Visiting the zoo requires people to have respect for the fences, borders, and safety enclosures that separate the animals from their trainers, keepers, and families. [35] [36][36]. There are continuous cases of animals abused by visitors and zoo workers. WebWhy Zoos Should Be Banned Zoos should be banned because they are cruel to animals. When that possibility is no longer a choice, then this option might be the next best thing. 3. From time to time, wild animals have to be caught and sent to zoos in order to sustain the populations of animals in zoos. Are you experiencing any technical problem with netivist? All the Reasons Why Zoos Should Be Banned I'm no big animal-rights campaigner, but I do trust facts delivered by experts, and the facts tell me that zoos are just a really terrible idea. Consequently, going to the zoo can be a great way to spend your time in a completely different environment, which can also be helpful if you are currently rather bored with your daily life. 2021. This is due to the fact that many zoos want to keep as many animals as possible to show them to the general public. There are many problems that come with keeping animals in zoos. Some species have been poached to near extinction because of this market. 5, 2018, Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Currently Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, aza.org, Apr. If you change your mind, you can change your vote simply by clicking on another option. Let's take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of zoos before we make up our minds. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. However, I will not take any responsibility for incorrect information and will not be liable for any negative consequences that might occur due to the reliance on this information. A study of 35 species of carnivores, including brown bears, cheetahs, and lions, found that zoo enclosures were too small for the animals to carry out their normal routines, which led to problems such as pacing and more infant deaths. 1. It places enormous pressure on the mental health of many species, causing them to live much shorter lives than they would in the wild. Should zoos be banned, or do they serve a positive purpose? The contemporary debate about zoos tends to focus on animal welfare on both sides, whether zoos protect animals or imprison them. See also how much gasoline is in a barrel of oil Are zoos good or bad for animals pros and cons? In fact, the overall setting and also the visual appearance greatly differs across zoos and in case you get bored by your favorite zoo, you may just try another zoo. This can lead to boredom, frustration, and mental health problems. In turn, chances may increase that we can protect many animal species from extinction. One strong argument for why zoos should be banned is it is intrinsically wrong to place animals in captivity. One strong argument for why zoos should be banned is it is intrinsically wrong to place animals in captivity. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Elephants dont do well when they are kept in locations that are cold and snowy. If you already created your netivist account, please log in using the button below. Abnormal animal behavior also puts zoo workers at greater risk for injury and death. The study concluded that the cause of such behavior could be mental health issues. Zoos also give us a unique opportunity to see many different exotic animals without the need to travel to many exotic countries. Especially if you have children, it can be quite nice to go to the zoo and to see many different animals. Let's take a look at the pros and cons and whether zoos should be allowed to stay in business. The Chester and Whipsnade zoological parks where the first two non-urban zoos without cages and larger enclosures. In an ideal world that would not be necessary, wild animals would roam freely in their natural habitats and we, humans, would find ways to observe them and learn about them without disrupting their lives. 3. Proponents say zoos educate the public about animals. The oldest still operating zoo in the world, Tiergarten Schnbrunn in Vienna, opened in 1752. This article was published on August 13, 2021, at Britannicas ProCon.org, a nonpartisan issue-information source. In turn, chances are that those zoo animals are much unhappier compared to animals of the same species who live in the wild. For every $1 million spent by zoos on their operational outlays, there were nearly 30 jobs supported. Accessed February 21, 2023. https://www.procon.org/headlines/zoos-top-3-pros-and-cons/, Eight Reasons Zoos Are Good for Conservation, National Geographic, Zoo, nationalgeographic.org (accessed May 8, 2019), Schnbrunn Palace, Zoo, schoenbrunn.at (accessed Apr. Zoos should be banned worldwide because the animals are living in an unnatural habitat, the zoos kill or sell surplus animals, and zoos are not educational. A gorilla named Madame Ningo, the firstgorillato arrive in the United States in 1911 who was to live at theBronx Zoo, was fed hot dinners and cooked meat despite gorillas beingherbivores, for example. Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. In fact, the USDA states that allowing visitors to handle animals like baby tigers or lions violates the Animal Welfare Act. Just login. