why animals should not be kept in zoos articles why animals should not be kept in zoos articles

When it rains, the topsoil gets washed away leaving the land more exposed. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. 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. These are species that would have vanished totally were it not for captive populations around the world, many of which reside in zoos (or, for plants, botanic gardens). All Rights are Resvered. Before anyone starts sprinkling the stuff on their cornflakes, this isn't the hottest new beauty trend nor is it a natural phenomenon: Assiniboine Park Zoo's keepers use coloured glitter in the bears' feed to identify their droppings. Animals in zoos are easier to get various kinds of diseases because there are thousands of people around the animal every day. When an animal is not on the endangered list, capturing it doesnt serve any purpose to the animal. Marine mammals are best protected by cleaning up and protecting their habitats. They are removed from their natural habitats and confined to small limited spaces and often forced to perform tricks or entertain visitors. These associations ensure that members are treating their animals with a high standard of care and following any guidelines they provide. However, looking back as an adult with a world-savvy eye, there is far more to animal captivity than meets the eye. Zoo animals sustain both physical and psychological scars from harsh zookeepers. Copyright 2015-2021 National Geographic Partners, LLC. In the past five years, the number of zoos has been gradually going up. Its said that Texas has the worlds second-largest tiger population, due to private citizens propensity for keeping these big cats as pets. Animals such as lions, elephants, and tigers dont get even close to one percent of the area they roam in the wild. People dont go to zoos to learn about the biodiversity crisis or how they can help. CITES does not directly address living conditions for captive animals. The animals too have rights and they shouldnt be subjected to half the things they undergo. The AWA only applies to some captive wild animals. But relatively early in their evolution, a German exotic animal importer named Carl Hagenbeck changed the way wild animals were exhibited. There are currently 421 zoological gardens and aquariums and a 2.9% business growth this year despite the pandemic. However, suffering doesnt have to be physical; boredom, confinement, and stress can cause an animal a lot of suffering. Lack of Sufficient Space No matter how dedicated a zoo is, it can't meet the space requirements for most of its animals. As a result, many animals at zoos may die prematurely from stress or illness. 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. Yes And Someone is Paying Attention, Swimming with The Seahorse: Discover Their Mystical Charisma. When it comes to lethal force and animal welfare, at least, public opinion swiftly sides against zoos. Fighting is a sign that they are threatened, especially when an animal has no way of getting away quickly. Severe arthritis and foot infections are common in captive elephants due to standing on hard, unnatural surfaces all day without room to roam. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Unlike in the wild where these endangered species have to worry about staying safe, in these breeding programs they get taken care of. In this way, they could lead the predator away from their nest. Animals kept in an unsuitable environment or fed the wrong diet can suffer, and this can lead to illness or death. Will we ever see all zoos closed down? They often display neurotic behaviour, like repetitive pacing, swaying, and bar biting. In the case of America, our maps, developed with experts, show where extreme heat is causing the most deaths. These standards set a low bar and are widely considered to be sub-par in protecting animals. (The culling of mammals specifically in E.A.Z.A. If one could simply stop urging and encouraging zoos then maybe someday animals get to live in the free wild as they please. Some sad facts about zoos are that at times, the people hired to take care of and protect these animals arent very qualified. The practice of killing surplus animals is kept quiet by zoos, but it happens, especially in Europe. In normalizing captivity zoos, and teaching animals to perform tricks for human entertainment, zoos and animal sanctuaries are spreading the message that animal captivity to normal, healthy, and fully acceptable. Zoos provide opportunities for nice family trips. 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. A day may come, he said, when we need to breed elephants or tigers or polar bears in captivity to save them from extinction. 