This paper is going to discuss why animals should not be kept in captivity. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. The AWA establishes only baseline standards of care for licensing exhibitors. Animals in zoos are easier to get various kinds of diseases because there are thousands of people around the animal every day. Zoo keepers are often trained and specialize in a particular breed or species. The required standard of care for wild animals, such as those held by zoos, is wide-ranging and nigh on impossible for zoos to provide. 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. 12 Reasons Why Animals Should Not Be Kept in Zoos - Our Endangered World That doesnt mean there havent been criticisms. Mr. Ashe, a former director of the U.S. When she caught up with the boys at the cafe, she mauled them before she was shot to death by the police. They learned from their parents to be mistrustful because they have no way of knowing whether people could be good or do them harm. You can see exotic animals without the need for traveling. Should zoos exist essay: Should Zoos Still Exist or Not? The Arguments Humans have kept wild animals for thousands of years. Since most countries dont have any regulations on how to handle animals in zoos, these business people can do whatever it takes to make the most profits possible. As a result, many zoos breed animals. See Related: Animals With the Best Sense of Smell. You can surely help these animals by refusing to visit zoos and instead supporting sanctuaries where animals live in natural habitats. Grizzly Bear vs Black Bear: Whats the Difference. Apes are excellent at escaping. A 2000 survey of U.S. and Canadian zoos found that nearly half of respondents were giving their gorillas Haldol, Valium or another psychopharmaceutical drug. Zoos shifted just slightly from overt demonstrations of mastery over beasts to a narrative of benevolent protection of individual animals. Animals kept in an unsuitable environment or fed the wrong diet can suffer, and this can lead to illness or death. Should Animals Be Kept in Zoos? | The Minimalist Vegan They are kind people, bonded to their charges and immersed in the culture of the zoo, in which they are the good guys. These wild animals are sold at auctions, pet stores or over the internet. In addition, baby animals that are deemed excess to requirements find their way into black market sales. These associations ensure that members are treating their animals with a high standard of care and following any guidelines they provide. Many zoos and aquariums offer behind-the-scenes tours and informative talks on animal welfare. The confined living areas are a big contributor to animal stress and lack of physical stimulation like would be gained from a nice sprint. Zoos can be productive when it comes to reviving an animal species on the brink of extinction. However, not all of them are suitable for captivity and are better left alone in the wild. Another serious problem is that the chronically-understaffed USDA conducts inspections infrequently. Caring for animals on a full-time basis requires someone who is both informed and cares about them. For some animals in zoos, the shock of their relocation alone can be fatal. Id like to think these kids, now in their early 20s, are working for a conservation organization somewhere. A 2014 study by the Society for Conservation Biology found that of over 2,800 children surveyed following visits to London Zoo, 62% showed no positive learning outcomes. Ostensibly places for genteel amusement and edification, zoos expanded beyond big and fearsome animals to include reptile houses, aviaries and insectariums. Reasons Why Animals Should not Be Kept in Zoos - GradesFixer Animals are stressed when they get separated from their packs or herds, especially when they end up as the only one of their kind in their new homes. We have good models of captive wild animal protection laws outside of this country as well. Sadly, most of these associations end up protecting the interests of their members, and not the animals they should be protecting. See Related: Endangered Species in California. 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. They normally find themselves locked in cages, and only released into an artificial habitat when there are visitors at the zoo. Not surprising, perhaps, considering the typical polar bear enclosure is one million times smaller than the area they would naturally roam.". When the caretakers are not well informed about the animals they are to be taking care of, it can be problematic. However, this is often not much more than an illusion for the customer. Mr. Hagenbecks model was widely influential. While zoos can definitely be exciting places for families to visit, the fact remains that they are bad for animals. 