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. WebThe question whether animals should be kept in captivity or not is debated on many platforms and forums. Yes, there are several reasons why zoos are bad. 1 Nonprofit in Published Research by Top Zoos and Aquariums, mote.org, Apr. In fact, many animals are kept in an unnatural manner and also dont get sufficient other animals from their species. Already have an account on netivist? Thus, especially in countries with lax regulations related to zoos, animals will often be treated quite poorly and in those countries, governments should introduce stricter regulations in order to protect these animals. There are more humane and effective ways to conserve and educate about animals, and it is our responsibility to consider the welfare of all beings on this planet. The actual territory of some individuals and packs may be over 300 miles in width. After reading the pros and cons on this topic, has your thinking changed? Vote to see result and collect 1 XP. A zoo cannot provide the perfect environment for every type of animal. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-leader-4','ezslot_23',198,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-leader-4-0'); In fact, while animals will have almost unlimited space in the wild, they are often caged in rather confined areas in zoos. WebThe question whether animals should be kept in captivity or not is debated on many platforms and forums. People working at zoos paid little attention to the concept of wildlife conservation or expanding our scientific understanding of the animal kingdom. From this time on, I wanted to make a contribution to ensure a livable future for the next generations in every part of our beautiful planet. Let's take a look at the pros and cons and whether zoos should be allowed to stay in business. Please note that all the information I provide on this website is to my best knowledge. This can lead to boredom, frustration, and mental health problems. 17, 2019), Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Pollinator Conservation, aza.org (accessed Apr. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. Should zoos exist? [11], Robin Ganzert, PhD, President and CEO of American Humane, stated, zoos provide people, especially impressionable children, with the opportunity to see these remarkable animals up close. The article, "Zoos: The Historical Debate" from Globalanimal.org discusses some pros (positive sides) and cons (negative sides) of zoos. They also aim toteach visitors the importance of animal conservation and mindfulness of the ecosystem as a whole. [21][22] [23], Przewalskis horses, the last wild horses, were declared extinct in the wild in the 1960s when about 12 lived in zoos. In many zoos, there are also some animal shows and it may be indeed questionable whether treating animals in these ways can be justifiable. 12, 2018, Brandon McClung, NFL Attendance Lowest since 10 Despite Chargers Rebound, sportsbusinessdaily.com, Jan. 2, 2019, Andrew Moss, Eric Jensen, and Markus Gusset, Evaluating the Contribution of Zoos and Aquariums to Aichi Biodiversity Target 1,Conservation Biology, Aug. 22, 2014, Robin Ganzert, Zoos Save Species Visit One This World Wildlife Day, thehill.com, Mar. That change prompted the shift in zoo narrative from entertainment to the protection of animals. Live feeding, often touted as positive since it encourages normal predatory behaviors, has a notable downside. WebZoos may also be problematic from an ethical perspective Lack of regulation of zoos in many countries Often not possible to return animals to the wild Some zoos are quite crowded Opponents claim that zoos are just for human amusement Shorter life expectancy of animals in zoos Some wild animals have to be caught to bring them to the zoo Zoos also collect exotic pets from people who want to get rid of them, which gives the pets home while generating revenue for the zoos. ], [Editors Note: The MLA citation style requires double spacing within entries. [40], Controversy has historically surrounded zoos, from debates over displaying exotic humans in exhibits to zookeepers not knowing what to feed animals. To push conservation issues, many large zoos stopped having animals perform tricks for visitors. When dealing with a predator species in particular, any children born in captivity cannot be released into the wild because they have no hunting or survival instincts. As unbelievable as this sounds, it is happening, and something should be done to stop such actions in the future. In the face of sharp criticism and loud calls for zoos to be banned, many modern zoos state that their primary function is to breed endangered species and reintroduce them into the wild. Did you know that one of the first zoological gardens in the Western Hemisphere featured humans instead of animals? Last modified on August 13, 2021. Moreover, those animals may often feel trapped since they have to stay in their cages and cannot navigate as they would do in the wild. My name is Andreas and my mission is to educate people of all ages about our environmental problems and how everyone can make a contribution to mitigate these issues. ", ProCon.org. Quarantine procedures are part of the zoos overall structure as well. In addition, visitors are allowed to get very close to them, which is notpermitted in larger, better-regulated establishments. A complete ban or more vigorous enforcement of standards would also protect these untrained workers from injury or death caused by unpredictable animal behavior. All the Reasons Why Zoos Should Be Banned I'm no big animal-rights campaigner, but I do trust facts delivered by experts, and the facts tell me that zoos are just a really terrible idea. A study of 35 species of carnivores, including brown bears, cheetahs, and lions, found that zoo enclosures were too small for the animals to carry