm than good, creating unnatural environments that look realistic enough to make any potential return to the wild all but impossible. Are Zoos Ethical? Arguments for and Against Zoos - Treehugger But theres no unambiguous evidence that zoos are making visitors care more about conservation or take any action to support it. As an avid fan of botanical gardens, I humbly suggest that as the captive animals retire and die off without being replaced, these biodiversity-worshiping institutions devote more and more space to the wonderful world of plants. Are Wildlife Sanctuaries Good for Animals? The sale of excess animals to traveling roadside zoos is another big problem. For some animals in zoos, the shock of their relocation alone can be fatal. The forerunners of the modern zoo, open to the public and grounded in science, took shape in the 19th century. Is Keeping Wild Animals In Zoos Unethical?: Arguments For - WorldAtlas She could then climb the wire without being shocked. Ive spent many memorable days in botanical gardens, completely swept away by the beauty of the design as well as the unending wonder of evolution and theres no uneasiness or guilt. A gorilla named Togo at the Toledo Zoo used his incredible strength to bend the bars of his cage. In the case of America, our maps, developed with experts, show where extreme heat is causing the most deaths. Animals are removed from their natural habitats. They found that only 27 percent of people bothered to read the signs at exhibits. It is expensive and difficult to keep wild animals in captivity. Required fields are marked *. But that incident has triggered conversations on the negative impacts of marine parks and aquariums on wild animals. Many suffer from arthritis and other joint problems from standing on hard surfaces; elephants kept alone become desperately lonely; and all zoo elephants suffer mentally from being cooped up in. Captive animals need better laws, and better enforcement of those laws. CITES does not directly address living conditions for captive animals. What if they sent all the animals that need really large areas or lots of freedom and socialization to refuges? Alex started writing from the moment he could hold a pen. The lawsuit asserts the agency must be able to remove animals if the USDA has deemed the facility unable to provide minimum standards of care set out by the Animal Welfare Act. Unlike in the wild where these endangered species have to worry about staying safe, in these breeding programs they get taken care of. The animals too have rights and they shouldnt be subjected to half the things they undergo. Life expectancy is controlled by both the mental and physical health of most animals. The first zoos housed animals behind metal bars in spartan cages. The Los Angeles Zoo has used Celexa, an antidepressant, to control aggression in one of its chimps. This is the image of the zoo I grew up with: the unambiguously good civic institution that lovingly cared for animals both on its grounds and, somehow, vaguely, in their wild habitats. When the caretakers are not well informed about the animals they are to be taking care of, it can be problematic. However, there are some disadvantages of zoos to the environment ranging from overpopulation of a species to global warming. The idea of conserving animals that are at risk of going extinct is a great one; the problem is that not most zoos live up to it. We have good models of captive wild animal protection laws outside of this country as well. Especially not for the broad spectrum of species they have in their park. In 2014, the Animal Legal Defense Fund successfully brought a lawsuit under the Endangered Species Act against a roadside zoo called the Cricket Hollow Animal Park, that was mistreating protected animals. What could these zoos do with it, besides enlarging enclosures? Carl Hegenbeck, a German exotic animal importer, introduced the modern model of more natural habitats for animals instead of obvious cages at his Animal Park in Hamburg in 1907. When zoos find themselves with surplus animals, they need to find ways to reduce their numbers. The same applies to elephants. A study by Bristol University found that many British zoos fail to provide animals with the required minimum standard of care. Animals kept in an unsuitable environment or fed the wrong diet can suffer, and this can lead to illness or death. This is particularly true if the animal is there for entertainment. Animals are an important part of nature and should have the right to live in their natural environment. The other argument zoos commonly make is that they educate the public about animals and develop in people a conservation ethic. WorldAnimalFoundation.org, Today's Deal: $300 Discount on Halo 2+ GPS Dog Collar. The owners of such zoos are focused on maximizing profits even at the animals expense. It is always best to stay away from wild animals to prevent disastrous interactions. This paper is going to discuss why animals should not be kept in captivity. See Related: Most Comfortable Animals in The World. In 2018, the Eighth Circuit issued a unanimous decision in Cricket Hollows appeal of that case, that it can be a violation of the Endangered Species Act when captive animals arent given proper care. Some, however, argue that children benefit from zoos. Zoo owners go to great lengths to build enclosures that have a wild aesthetic and give paying visitors a taste of the wild world. WorldAnimalFoundation.org is reader-supported. Persuasive Speech: Why Animals Should Not be kept in Zoos. Once again, a change of this magnitude can cause captive animals to exhibit changing behaviors, which include self-destructive acts and unrelenting restlessness. In zoos, elephants are often given a small outside enclosure and an internal house. This is nowhere near enough space to provide an elephant with a life comparable to that of its wild counterparts. They could either bite, peck, scratch, kick, or flap their wings. Artificial environments. Few federal laws protect the millions of wild animals who live in captivity in aquariums, circuses, theme parks and zoos in the U.S. In many cases, animals in captivity do not have the space or resources to roam and live as they would in their natural habitat. To update your payment information, visit our Member Center. Others allow private parties to keep animals like tigers or primates with a permit. Also, removing a certain species from the ecosystem can destroy the whole ecosystem. 