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. Check out more news and information on Wild Animalsin Science Times. I have written before about the importance of zoos and the role they have to play in the world for conservation . An estimated 20 red wolves are all that remain in the wild. State laws vary considerably, with some states banning the ownership of wild and exotic animals while others have virtually no regulation whatsoever. Elephants are particularly unhappy in zoos, given their great size, social nature and cognitive complexity. However, they are really just teaching children about caring for animals in captivity. Reintroduced animals have a hard time coping with life in the wild after long periods away. With their apes, elephants, big cats, and other large and smart species gone, they could expand enclosures for the rest of the animals, concentrating on keeping them lavishly happy until their natural deaths. Cons of zoos Animal cruelty in zoos continues to be extremely common. Tell lawmakers you support animal-friendly legislation and local bans on using animals in entertainment. Pros and cons of zoos: Should animals be kept in zoos? 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 tiny yards while their free-ranging cousins walk up to 50 miles a day. The Convention On International Trade In Endangered Species Of Wild Fauna And Flora (CITES): CITES is an international treaty that regulates the trade of wildlife for nations that are signatories to the treaty. Today's zoos are extremely important to saving wild animals and their habitats. It is always best to stay away from wild animals to prevent disastrous interactions. Others are captured from their native habitats, or come from backyard breeders or the black market. That's how animals living in captivity feel. Here are some of the major ways that these jurisdictions are protecting wild captive animals under the law: Restricting Private Parties From Keeping Wild Animals: Some states ban the keeping of wild and exotic animals. It is not humane to keep large mammals like orcas, dolphins or elephants in zoos or theme parks. PETA isn't alone. Step away from the selfie stick. When it works out, breeding endangered animals has positive results that can be felt even in the human kingdom. The worst climate risks, mapped: In this feature, select a country, and we'll break down the climate hazards it faces. Throughout history, men have accumulated large and fierce animals to advertise their might and prestige. Mr. Fisher is a photographer based in New York. Big cats, such as lions and tigers, used in circuses are forced to live in tiny cages that are transported across the country. RELATED ARTICLE: Dolphin Attacks Trainer in Front of Horrified Families in Miami Seaquarium: How Often Do These Sea Creatures Attack Humans? 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. He also found many examples of zoo elephants hurting or killing their keepers and evidence that zoos routinely downplayed or even lied about those incidents. Four of the zoos and the aquarium in New York City, for instance, are managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society, which is involved in conservation efforts around the world. Many zoos will then resort to drugging animals in order to keep them docile and normal for the pleasure of the viewing public. Once an animal has served its purpose, many zoos will either sell them or euthanize them. 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. That's not a record that justifies tens of millions of wild animals kept in zoos. Zoos | Freedom for Animals Unfortunately using real animals for these purposes involves tremendous cruelty. The most recent addition to the family, Willow, a cockapoo puppy, has settled straight into family life and now controls who sits where on the sofa. (The culling of mammals specifically in E.A.Z.A. Exotic animals have become very popular, but they are also dangerous in so many ways. Due in part to unnatural enclosures, animals in zoos are under stress. People dont go to zoos to learn about the biodiversity crisis or how they can help. says that its members host more than 50 reintroduction programs for species listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Nevertheless, a vast majority of zoo animals (there are 800,000 animals of 6,000 species in the A.Z.A.s zoos alone) will spend their whole lives in captivity, either dying of old age after a lifetime of display or by being culled as surplus.. In this way, they could lead the predator away from their nest. 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. How Does Saving Water Help Climate Change? ViewResources. Many zoo animals are forcefully removed from their natural habitat. ", 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. Going to the zoo is sort of a short vacation for many people. Tatiana the tiger, kept in the San Francisco Zoo, snapped one day in 2007 after three teenage boys had been taunting her. Animals in captivity can struggle to adapt to their new environment. Why Animals Should Not Be Kept In Zoos - AnimalLoveTalk.com Living collections were often presented in taxonomic order, with various species of the same family grouped together, for comparative study. Well, scat reveals all sorts of things about individual animals; information the keepers share with the scientific community. The Brutal Truth About Seal Clubbing: Because Everyone Needs Dead Seal Pups (Not)! ", PETA's Bekhechi adds, the aim of breeding programmes is just "to produce baby animals to attract visitors.". This could cause problems for the animal. The A.Z.A. The truth is that zoos are a prison for animals. In zoos vets