out their normal routines, which led to problems such as pacing and more infant deaths. Now some would argue we do the same thing with animals or try to hold communities hostage because of the potential financial gains that a well-run zoo can provide. What other conservation efforts are important to saving wildlife? Because poaching activities qualify as criminal conduct, most attempts are thwarted. Zoos are not only important to protect endangered animals from extinction, they are also important from a financial perspective for many local communities all around the world. Your vote is anonymous. Is keeping animals in captivity a good way to ensure their future? In fact, in many countries of our planet, zoo animals dont have sufficient space to move and cannot satisfy their basic needs, which can indeed be considered as rather cruel. Even when you take into consideration the educational benefits that come with a zoo, the fact is that most wild animals do not adapt well to confined circumstances. Deem, Zoos and Public Health: A Partnership on the One Health Frontier,One Health, Nov. 23, 2016, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, 10 Endangered Species Saved from Extinction by Zoos, medium.com, May 18, 2017, Association of Zoos & Aquariums, AZA and Animal Program Conservation Initiatives, aza.org (accessed Apr. 3. Proper citation depends on your preferred or required style manual. Pros and Cons of Owning an Exotic Animal Animal Adovocacy Organizations to Partner With These are the most common arguments in favor and against zoos. Another significant downside of zoos is that animals can often not be returned to the wild after they had been kept in captivity. After the famous wildlife conservationist Geral Durrell opened a zoo in Jersey in 1959, zoos all over the world have embraced the mission of. Pros and cons of zoos: Should animals be kept in zoos? Animals which are born in captivity can often adapt to their circumstances if given enough time, but they will still encounter the lifespan issues of their parents. There are times when wild animals should stay that way. Some people say zoos are safe to place for animals to live because they do not have to seek for food to survive. Want to learn more about sustainability and the environment? However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence. [3] [4]. Despite their immense popularity, zoos have become increasingly controversial institutions. Where Do Mosquitoes Go in Winter and Why? Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. A zoological garden, which is sometimes referred to as an animal park or a menagerie, is a facility which houses animals within an enclosure and displays them to the public in a manner that is safe for everyone involved. Even those prices are not enough to keep the zoo financially solid. Another significant upside of zoos is that they can protect animals from poaching. If they dont follow the rules, they essentially go out of business. [15], Zoo research is used in other ways such as informing legislation like the Sustainable Shark Fisheries and Trade Act, helping engineers build a robot to move like a sidewinder snake, and encouraging minority students to enter STEM careers. This rising need and the requirements of scholarly research led to the founding of the first modern zoos. While zoos can provide some benefits for animals and the public, there are also valid concerns about the impact on animal welfare and the effectiveness of conservation efforts. In fact, many big zoos have hundreds or even thousands of different animal species and even if you search for rather exotic species that would never be present in your local area, chances are that you will find those species in zoos. The animals experience these issues due to smaller enclosures, changes in diet and activities, and the introduction of things not seen in the wild, such as medical exams and people with cameras. Some elephant herds in the wild can grow to become 40 members strong. However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence. Equity, respect and transparency are at the heart of fair trades definition. Largely modeled after the London Zoo in Regents Park, these zoos were intended for genteel amusement and edification, according to Emma Marris, environmental writer and Institute Fellow at the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. An increasing number of animal rights advocates and animal protection organizations are questioning the role of zoos in modern societies. Even the best zoos can have animals develop severe health problems. Do you think that zoos are an effective way to increase awareness about animal life? That means many animals suffer in extreme weather conditions (polar bears in hot regions, for example) they would otherwise never encounter. Web1030 Words5 Pages. Consequently, zoos may not protect our animal species from extinction at all, especially if those animals are kept under rather poor conditions and are therefore not willing to reproduce in a sufficient manner. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_20',189,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Another benefit of zoos is that people may also behave eco-friendlier after they went to the zoo. 7. [17] [18] [19] [20], 23% of birds and 47% of small mammals (weighing less than about 2.2 pounds) are negatively impacted by climate change. Not only can we benefit from the experience of learning about new animals and their habitats by visiting a zoo, but it also gives families an opportunity to spend time together while enjoying the outdoors. How to Tell and What to Do, The Best Fertilizer for Indoor Plants and When to Use It, 7 Eco-Friendly Resorts for Sustainable Travelers, Where & How to Recycle Laptops and Why Its So Important, Everyday Palm Oil Products and Sustainable Alternatives, 6 Solutions to Deforestation and What You Can Do, The 15 Cutest Exotic Animals in the World. While zoos spend millions on keeping animals confined, natural habitats are destroyed and animals are killed, as theres insufficient funding for their protection. Thanks. If zoos are unable to maintain standards of cleanliness, animal engagement, and habitat structure, then the facility can lose its accreditation and ability to operate. In fact, many of us stay children deep inside and we may also remember many nice childhood memories. Zoo is the place where wild animals are collected for tourist attraction, as there are several endanger species animals protected from extinction by zookeepers. Pros and Cons of Owning an Exotic Animal Animal Adovocacy Organizations to Partner With That problem will not go away no matter how many generations remain in captivity. Thus, zoos are also often not able to increase the populations of animals in the wild. (Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / aknourkova) Pros: When ecological conservation emerged as a matter of public interest in the 1970s, zoos began to engage in conservation programs. Another 23 jobs were supported for every $1 million that zoos spent on construction projects. In turn, those animals will lose part of their natural instincts and will no longer be able to survive in the wild due to that. We might be talking about animals who may not have the same level of conscious thought as humans, but how we treat other species says more about who we are than it does about the animals we keep. Smaller zoos dont always have the money to hire well-trained zoological staff or expand their breeding programs and facilities to maintain the ethos of conservation. In general, if animals are kept under unnatural living conditions, their behavior will change in the long run. Przewalskis horse is a success story for zoos because this species was believed to be extinct in the wild. Many of them are reported every week in the media, however, the large majority are kept secret and those responsible are never held accountable or punished. WebReasons Why Zoos Should Be Banned Therefore, zoos should be banned because they are very cruel to animals. Keep up the good work. For example, roadside zoos throughout North America make their profit by attracting visitors to adjacent facilities usually on gas station lots. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/zoo/, https://oakleesguide.com/10-tips-for-an-awesome-zoo-trip/. The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. Zoo is the place where wild animals are collected for tourist attraction, as there are several endanger species animals protected from extinction by zookeepers. 916 Words4 Pages. This long history of exploitation is a big reason many activists call for zoos to be banned. In general, opponents of zoos also often claim that zoos are also problematic from an ethical perspective. There are more humane and effective ways to conserve and educate about animals, and it is our responsibility to consider the welfare of all beings on this planet. Should zoos be banned facts. The behavior of animals will change when they encounter long periods of captivity. 17, 2019), Michela Pacifici, et al., Species Traits Influenced Their Response to Recent Climate Change, nature.com, 2017, Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Conservation Success Stories in AZA-Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, aza.org, Apr. procon@eb.com, 2022 Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. Explore conservationist Damian Aspinalls opinion that zoos are outdated and cruel.. This issue is indirectly related to environmental problems and is the source of heated debates taking place the world over. You will find employer matching, tribute gifts, exhibition sponsorship, and financial wildlife adoptions are all part of their financial picture each year as well. chose to work in zoos because they like animals, and wanted to work closely with them and help them thrive. That created a total economic output in the United States of more than $17 billion per year, with $2.4 billion in spending and $5.4 billion in personal earnings on top of that figure. Zoos study, Animals in captivity are deprived of many things that are important to them, as a result they become lonely and bored. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. In the late 20th century, the narrative changed again to the conservation of animals to stave off extinction. Zoos have more visitors than the combined attendance of the four major sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL). Often animals in such zoos are trained to perform tricks. Especially for those people, it can be quite important to go to the zoo and to see all those animals in order to remember how important protecting our environment really is. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Polar bears, for example, had an infant mortality rate of 65% due to small enclosures. Hence, zoos can also encourage global cooperation, which can benefit all parties in the long run. There are now wild herds in Europe and Mongolia, closely monitored by scientists, which are thriving. While there are many important advantages of zoos, the presence of zoos also implies some problems. Many people also go to the zoo in order to relax and to see something completely different compared to their normal daily life. The first modern one was opened in 1828 for scientific study in London, and then eventually became open to the public about 30 years later. In the US, California More Animal Pros and Cons; Should zoos exist? The modern zoo as we know it emerged in the United Kingdom in the 19th century. However, this also implies that each animal will only have a rather limited space to live.