17 Pros and Cons of Keeping Animals in Captivity - ConnectUS Zoo elephants tend to die young. A small exhibit is never going to truly capture the vastness of the open world. The first efforts to keep wild and exotic animals for non-utilitarian uses began about 2500 BCE, when rulers in . There are 39 animal species currently listed by the IUCN as Extinct in the Wild. Mr. Hagenbecks model was widely influential. Animal rights activists argue that hunting, capturing, and putting animals on display is unethical. Even without a consciousness (that we know of) animals are alive and should be treated as such. Zoos protect against a species going extinct. In a 2011 study, researchers quizzed visitors at the Cleveland, Bronx, Prospect Park and Central Park zoos about their level of environmental concern and what they thought about the animals. See Related: Endangered Species in California. There is no wild animal census in the United States, and many states have lax oversight, so any estimates about the population of wild animals in captivity is at best an educated guess. I have written before about the importance of zoos and the role they have to play in the world for conservation . They often display neurotic behaviour, like repetitive pacing, swaying, and bar biting. When an animal is not on the endangered list, capturing it doesnt serve any purpose to the animal. In some environments, we believe it's best not to keep certain wild animals at all, as their needs simply can't be met. Understanding the optimal requirements for the reproduction of certain animals can be difficult. But it's clear, say welfare specialists, that captivity can compromise orcas' health. In addition, when animals are removed from their natural habitats, they are also removed from their family structure and social hierarchy. Children leave most zoos with a misconception about how animals behave in the wild and what it takes to truly care for endangered animals. Chimps pull out their own hair. Polar bears have one million times less space. Some zoo animals try to escape. And it is true that the territory size of an animal like a wolf depends greatly on the density of resources and other wolves. These associations ensure that members are treating their animals with a high standard of care and following any guidelines they provide. By designing these enclosures so that many animals could be seen at once, without any bars or walls in the visitors lines of sight, he created an immersive panorama, in which the fact of captivity was supplanted by the illusion of being in nature. There are a few exceptions. People are always attracted to exotic animals such as grizzlies, lions, wolves, tigers, and alligators among others. Here they are relatively safe . "Only 15% of the thousands of species held in zoos are considered 'threatened'," says Will Travers OBE, president of Born Free. As humans, we have no right to hunt and lock up animals for our enjoyment. The lack of enough vegetation will then lead to global warming due to less carbon in the atmosphere. Marine mammals are best protected by cleaning up and protecting their habitats. There are a great many negative effects of zoos on animals.When we visit zoos, we can see they often go to great lengths in order to recreate the animals natural habitats. But whether recent events have triggered a profound shift in public consciousness is harder to quantify. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. Local laws are often most effective in governing the private possession of exotic animals. Important to protect endangered species from extinction. An increase in the populations of herbivorous animals such as deer and buffalos isnt a good thing, especially not for the vegetation and ground cover. Our EIN number is 94-2681680. See Related: What Is The Hunters Role in Wildlife Conservation? "We engage huge audiences with wildlife, inspiring the conservationists of tomorrow," argues zoological director of ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos, Professor David Field. Increasingly, animals were presented with the distasteful fact of their imprisonment visually elided. The statistics on the number of big cats alone that have died in captivity between 1990 and 2021 is 126. Animals also lose their genetic diversity especially due to inbreeding. ", Published in the June 2017 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK), What to do in the Forest of Bowland, Lancashire, How to plan and book an Indian rail odyssey, Four of the best luxury sleeper trains in India, How Miami is re-embracing its modernist architecture, Where to eat in Clitheroe, the Ribble Valley's culinary hotspot, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society. Zoo animals sustain both physical and psychological scars from harsh zookeepers. In 1898, the reason was cited by the New York Zoological Society when it resolved to inform the public of the continued decline in animal populations, to stimulate sentiment in favor of animal protection, and to cooperate with scientific organizations to ensure the preservation of species. worldanimalfoundation.