and biologist help to prevent inbreeding. Elephants figure prominently in his book, in part because they are so big that when they escape it generally makes the news. As a late Gen-Xer-cum-early-Millenial, my childhood was rich with trips to visit zoos. Your email address will not be published. Zoos, aquariums, water parks, and other facilities can help to maintain the viability of endangered species when humanity does not do a good enough job of protecting the animals in the wild. WHY ANIMALS SHOULD NOT BE KEPT IN CAPTIVITY - Adobe Slate This goes to the detriment of the animals in zoos and puts them at risk of receiving inadequate care. When in their natural environments, wild animals are not used to being confronted by humans. Its protections are minimal as well. In his Animal Park, which opened in 1907 in Hamburg, he designed cages that didnt look like cages, using moats and artfully arranged rock walls to invisibly pen animals. The shooting of Harambe the gorilla spawned the most-shared meme of 2016 and caused a hounded Cincinnati Zoo to suspend its social media accounts. As humans, we have no right to hunt and lock up animals for our enjoyment. Many zoos use Prozac and other psychoactive drugs on at least some of their animals to deal with the mental effects of captivity. Animals begin to display erratic behaviors, self-mutilation, and an inability to settle. So when they face a threat, wild animals believe that they should survive by fleeing, fighting, flirting, or freezing. Ive been to zoos and aquariums in Winnipeg, Vancouver, and Vancouver Island, not to mention those in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. But few federal laws protect these animals, who may be forced to perform or kept confined in small cages with little to keep their minds occupied and bodies well. This is due to the fact that many zoos want to keep as many animals as . The trainer was immediately sent to the hospital and has since recovered from physical injuries, and so does the dolphin. Marine mammals in captivity | The Humane Society of the United States State And Local Laws: Strong state laws and even local laws have historically been a useful way to protect exotic and wild animals. They go to get out of the house, to get their children some fresh air, to see interesting animals. The U.S. became a signatory to CITES in 1975. NASA's Hubble Space Telescope Captures Dramatic Hour-by-Hour Changes of Dart Mission Slamming on an Asteroid, Can Humanity Deflect Potentially Hazardous Asteroids? Trading in Wild Animals: Every year, thousands of animals enter the captive wild animal trade. Animals are not able to bear living in small, unsuited environments. A species protected in captivity provides a reservoir population against a population crash or extinction in the wild. There are a number of reasons why animals should not be kept in captivity. See Related: What Is The Hunters Role in Wildlife Conservation? The researchers divided the odd behaviors of captive animals into two categories: impulsive/compulsive behaviors, including coprophagy (eating feces), regurgitation, self-biting and mutilation, exaggerated aggressiveness and infanticide, and stereotypies, which are endlessly repeated movements. Others allow private parties to keep animals like tigers or primates with a permit. The educational day out model of zoos endured until the late 20th century, when zoos began actively rebranding themselves as serious contributors to conservation. All Rights are Resvered. [WATCH], Armored Dinosaur Magnificently Preserved After Face, Skin, Spikes Survived Fossilization. Zoos protect against a species going extinct. When theres a surplus, you can just have a plant sale. Animals are often bored and, as a result, some become aggressive and can lash out at other animals or zookeepers. But theres no unambiguous evidence that zoos are making visitors care more about conservation or take any action to support it. An orangutan at the Omaha Zoo kept wire for lock-picking hidden in his mouth. 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. Help inform others by writing letters to your local newspapers and posting to social media. Don't be suckered into supporting companies that offer experiences like hugging a tiger, swimming with dolphins, riding elephants, or kissing sharks. The Animal Legal Defense Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. She somehow got over the 12-foot wall surrounding her 1,000-square-foot enclosure and attacked one of the teenagers, killing him. Early in the pandemic, the Neumunster Zoo in northern Germany coolly announced an emergency plan to cope with lost revenue by feeding some animals to other animals, compressing the food chain at the zoo like an accordion, until in the worst-case scenario, only Vitus, a polar bear, would be left standing. Weve discussed the reasons and can surely all now answer the question of why are zoos bad. Some zoo animals try to escape. Here are some tips. The ESA outlines procedures for federal agencies to follow regarding listed species, as well as criminal and civil penalties for violations. Photographs by Peter Fisher. Personally speaking, Ive been to zoos in Sydney, Australia, and all over the UK. 