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. They argue that no animal should be forced to spend their life in an unnatural environment and perform. Anyone can read what you share. WHY ANIMALS SHOULD NOT BE KEPT IN CAPTIVITY By "Phillip" Hungry, depressed, and unable to connect. Existing refuges often do allow visitors, but their facilities are really arranged for the animals, not for the people. Just as we humans are free to do whatever we want so long as we follow the law, then it shouldn't be different for animals. Some, however, argue that children benefit from zoos. The common negative effects of zoos on animals are listed below. Even the best zoological park cannot fully capture the wild, and many smaller zoos fail to take effective measures to ensure the health and well-being of their animals. Another time, one of the orangutans, Kumang, learned how to use sticks to ground the current in the electrical wire around her enclosure. Their natural habitat extends far beyond anything captivity zoos could provide. Zoos protect against a species going extinct. Forests Under Threat: A Comprehensive Look at the Latest Deforestation Statistics, Puppy Mills vs. 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. Ive been to zoos and aquariums in Winnipeg, Vancouver, and Vancouver Island, not to mention those in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. In contrast, those nesting animals or cornered ones will try to defend themselves if being approached to protect their young. 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. 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. Animals live in cruel conditions, confined to small cages without the enrichment they need to lead full, happy lives. I have written before about the importance of zoos and the role they have to play in the world for conservation . They learned from their parents to be mistrustful because they have no way of knowing whether people could be good or do them harm. It is not humane to keep large mammals like orcas, dolphins or elephants in zoos or theme parks. 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. Animal rights activists argue that hunting, capturing, and putting animals on display is unethical. This goes to the detriment of the animals in zoos and puts them at risk of receiving inadequate care. Alas, theres plenty of heartbreaking evidence that many are not. In the end, he said, we live with our own constraints. He added, We are all captive in some regards to social and ethical and religious and other constraints on our life and our activities.. Properly curated and interpreted, a well-run garden can be a site for a rewarding outing with friends or family, a source of education for the 27 percent of people who read signs and a point of civic pride. The Brutal Truth About Seal Clubbing: Because Everyone Needs Dead Seal Pups (Not)! Keep on reading. Throughout history, men have accumulated large and fierce animals to advertise their might and prestige. Mr. Hagenbecks model was widely influential. Animal Legal Defense Fund,National Headquarters I find one statistic particularly telling about their priorities: A 2018 analysis of the scientific papers produced by association members between 1993 and 2013 showed that just about 7 percent of them annually were classified as being about biodiversity conservation.. However, the vast majority dont do enough to accurately replace an animals natural habitat. When she caught up with the boys at the cafe, she mauled them before she was shot to death by the police. That change prompted the shift in zoo narrative from entertainment to the protection of animals. They could either bite, peck, scratch, kick, or flap their wings. 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. There are 39 animal species currently listed by the IUCN as Extinct in the Wild. Zoological gardens have been working to help ensure that any endangered species are given another chance to thrive again over time. Humans have kept wild animals for thousands of years. According to an article inPlant Based News, marine parks and aquariums are a billion-dollar industry that exists to entertain the public by catching fish and sea mammals from the wild and using them as live exhibits. This is seen as a cheaper option as opposed to moving them back into the wild. Lack of learning valuable animal life skills such as hunting and social structures eventually leads to the alteration of the said animals behavior. Big cats, such as lions and tigers, used in circuses are forced to live in tiny cages that are transported across the country. Your email address will not be published. This conservation focus must be a key component for institutions that want to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a nonprofit organization that sets standards and policies for facilities in the United States and 12 other countries. The California condor breeding program, which almost certainly saved the species from extinction, includes five zoos as active partners. In a study done on 40 chimpanzees in six different zoos, all of the chimps exhibited behavior their counterparts in nature did not. Wild dolphins swim up to 40 miles day with the other members of their pod, while captive dolphins are forced to swim in tiny pools with unfamiliar dolphins day after day. 7 reasons why animals in captivity deserve freedom. 