A study by Bristol University found that many British zoos fail to provide animals with the required minimum standard of care. Today's zoos are extremely important to saving wild animals and their habitats. We have good models of captive wild animal protection laws outside of this country as well. At least 20 zoos in the United States have already ended their elephant exhibits in part because of ethical concerns about keeping the species captive. Photographs by Peter Fisher. However, I feel there are certain species that should never be held in captivity unless they are candidates for breeding programs or rehabilitation. Zoo keepers are often trained and specialize in a particular breed or species. While researching my book on the ethics of human interactions with wild species, Wild Souls, I examined how, exactly, zoos contribute to the conservation of wild animals. See Related: Most Comfortable Animals in The World. While zoos can definitely be exciting places for families to visit, the fact remains that they are bad for animals. Is Keeping Wild Animals In Zoos Unethical?: Arguments For - WorldAtlas And this is not a definite number of victims; there is probably a good number that hasnt been documented. There is an undeniable thrill, seeing animals in zoos, circuses, movies, television shows, and amusement parks. As a result, many zoos breed animals. Some of these animals are surplus from roadside zoos. The trainer was immediately sent to the hospital and has since recovered from physical injuries, and so does the dolphin. I pointed out that we cant ask animals whether they are happy with their enclosure size. Reasons why people think keeping animals in zoos is bad for their welfare: the animal is deprived of its natural habitat; the animal may not have enough room; the animal is deprived of its natural . However, the truth remains that zoos often have insufficient knowledge of the animals they are housing. 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. Ostensibly places for genteel amusement and edification, zoos expanded beyond big and fearsome animals to include reptile houses, aviaries and insectariums. Grizzly Bear vs Black Bear: Whats the Difference. Wildlife experts remind people that these animals do not know people's intentions, so they will try to protect themselves no matter what. However, through education and informative motions for change, we can make change the way zoos are run. It is impossible to read these stories without concluding that these animals wanted out. 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. 17 Pros and Cons of Keeping Animals in Captivity - ConnectUS Crustacean Chronicles: A Deep Dive into the Fascinating World of the Crab, Pet Food Manufacturers and Who Rules the Roost in a Growing Market. Some 5,800 species of animals are covered by the treaty (along with 30,000 species of plants). A species protected in captivity provides a reservoir population against a population crash or extinction in the wild. Read more: Should I worry about chemtrails? ViewResources. Animals also lose their genetic diversity especially due to inbreeding. Wed like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. In many modern zoos, animals are well cared for, healthy and probably, for many species, content. They are kind people, bonded to their charges and immersed in the culture of the zoo, in which they are the good guys. 12 Reasons Why Animals Should Not Be Kept in Zoos - Our Endangered World Lack of learning valuable animal life skills such as hunting and social structures eventually leads to the alteration of the said animals behavior. Outside of providing sufficient space to allow natural behaviors to develop, issues such as climate, diet, and the formation of a social hierarchy where appropriate make running a zoo a difficult task. Some, however, argue that children benefit from zoos. NASA's DART Mission Successfully Changed the Trajectory of Space Rock Dimorphos, Asteroid Ryugu Richly Harbors Building Blocks of Life, Scientists Reveal, SpaceXs Crew-6 Astronauts Aboard Dragon Capsule Endeavor Will Arrive at Space Station Early Friday [WATCH LIVE]. 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. Display would be incidental. Id like to think these kids, now in their early 20s, are working for a conservation organization somewhere. Especially animals like lions that are used to roaming vast distances in the wild in search of food. Animal Legal Defense Fund,National Headquarters Their natural habitat extends far beyond anything captivity zoos could provide. Don't be suckered into supporting companies that offer experiences like hugging a tiger, swimming with dolphins, riding elephants, or kissing sharks. They often display neurotic behaviour, like repetitive pacing, swaying, and bar biting. (707) 795-2533 |info@aldf.org at the time estimated that between 3,000 and 5,000 animals are euthanized in European zoos each year. I do not doubt that some people had their passion for a particular species, or wildlife in general, sparked by zoo experiences. Most people visit the zoo to see the big draw animals. The other argument zoos commonly make is that they educate the public about animals and develop in people a conservation ethic. Polar bears have one million times less space. Non-native animals are held in conditions that vary greatly from what they are used to living in. This can have huge negative effects on the environment in many adverse ways. Should animals be kept in captivity? - The Current Zoo animals, this new narrative went, function as backup populations for wild animals under threat, as well as ambassadors for their species, teaching humans and motivating them to care about wildlife. 