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and Other Programs, an affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the Partners. Zoos cannot begin to provide the amount of space animals have in the wild. The confined living areas are a big contributor to animal stress and lack of physical stimulation like would be gained from a nice sprint. If an animal cannot be given sufficient space or is suffering from stress and not behaving as expected, the zoo is within its right to kill the animal(s). Lack of trees to rain will then lead to less and less vegetation and eventually draught in the area which will force the surviving animals to migrate to areas with better conditions. The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. The Humane Society of the United States believes that animals in bare tanks do not present a realistic image of natural behaviors or natural habitats. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com. There is considerable variation from state to state and among cities and counties, as to how much legal protection is offered to captive wild animals. Alex shares his life with his wife (to-be), children and stepchildren, a herd of guinea pigs, and numerous tropical fish, frogs and snails. Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage! Are Sliding Doors or French Doors More Energy Efficient? This could cause problems for the animal. Crustacean Chronicles: A Deep Dive into the Fascinating World of the Crab, Pet Food Manufacturers and Who Rules the Roost in a Growing Market. Public zoos sprang up across Europe, many modeled on the London Zoo in Regents Park. Many zoos conduct such studies, and also run captive breeding programmes for endangered species. Zoos | Freedom for Animals However, they are really just teaching children about caring for animals in captivity. They bought tickets, and the wild creatures should behave accordingly. See Related: Different Animals That Cant Jump. In many modern zoos, animals are well cared for, healthy and probably, for many species, content. Wildlife experts remind people that these animals do not know people's intentions, so they will try to protect themselves no matter what. Animals need physical stimulation and a level of interaction with nature that we, as humans, cannot understand, let alone interpret and recreate. Should zoos exist essay: Should Zoos Still Exist or Not? The Arguments Zoos also say that they save the endangered animals, but all they really care about is how much crowd the animal draws. Animals in captivity can struggle to adapt to their new environment. Zoos and circuses are among those who fall under this act. Copyright 2015-2021 National Geographic Partners, LLC. This isnt always guaranteed since the breeding practices could be insufficient or even produce animals that are not suitable for survival in the wild. The incident in Miami Seaquarium is proof that animals do not belong in captivity. An example of these associations is the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) which represents over 240 businesses across the globe. They argue that no animal should be forced to spend their life in an unnatural environment and perform. Existing refuges often do allow visitors, but their facilities are really arranged for the animals, not for the people. William Randolph Hearst created his own private zoo with lions, tigers, leopards and more at Hearst Castle. Their lives in captivity can be harsh especially when the animal has been completely removed from its social structures. As we snap a selfie by the sea lions for the first time in so long, it seems worth asking, after our collective ordeal, whether our pleasure in seeing wild animals up close is worth the price of their captivity. A day may come, he said, when we need to breed elephants or tigers or polar bears in captivity to save them from extinction. It gets even worse for the animal if the trainer is impatient, the poor beast will have to endure beatings over commands they dont understand. That doesnt mean there havent been criticisms. Read more: Should I worry about chemtrails? Why the world needs zoos | Dr Dave Hone | The Guardian [WATCH], Armored Dinosaur Magnificently Preserved After Face, Skin, Spikes Survived Fossilization. That's not a record that justifies tens of millions of wild animals kept in zoos. PETA isn't alone. Healthy animals in zoos are killed because they are not needed. Zoos have been around for thousands of yearsas far back as 3500 BC in Egypt. The window to the world of. Keeping animals in captivity can prevent their extinction. Being placed into a small tank, away from their family units, might not break existing animal protection laws. The allure of baby animals and the crowds they pull can lead a zoological garden director to increase them to keep attracting customers. Deforestation will be the next problem when animals such as moose, elks, and deer start eating everything even young trees. These are wild animals, who are dangerous by nature and cannot be domesticated. However, it does not change the fundamental fact that as the world changes, we must also become more aware of the darker side of such animal sanctuaries. See Related: Animals That Have Become Extinct in the Last 100 Years. Throughout history, men have accumulated large and fierce animals to advertise their might and prestige. This is seen as a cheaper option as opposed to moving them back into the wild. Sadly, once the small animals outgrow their cute phase, the zoo has to get rid of them since feeding and housing them all can get expensive. 