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. "We engage huge audiences with wildlife, inspiring the conservationists of tomorrow," argues zoological director of ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos, Professor David Field. Meanwhile, small changes at the officemight be one good way to cut significant emissions, writes Carlos Gamarra. Their death can be caused by either: lack of space, physical problems, diet, and PTSD. Zoos and circuses are among those who fall under this act. Thousands of animals are captured and put in zoos and aquariums for tourist attractions every year. Zoos are held to their word of conserving animals and releasing them back into the wild when they are ready. I remember well the awe and joy on their faces, 15 years later. Understanding the optimal requirements for the reproduction of certain animals can be difficult. This was the first time that the ESA has successfully been used to protect captive wild animals. Children leave most zoos with a misconception about how animals behave in the wild and what it takes to truly care for endangered animals. Grizzly Bear vs Black Bear: Whats the Difference. Read more: Should I worry about chemtrails? The others ran, and she pursued them, ignoring all other humans in her path. Ms. Marris is an environmental writer and the author of the forthcoming book Wild Souls: Freedom and Flourishing in the Non-Human World.. We do know that common animals kept as pets include lions, tigers, cougars, ocelots, servals, wolves, bears, alligators, snakes and nonhuman primates like chimpanzees. [WATCH], Armored Dinosaur Magnificently Preserved After Face, Skin, Spikes Survived Fossilization. And this is not a definite number of victims; there is probably a good number that hasnt been documented. Mr. Fisher is a photographer based in New York. For intellectual property information and terms of use, visit our Intellectual Property Terms of Usepage. In some environments, we believe it's best not to keep certain wild animals at all, as their needs simply can't be met. NASA's Hubble Space Telescope Captures Dramatic Hour-by-Hour Changes of Dart Mission Slamming on an Asteroid, Can Humanity Deflect Potentially Hazardous Asteroids? For example, smaller and faster animals with a lot of predators in the wild tend to thrive in zoos. It is always best to stay away from wild animals to prevent disastrous interactions. Check out more news and information on Wild Animalsin Science Times. CreditPhotographs by Peter Fisher for The New York Times. Many zoos and aquariums offer behind-the-scenes tours and informative talks on animal welfare. See Related: Best Books on Endangered Species. However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence. Sanctuaries occupy a "gray area," says Tanya Espinosa, a . According toAnimal Behavior: Resources for Applied Ethology, fleeing or running away is the most popular reaction of animals towards humans. RELATED ARTICLE: Dolphin Attacks Trainer in Front of Horrified Families in Miami Seaquarium: How Often Do These Sea Creatures Attack Humans? 1. While zoos can definitely be exciting places for families to visit, the fact remains that they are bad for animals. Should Animals Be Kept In Zoos However, there are various reasons that explain why zoos are unethical. Those who reported a sense of connection to the animals at the zoo also correlated positively with general environmental concern. The Endangered Species Act: The Endangered Species Act, the ESA, is a federal law that protects fish, mammals, birds and plants listed as threatened or endangered in the U.S. and beyond. Persuasive Speech: Why Animals Should Not be kept in Zoos. I once overheard two schoolchildren at the Smithsonians National Zoo in Washington confess to each other that they had assumed that elephants were mythical animals like unicorns before seeing them in the flesh. Apes are known for picking locks and keeping a beady eye on their captors, waiting for the day someone forgets to lock the door. See Related: Are Humans Animals? See Related: Most Comfortable Animals in The World. Here they are relatively safe . But theres no unambiguous evidence that zoos are making visitors care more about conservation or take any action to support it. Gus, a polar bear at the Central Park Zoo, was given Prozac as part of an attempt to stop him from swimming endless figure-eight laps in his tiny pool. Required fields are marked *. To many people, a trip to the zoo is a fun day out for the family. Tatiana the tiger, kept in the San Francisco Zoo, snapped one day in 2007 after three teenage boys had been taunting her. Thats undeniable. His justification was philosophical. We use cookies to help ensure the best experience on our website. Non-native animals are held in conditions that vary greatly from what they are used to living in. The trainer was immediately sent to the hospital and has since recovered from physical injuries, and so does the dolphin. 