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. Regardless of the merits or ethics of zoos, one thing's for certain: they're going to be around for some years yet. Emma Marris is an environmental writer and the author of the forthcoming book Wild Souls: Freedom and Flourishing in the Non-Human World.. Here's What Experts Think. Depressed monkey That change prompted the shift in zoo narrative from entertainment to the protection of animals. This treaty is credited with helping foster international cooperation to protect some endangered and vulnerable species. 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. The others ran, and she pursued them, ignoring all other humans in her path. Many zoos give children the wrong lessons about wild animals and how to protect animals. 2. In several cases, animals held in poor conditions at roadside zoos have been transferred to sanctuaries, after the Animal Legal Defense Fund brought lawsuits under the Endangered Species Act. Profits are also gained through the selling of animals to other zoos or circuses. Ms. Marris is an environmental writer and the author of the forthcoming book Wild Souls: Freedom and Flourishing in the Non-Human World.. The Link Between Fasting And Mental Health: Can It Improve Mood And Cognition? The confined living areas are a big contributor to animal stress and lack of physical stimulation like would be gained from a nice sprint. 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? Apes are known for picking locks and keeping a beady eye on their captors, waiting for the day someone forgets to lock the door. Deforestation will be the next problem when animals such as moose, elks, and deer start eating everything even young trees. [WATCH]. Opinion | Zoos Are Bad for Animals - The New York Times In many cases, animals in captivity do not have the space or resources to roam and live as they would in their natural habitat. Though some zoos plan on reintroducing the animals into the wild after a while, living in zoos makes it impossible for some animals. 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. Here are some tips. 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. In most cases, animals in zoos lead very unhappy lives. Mr. Fisher is a photographer based in New York. What Mr. Ashe wants visitors to experience when they look at the animals is a sense of empathy for the individual animal, as well as the wild populations of that animal.. Will we ever see all zoos closed down? She somehow got over the 12-foot wall surrounding her 1,000-square-foot enclosure and attacked one of the teenagers, killing him. Drugs given to animals include sedatives and antipsychotic drugs. Weve discussed the reasons and can surely all now answer the question of why are zoos bad. A peer-reviewed 2017 study in the . Many zoo animals are forcefully removed from their natural habitat. Look out for the GFAS seal of approval. An orangutan at the Omaha Zoo kept wire for lock-picking hidden in his mouth. zoos is usually not more than 200 animals per year, the organization said.) BBC - Ethics - Animal ethics: Animals for entertainment Captive tigers pace back and forth, and in a 2014 study, researchers found that the time devoted to pacing by a species in captivity is best predicted by the daily distances traveled in nature by the wild specimens. It is almost as if they feel driven to patrol their territory, to hunt, to move, to walk a certain number of steps, as if they have a Fitbit in their brains. 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. For intellectual property information and terms of use, visit our Intellectual Property Terms of Usepage. Their droppings look like little glitterballs. Some sad facts about zoos are that at times, the people hired to take care of and protect these animals arent very qualified. There are a number of reasons why animals should not be kept in captivity. It's the first travel company to publicly make such a move. 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. Healthy animals in zoos are killed because they are not needed. Are Wildlife Sanctuaries Good for Animals? But whether recent events have triggered a profound shift in public consciousness is harder to . So when they face a threat, wild animals believe that they should survive by fleeing, fighting, flirting, or freezing. The Animal Welfare Act: The Animal Welfare Act, or AWA, is the primary piece of federal legislation regulating captive wild animals. 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. Dimming Lights: Are Fireflies Endangered? Yes And Someone is Paying Attention, Swimming with The Seahorse: Discover Their Mystical Charisma. An animal lover, Alexs family, have all been involved in various animal welfare charities. Should Animals Be Kept in Zoos? | The Minimalist Vegan But it's clear, say welfare specialists, that captivity can compromise orcas' health. 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. This is only one of the Acts limitations. No, most likely not. 