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. James Borrell: Eight reasons why zoos are good for conservation "We engage huge audiences with wildlife, inspiring the conservationists of tomorrow," argues zoological director of ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos, Professor David Field. Animals live in cruel conditions, confined to small cages without the enrichment they need to lead full, happy lives. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com. Animals in zoos can sense this, and over time their confinement can lead to worrying behavioral changes. Investigators found sticks and pine cones inside the exhibit, most likely thrown by the boys. According toAnimal Behavior: Resources for Applied Ethology, fleeing or running away is the most popular reaction of animals towards humans. Zoos often have insufficient knowledge of animals. However, there are some disadvantages of zoos to the environment ranging from overpopulation of a species to global warming. Animals such as lions, elephants, and tigers dont get even close to one percent of the area they roam in the wild. Wildlife experts remind people that these animals do not know people's intentions, so they will try to protect themselves no matter what. The window to the world of. Unfortunately, this is done under the guise of conservation and to protect endangered species. There have also been reported cases of zoos not properly disposing of dead bodies when animals die on their premises. Display would be incidental. This type of behaviour is almost unheard of in their wild counterparts. The problem is that these large predators control the population of herbivorous animals in their domain. William Randolph Hearst created his own private zoo with lions, tigers, leopards and more at Hearst Castle. Can captive animals ever truly return to the wild? | BBC Earth Some are in aquariums, circuses, theme parks and zoos, others live caged at private homes. Many zoos conduct such studies, and also run captive breeding programmes for endangered species. Writing at the end of 2020, Al Gore, the 45th vice president of the United States. They are contained in small spaces, often made docile through drugs and other medications, and slowly strip away all autonomy and freedom from all animals. Elephants arent the only species that try to flee a zoo life. Though the idea of breeding endangered animals to help increase their numbers back in the wild is great, there are problems that come with it. However, through education and informative motions for change, we can make change the way zoos are run. At the end of the day, Zoos are largely unethical places that are built under the pretense of habitat conservation but really are there to earn money and entertain people who want to be able to say they saw real-life wild animals. Lack of Sufficient Space No matter how dedicated a zoo is, it can't meet the space requirements for most of its animals. As long as there is demand should zoos exist essay them, zoos will continue to exist. Declawing is extremely painful and causes permanent disability. This alone increases the risk of disease, as animals are exposed to viruses they have never encountered before. Groundhog More than Just a Weather Prognosticator! Why the world needs zoos | Dr Dave Hone | The Guardian However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence. Captive animals need better laws, and better enforcement of those laws. Children leave most zoos with a misconception about how animals behave in the wild and what it takes to truly care for endangered animals. Also, removing a certain species from the ecosystem can destroy the whole ecosystem. After all, more than 700 million people visit zoos and aquariums worldwide every year, and biodiversity is still in decline. Keep on reading. Below are a dozen reasons why zoos can be bad for animals: No matter how dedicated a zoo is, it cant meet the space requirements for most of its animals. One of the best examples of this advantage is the Przewalski's horse. There are a few exceptions. However, suffering doesnt have to be physical; boredom, confinement, and stress can cause an animal a lot of suffering. What if they sent all the animals that need really large areas or lots of freedom and socialization to refuges? YES. When zoos find themselves with surplus animals, they need to find ways to reduce their numbers. This isnt always guaranteed since the breeding practices could be insufficient or even produce animals that are not suitable for survival in the wild. Emma Marris is an environmental writer and the author of the forthcoming book Wild Souls: Freedom and Flourishing in the Non-Human World.. WorldAnimalFoundation.org, Today's Deal: $300 Discount on Halo 2+ GPS Dog Collar. 