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). They go for the same reason people went to zoos in the 19th century: to be entertained. Copyright OurEndangedWorld | All Rights Reserved, Environmental Organizations in The Philippines, Environmental Organizations in North America, Environmental Organizations in South America, Best Energy-Efficient Electric Fireplaces. The fewer than two dozen non-participants include North Korea, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Turkmenistan. Animal Behavior: Resources for Applied Ethology, Man in Uganda Beats Lion With Bare Hands In Bloody Battle Before Feasting on the Beast for Dinner, Dolphin Attacks Trainer in Front of Horrified Families in Miami Seaquarium: How Often Do These Sea Creatures Attack Humans? Capturing animals even smart ones like apes, for amusement shouldnt be going on anywhere. This can make the animals neurotic, causing them to start biting bars, pacing repetitively, and swaying. 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. Private Possession: Many wild animals may be kept captive in private homes as pets. Why Animals Should Not be Kept in Zoos These animals oftentimes live in inhumane conditions, and pose a serious threat to public safety. The first modern one was opened in Paris, France in 1793. It is not possible to have zookeepers versed in a detailed understanding of every single species. Especially animals like lions that are used to roaming vast distances in the wild in search of food. When the zoo replaced the bars with thick glass, he started methodically removing the putty holding it in. Not surprising, perhaps, considering the typical polar bear enclosure is one million times smaller than the area they would naturally roam.". Another similar behavior of flirting is freezing, in which an animal does not move when there is no way of escape, like being caught in a trap or net even though they are terrified. Zookeepers also often may neglect their healthcare needs. 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. The educational day out model of zoos endured until the late 20th century, when zoos began actively rebranding themselves as serious contributors to conservation. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Animal Legal Defense Fund v. Claws N Paws, Looking for case and legal resources? Theyre generally small menageries where wild and exotic animals like lions, tigers, monkeys, wolves, and others are kept in captivity, and often suffer badly. 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. It's the first travel company to publicly make such a move. Are Sliding Doors or French Doors More Energy Efficient? Reintroduced animals have a hard time coping with life in the wild after long periods away. Most people arent always comfortable seeing animals that are kept in zoos. Do not reproduce without permission. The trade in wild animals involves tremendous suffering at every stage of the process. 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. "An even smaller proportion are part of captive breeding programmes and, of those, a tiny fraction have been released back into the wild. What if zoos stopped breeding all their animals, with the possible exception of any endangered species with a real chance of being released back into the wild? But the law excludes protection for birds, rats and mice, farmed animals and "cold-blooded" animals such as reptiles, amphibians and fish. Many zoos conduct such studies, and also run captive breeding programmes for endangered species. In fact, while animals will have almost unlimited space in the wild, they are often caged in rather confined areas in zoos. The window to the world of. The lack of enough vegetation will then lead to global warming due to less carbon in the atmosphere. The daily stress and lack of stimulation often leads to abnormal and self-destructive behaviour - for example, pacing, walking in tight circles, rocking, swaying, or self-mutilation - a condition known as "zoochosis". I do not doubt that some people had their passion for a particular species, or wildlife in general, sparked by zoo experiences. Visiting a zoo is a chance for many people to see exotic animals they would otherwise be unable to see. Zoos cannot begin to provide the amount of space animals have in the wild. The role of our leaders: Writing at the end of 2020, Al Gore, the 45th vice president of the United States, found reasons for optimismin the Biden presidency, a feeling perhaps borne out by the passing of major climate legislation. 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. People are always attracted to exotic animals such as grizzlies, lions, wolves, tigers, and alligators among others. Climate change has become a very real threat for the next and even current generations. This is particularly true if the animal is there for entertainment. Protect animals by boycotting roadside zoos. As humans, we have no right to hunt and lock up animals for our enjoyment. Alex shares his life with his wife (to-be), children and stepchildren, a herd of guinea pigs, and numerous tropical fish, frogs and snails. However, I feel there are certain species that should never be held in captivity unless they are candidates for breeding programs or rehabilitation. 