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. Even though they might be getting enough food, if your animals are not okay mentally they might still not live to their full potential. The surpluses are then sold off to zoos, aquariums, or even circuses. Captive Animals - Animal Legal Defense Fund Many animals in zoos are not used to confinement. Boycott businesses that profit from cruelty to animals. Your voice is needed, so that captive wild animals in the United States, and elsewhere, are better protected. To update your payment information, visit our Member Center. Help inform others by writing letters to your local newspapers and posting to social media. The worst ones are the malicious keepers who enjoy hurting animals in captivity. Kept in barren cages rarely larger than 20 by 20 feet, bears in roadside zoos spend their days pacing, sleeping abnormally long periods of time, and bobbing their head all indications of extreme psychological distress. In April, ethical tour operator Responsible Travel after consultation with wildlife charity Born Free Foundation axed trips that include zoo visits. One of the best examples of this advantage is the Przewalski's horse. Most states have no laws governing captive wild animals. Terrifying, Pre-Historic-Looking Fish Captured in the Ocean's Twilight Zone; What Is It? Roadside zoos dot the American landscape. In one escape, they worked together: One held a mop handle steady while her sister climbed it to freedom. On the other hand, the researchers reported, there were no significant differences in survey responses before entering an exhibit compared with those obtained as visitors were exiting., A 2008 study of 206 zoo visitors by some members of the same team showed that while 42 percent said that the main purpose of the zoo was to teach visitors about animals and conservation, 66 percent said that their primary reason for going was to have an outing with friends or family, and just 12 percent said their intention was to learn about animals., The researchers also spied on hundreds of visitors conversations at the Bronx Zoo, the Brookfield Zoo outside Chicago and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Animals held captive in zoos are in very small environments such as cages, and they have no freedom. Once the ground has been left with no coverage, soil erosion will be the next step. 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. Zoos accredited by the A.Z.A. Some roadside zoos declaw tiger and lion cubs a serious surgical procedure in which a cats toes are amputated at the last joint. Are Zoos Ethical? Arguments for and Against Zoos - Treehugger Why Zoos and Aquariums Are Beneficial - Association Of Zoos And Aquariums When factoring in the number of zoos breeding animals and the risk posed to baby animals, the change of disease skyrockets further. Pros and cons of zoos: Should animals be kept in zoos? Severe arthritis and foot infections are common in captive elephants due to standing on hard, unnatural surfaces all day without room to roam. Why the world needs zoos | Dr Dave Hone | The Guardian PETA isn't alone. 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. They go to get out of the house, to get their children some fresh air, to see interesting animals. These standards set a low bar and are widely considered to be sub-par in protecting animals. Forests Under Threat: A Comprehensive Look at the Latest Deforestation Statistics, Puppy Mills vs. The Toledo Zoo has dosed zebras and wildebeest with the antipsychotic haloperidol to keep them calm and has put an orangutan on Prozac. Zoos protect against a species going extinct. This paper is going to discuss why animals should not be kept in captivity. For example, the law does not restrict the display or private ownership of captive wild animals or prohibit the use of controversial bullhooks, whips, electrical shock or other devices commonly used in circuses. See Related: What Is The Hunters Role in Wildlife Conservation? Things to Know. In fact, while animals will have almost unlimited space in the wild, they are often caged in rather confined areas in zoos. On the other hand, some animals try to flirt their way to protect their nest. The common negative effects of zoos on animals are listed below. Bears, lions, and other animals languish in roadside zoos across the country. Groundhog More than Just a Weather Prognosticator! Some of the captive-born animals are not capable of sustaining themselves in the wild and they could pass on these genes dooming the whole species in that region. This type of behaviour is almost unheard of in their wild counterparts. Unlike in the wild where these endangered species have to worry about staying safe, in these breeding programs they get taken care of. The ongoing extinction crises shows that zoos are needed - even for common species. Instead, they will hire generalists with a degree of knowledge specificity and run with that. 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. The first zoos housed animals behind metal bars in spartan cages. Being placed into a small tank, away from their family units, might not break existing animal protection laws. For some animals in zoos, the shock of their relocation alone can be fatal. The worst climate risks, mapped: In this feature, select a country, and we'll break down the climate hazards it faces. Understanding the optimal requirements for the reproduction of certain animals can be difficult. Especially not for the broad spectrum of species they have in their park. There are 39 animal species currently listed by the IUCN as Extinct in the Wild. Even if the animals are being fed well, the lack of freedom can cause them to be stressed. They could either bite, peck, scratch, kick, or flap their wings. All rights reserved. For example, Orcas are migratory animals with a vast range. Going to the zoo is sort of a short vacation for many people. See Related: Best Books on Endangered Species. Keeping animals in captivity can prevent their extinction. 