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-leader-3','ezslot_22',199,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-leader-3-0'); While many zoos aim to protect our endangered animal species from extinction, some zoos just exist for the sole purpose of profit maximization. Zoos receive regular inspections on multiple levels to ensure they are in compliance with care and safety regulations. Do the cons of zoos outweight their benefits? The only effective and sustainable way to save species is to support schemes that target the root cause of the extinction and endangerment of animals habitat destruction. [37] [38] [39], Corroboree frogs, eastern bongos, regent honeyeaters, Panamanian golden frogs, Bellinger River snapping turtles, golden lion tamarins, and Amur leopards, among others, have been saved from extinction by zoos. Here are the proper bibliographic citations for this page according to four style manuals (in alphabetical order): [Editor's Note: The APA citation style requires double spacing within entries. WebZoos may also be problematic from an ethical perspective Lack of regulation of zoos in many countries Often not possible to return animals to the wild Some zoos are quite crowded Opponents claim that zoos are just for human amusement Shorter life expectancy of animals in zoos Some wild animals have to be caught to bring them to the zoo As unbelievable as this sounds, it is happening, and something should be done to stop such actions in the future. 10 Reasons Why Zoos Are Bad and Should Be Banned Also, one of the biggest reasons zoos exist is not for helping animals in danger, but in fact breeding them for human enjoyment. Animals in captivity often develop dangerous and destructive habits due to the stress of living in such restricted spaces. In my opinion, keeping animals in zoos can be justifiable as long as animals are kept under rather natural conditions and are not caged in pretty confined spaces. Romesh Ranganathan, a British comedian, stated, It still slightly surprises me that anybody thinks that we should have zoos at all. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_19',188,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');The entrance fee for zoos is often also rather low in many countries of our planet. Animals in zoos are often kept in small cages where they cannot roam freely or express natural behaviors. Hence, also if you currently try to figure out what to do for your next field trip, going to the zoo may also be quite nice in this regard. If you wanted to visit the San Diego Zoo in 2019, then a one-day pass for an adult will set you back $50. Since this method of feeding large predators generally requires smaller animals to be bred and purchased solely for this purpose, it necessitates the exploitation and frequently painful death of the smaller species. Our whole ecosystem is also the life cycle of every living National Geographic notes that elephants can live for up to 70 years when they live in protected areas of the wild in Africa or Asia, while those kept in zoos is just 17 years for African elephants born into captivity. For some cute marsupial, bear or cat-like faces that you might not get to see in a zoo either, check out our list of the 15 cutest exotic animals in the world! When animals move from zoo to zoo, trading money or other resources in exchange for another display opportunity to the local population, then it is our welfare we are concerned about instead of theirs. Polar bears dont do well in tropical locations, even when they receive ice as a coping mechanism for the climate. In fact, especially people who work in demanding jobs for quite long hours every day often need time for themselves in order to reload their batteries. There are additional pros and cons of zoos that are essential to consider as well. Another disadvantage of zoos is that they often only offer quite poor living conditions for animals. 17, 2019), Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Climate Change and Wildlife, aza.org (accessed Apr. WebWhy Zoos Should Be Banned Zoos should be banned because they are cruel to animals. Hence, especially for rare species, zoos can be quite important for researchers since they are often the only place where scientists can explore those rare species. Zoos educate the public about animals and conservation efforts. As a result of the 2013 documentary Blackfish, which exposed the psychological damage done to orcas by SeaWorld, California outlawed captive orca breeding. If you are new to netivist, please create your account for free and start collecting your netivist points! Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers. There were only nine California condors in the wild in 1985. Peter De Vries, Novelistif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'environmental_conscience_com-box-2','ezslot_4',613,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-box-2-0'); if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'environmental_conscience_com-box-3','ezslot_3',614,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-box-3-0');Zoos are quite popular in many countries all over the world.