32 Important Pros & Cons Of Zoos - E&C If an untrained zookeeper comes across a stubborn animal, they might hurt it if they are impatient. Display would be incidental. Zoo keepers are often trained and specialize in a particular breed or species. Wild Animals Should Not Be Kept In Captivity - Medium Help inform others by writing letters to your local newspapers and posting to social media. Caring for animals on a full-time basis requires someone who is both informed and cares about them. Copyrights 2023. BBC - Ethics - Animal ethics: Animals for entertainment A 2019 report by World Animal Protection found that captive animals exhibitedabnormal levels of aggression, indicating that the attack in Miami Seaquarium was a direct result of captivity, despite claims that it is an isolated incident and is uncommon. There are a number of reasons why animals should not be kept in captivity. Breeding programs in zoos eventually lead to some animals being sold off to other zoos or worse circuses. See Related: Animals With the Best Sense of Smell. For many wild animals, this is a vital part of their life, and they can struggle to redefine their footing. Thats undeniable. His justification was philosophical. The Dark Truth behind Bear Bile Uses: Hidden Costs of Traditional Medicine, The Untold Story of Factory-farmed Cows the Consequences for Animal and Human Health, Are Giraffes Endangered? "Animals in zoos suffer tremendously, both physically and mentally. Thats true, he said. On top of that, the animals dont have much freedom even in these tiny spaces that they are forced to live in. With increased awareness about the cruelty involved with keeping wild animals in captivity, more and more jurisdictions are enacting legal protections. Dimming Lights: Are Fireflies Endangered? An example of this is a snake that will bite whatever is threatening them since they are not as good at running away as other animals. Pros and cons of zoos: Should animals be kept in zoos? ALSO READ: Man in Uganda Beats Lion With Bare Hands In Bloody Battle Before Feasting on the Beast for Dinner. In 2014, the director of the E.A.Z.A. Zoos - Pros & Cons - ProCon.org (This law does not affect zoos or circuses.). In 1982, only 22 condors existed in the wild. People may behave eco-friendlier after going to the zoo. For privacy policy and ad & cookie policy information, visit our Privacy Policy pages. A Brief History of Zoos . Most animals are taught to perform tricks and go against the grain of nature purely for human entertainment. Caring for the said animals, away from their predator will give their species a chance of repopulating. For example, the typical enclosure designed for a polar bear is about a million times smaller than its natural roaming grounds. Genes evolved over time to help the animal adjust to a man-made habitat can be a downside to the populations of the species in the wild. What Cause Extinction What Can We Do To Stop It? So when they face a threat, wild animals believe that they should survive by fleeing, fighting, flirting, or freezing. But the law excludes protection for birds, rats and mice, farmed animals and cold-blooded animals such as reptiles, amphibians and fish. When a female gorilla named Johari kept fighting off the male she was placed with, the zoo dosed her with Prozac until she allowed him to mate with her. One way that is rarely documented is the sale of other animals into the exotic pet trade. Copyright 2023 The Science Times. Why Animals Should Not Be Kept in Captivity: The Problem With Wildlife Pro and Con: Zoos | Britannica Those who reported a sense of connection to the animals at the zoo also correlated positively with general environmental concern. More than 6,000 comments made by the visitors were recorded, nearly half of which were purely descriptive statements that asserted a fact about the exhibit or the animal. The researchers wrote, In all the statements collected, no one volunteered information that would lead us to believe that they had an intention to advocate for protection of the animal or an intention to change their own behavior.. When it works out, breeding endangered animals has positive results that can be felt even in the human kingdom. The law, adopted by Congress in 1966, protects so-called warm-blooded animals who are bred for commercial sale, used in research, transported commercially or publicly exhibited, like in a zoo or circus. That's how animals living in captivity feel. Many zoos fail to provide the required minimum standard of care, Zoos dont replicate animals natural habitats, Zoos teach people that animal captivity is acceptable, Animal protection laws are not strong enough, Many visitors disturb and disrespect the animals, Zoo animals are often drugged to be kept calm. Slow animals with minimal to zero predators such as elephants have brief life spans in captivity. There have also been reported cases of zoos not properly disposing of dead bodies when animals die on their premises. Your email address will not be published. Ive heard and read some of their stories. However, when the animals being culled arent in demand, they might find themselves facing death. Infringing the rights of individuals because it benefits the species is wrong because a species is not an. As a result, many zoos breed animals. Should zoos be banned? | National Geographic Apes are excellent at escaping. When the zoo replaced the bars with thick glass, he started methodically removing the putty holding it in. Such zoos might even be merged with sanctuaries, places that take wild animals that because of injury or a lifetime of captivity cannot live in the wild. Mr. Hribal documented many stories of elephants making a run for it in one case repairing to a nearby woods with a pond for a mud bath.
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