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. In contrast, those nesting animals or cornered ones will try to defend themselves if being approached to protect their young. Lets get into the nitty-gritty details of why keeping animals in zoos is bad: Wild animals often suffer in captivity because they were meant to be free. Your voice is needed, so that captive wild animals in the United States, and elsewhere, are better protected. Thats true, he said. However, I feel there are certain species that should never be held in captivity unless they are candidates for breeding programs or rehabilitation. However, when the animals being culled arent in demand, they might find themselves facing death. Should animals be kept in captivity? - The Current Zoos are a part of culture across the world. Privacy Policy. They found that only 27 percent of people bothered to read the signs at exhibits. Regardless of the merits or ethics of zoos, one thing's for certain: they're going to be around for some years yet. Cleaners and feeders spend a lot of time with the animals, and understanding the situation one is getting into can be very helpful. Sanctuaries occupy a "gray area," says Tanya Espinosa, a . See Related: Animals That Have Become Extinct in the Last 100 Years. Zoos provide opportunities for nice family trips. Alas, theres plenty of heartbreaking evidence that many are not. 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. Articles on why animals should not be kept in zoos. Why Animals Its said that Texas has the worlds second-largest tiger population, due to private citizens propensity for keeping these big cats as pets. 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). Being placed into a small tank, away from their family units, might not break existing animal protection laws. See Related: Best Wildlife Conservation Jobs. With increased awareness about the cruelty involved with keeping wild animals in captivity, more and more jurisdictions are enacting legal protections. Jason Hribals 2010 book, Fear of the Animal Planet, chronicles dozens of attempts. Meanwhile, small changes at the officemight be one good way to cut significant emissions, writes Carlos Gamarra. First and foremost, captivity can be extremely detrimental to an animal's physical and mental well-being. The Link Between Fasting And Mental Health: Can It Improve Mood And Cognition? A largely unregulated trend is the hybrid breeding of wild cats with house cats, with predictably disastrous consequences. Climate change has become a very real threat for the next and even current generations. Some animals are quite intelligent so keeping them in captivity should never be an option. It is not possible to have zookeepers versed in a detailed understanding of every single species. Here are my eight reasons why zoos are critical to conservation: 1. Even when properly fed and well housed, they can never be fully relaxed in confined spaces. Read more: Should I worry about chemtrails? Wrong! This support of the exotic pet trade also results in a lot of preventable animal deaths. (707) 795-2533 |info@aldf.org Captive Animals - Animal Legal Defense Fund In 1982, only 22 condors existed in the wild. Orcas don't do well in captivity. Here's why. - Animals Most animals are taught to perform tricks and go against the grain of nature purely for human entertainment. Our EIN number is 94-2681680. Keeping animals in captivity can prevent their extinction. That change prompted the shift in zoo narrative from entertainment to the protection of animals. Due to the low density of the population of some animals in their natural ecosystems they struggle to find partners. The surpluses are then sold off to zoos, aquariums, or even circuses. BBC - Ethics - Animal ethics: Animals for entertainment Most zoos dont focus on the educational aspect of zoos; the animals are mainly kept for amusement. Bears, lions, and other animals languish in roadside zoos across the country. facilities report spending approximately $231 million annually on conservation projects. Polar bears have one million times less space. Little Joe, a gorilla, escaped from the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston twice in 2003. In fact, while animals will have almost unlimited space in the wild, they are often caged in rather confined areas in zoos. Captive animals are forced to spend their lives swimming endlessly and aimlessly instead of traveling up to 100 miles a day at fast speeds in the wild. The others ran, and she pursued them, ignoring all other humans in her path. Animals need physical stimulation and a level of interaction with nature that we, as humans, cannot understand, let alone interpret and recreate. If one could simply stop urging and encouraging zoos then maybe someday animals get to live in the free wild as they please. 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. In 2020, facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums contributed more than $230 million to conservation efforts. (This law does not affect zoos or circuses.). The bill helps end the rampant abuse of tigers and other big cats in captivity by banning private possession. This is only one of the Act's limitations. In one escape, they worked together: One held a mop handle steady while her sister climbed it to freedom. All Rights Reserved. A peer-reviewed 2017 study in the . Their sleeping quarters can get overcrowded and this can lead to the animals harming each other. Breeding programs in zoos eventually lead to some animals being sold off to other zoos or worse circuses. Visitors will hammer on the glass or clamor around an animal enclosure, calling and shouting for the creature to perform for their pleasure.
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