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. Why? Eventually, the only animals on display would be a few ancient holdovers from the old menageries, animals in active conservation breeding programs and perhaps a few rescues. Likewise, consuming sustainable seafood provides a valuable source of food for people and helps promote sustainable jobs. They are kind people, bonded to their charges and immersed in the culture of the zoo, in which they are the good guys. For example, Orcas are migratory animals with a vast range. There are a few exceptions. The real question is, how can we change things? 2021 ScienceTimes.com All rights reserved. Here's What Experts Think. A fine day out with the family might itself be justification enough for the existence of zoos if the zoo animals are all happy to be there. And Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo has an on-site Wildlife Hospital to save sick and injured native species. Things like ensuring animals arent caged and treated less than they deserve. State And Local Laws: Strong state laws and even local laws have historically been a useful way to protect exotic and wild animals. Infringing the rights of individuals because it benefits the species is wrong because a species is not an. Animals such as lions, elephants, and tigers don't get even close to one percent of the area they roam in the wild. Lawsuit to Force USDA to Recognize Its Authority to Take Possession of Animals Upon License Revocation, Demanding USDA Strengthen and Enforce AWA Licensees Recordkeeping Requirement for All Animal Deaths, Demanding USDA Revoke Animal Welfare Act License from Pennsylvania Roadside Zoo Claws N Paws, Big Cat Public Safety Act Passes the U.S. Senate in Victory for Animals, USDA to Strengthen Tracking of Animal Deaths at Licensed Facilities Following Legal Petition, Lawsuit Seeks to Force USDA to Recognize Its Authority to Take Possession of Animals When Agency Revokes Licenses. In one escape, they worked together: One held a mop handle steady while her sister climbed it to freedom. However, through education and informative motions for change, we can make change the way zoos are run. Slow animals with minimal to zero predators such as elephants have brief life spans in captivity. 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.. Why Are Puppy Mills Bad: The Numerous Reasons Why They Must Be Stopped And How You, yes you, Can Help! 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. ALSO READ: Man in Uganda Beats Lion With Bare Hands In Bloody Battle Before Feasting on the Beast for Dinner. The Toledo Zoo has dosed zebras and wildebeest with the antipsychotic haloperidol to keep them calm and has put an orangutan on Prozac. Here are my eight reasons why zoos are critical to conservation: 1. Even without a consciousness (that we know of) animals are alive and should be treated as such. But is there a reason why animals should not be kept in zoos? In April, ethical tour operator Responsible Travel after consultation with wildlife charity Born Free Foundation axed trips that include zoo visits. 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. Wild animals have certain behaviors that are uniquely influenced by their environments. Regardless of the merits or ethics of zoos, one thing's for certain: they're going to be around for some years yet. In the age of social media, high profile culls have sparked heated debates. A species protected in captivity provides a reservoir population against a population crash or extinction in the wild. However, they are really just teaching children about caring for animals in captivity. Zoos are a part of culture across 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. Zookeepers are not mustache-twirling villains. Personally speaking, Ive been to zoos in Sydney, Australia, and all over the UK. It took several decades before Alex was able to leave the corporate world behind and embark on a real writing journey. Climate change around the world: In Postcards From a World on Fire, 193 stories from individual countries show how climate change is reshaping reality everywhere, from dying coral reefs in Fiji to disappearing oases in Morocco and far, far beyond. This can lead to an appreciation of animals, which in return will see them being treated much better. Some zoo animals try to escape. The bill helps end the rampant abuse of tigers and other big cats in captivity by banning private possession. When theres a surplus, you can just have a plant sale. There are dozens of other countries around the world with similar prohibitions, including Austria, Greece, Israel, Mexico, Peru and Singapore. The statistics on the number of big cats alone that have died in captivity between 1990 and 2021 is 126.