9 Reasons Not to Visit Zoos - PETA UK After being captives of the pandemic for more than a year, we have begun experiencing the pleasures of simple outings: dining al fresco, shopping with a friend, taking a stroll through the zoo. Zoos cannot begin to provide the amount of space animals have in the wild. The AWA establishes only baseline standards of care for licensing exhibitors. Chimps pull out their own hair. Articles on why animals should not be kept in zoos. Why Animals See Related: How Similar is Human DNA to Other Animals. They normally find themselves locked in cages, and only released into an artificial habitat when there are visitors at the zoo. The Enigmatic Wombats: Surprising Facts and Myths Debunked. 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. For animals in zoos, the AWA sets low requirements as to housing, food and sanitation, and, as is commonly noted, no requirements for mental stimulation of animals other than primates. This is seen as a cheaper option as opposed to moving them back into the wild. Zoos have been around for thousands of yearsas far back as 3500 BC in Egypt. However, they are really just teaching children about caring for animals in captivity. Jason Hribals 2010 book, Fear of the Animal Planet, chronicles dozens of attempts. Zoos also have the power to euthanize their animals when they themselves deem it permissible. Animals are not able to bear living in small, unsuited environments. See Related: Are Humans Animals? All Rights Reserved. By playing dead, they would deceive predators into leaving them alone. However, that does not stop the silent damage that captivity delivers to such roaming animal species. 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. See Related: Different Animals That Cant Jump. 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. Regardless of the merits or ethics of zoos, one thing's for certain: they're going to be around for some years yet. Others allow private parties to keep animals like tigers or primates with a permit. They bought tickets, and the wild creatures should behave accordingly. But then theres the pacing, the rocking. Climate change has become a very real threat for the next and even current generations. The process of training an animal is a long and brutal one. Should Animals Be Kept In Zoos However, there are various reasons that explain why zoos are unethical. They are just some of the millions of wild animals living in captivity across the United States. Animals Should Not Be Kept in Captivity Persuasive Essay Wildlife experts said that the incident was just another proof that wild animals should not be kept captive because it would not happen had the dolphin was only in the wild. 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. The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) operates an accreditation system for sanctuaries, rescue centres and rehabilitation centres. The ESA outlines procedures for federal agencies to follow regarding listed species, as well as criminal and civil penalties for violations. Why Animals Should Not Be Kept In Zoos - AnimalLoveTalk.com Zoos are a part of culture across the world. 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. However, the vast majority dont do enough to accurately replace an animals natural habitat. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In the 1980s, a group of orangutans escaped several times at the San Diego Zoo. The U.S. became a signatory to CITES in 1975. Many zoos and aquariums offer behind-the-scenes tours and informative talks on animal welfare. 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. We say zoos are bad because animals are forced to live in unnatural, stressful, boring environments, leading to a lack of mental and physical stimulation. When an animal is not on the endangered list, capturing it doesnt serve any purpose to the animal. Writing at the end of 2020, Al Gore, the 45th vice president of the United States. There are zoological park associations that were formed to keep zoo owners on their toes. 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. "An even smaller proportion are part of captive breeding programmes and, of those, a tiny fraction have been released back into the wild. 525 East Cotati Avenue,Cotati, CA 94931 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). For example, if the number of lions is drastically reduced in an area, their prey will thrive. Their lives in captivity can be harsh especially when the animal has been completely removed from its social structures. Animals are removed from their natural habitats. The bill helps end the rampant abuse of tigers and other big cats in captivity by banning private possession. All Rights are Resvered. Why Animals Should Not be Kept in Zoos These animals oftentimes live in inhumane conditions, and pose a serious threat to public safety. Wild animals have certain behaviors that are uniquely influenced by their environments. These are highly intelligent animals with complex social constructs that scientists have studied for .