Its zookeepers who arent fond of animals that go around hurting animals even when they havent been provoked. 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. Tigers and lions have around 18,000 times less space in zoos than they would in the wild. A peer-reviewed 2017 study in the . The AWA only applies to some captive wild animals. Why Animals Should Not Be Kept in Captivity: The Problem With Wildlife Especially not for the broad spectrum of species they have in their park. They are removed from their natural habitats and confined to small limited spaces and often forced to perform tricks or entertain visitors. Nature reserves, bird watching, going on a safari. Once again, a change of this magnitude can cause captive animals to exhibit changing behaviors, which include self-destructive acts and unrelenting restlessness. Here they are relatively safe . There have also been reported cases of zoos not properly disposing of dead bodies when animals die on their premises. Slow animals with minimal to zero predators such as elephants have brief life spans in captivity. Most people arent always comfortable seeing animals that are kept in zoos. In addition, when animals are removed from their natural habitats, they are also removed from their family structure and social hierarchy. Boycott businesses that profit from cruelty to animals. Another serious problem is that the chronically-understaffed USDA conducts inspections infrequently. Keep on reading. Animals such as lions, elephants, and tigers dont get even close to one percent of the area they roam in the wild. There is considerable variation from state to state and among cities and counties, as to how much legal protection is offered to captive wild animals. Most states have no laws governing captive wild animals. The common negative effects of zoos on animals are listed below. Here is an example of just how harsh it can get when an animal is being trained to perform tricks. Why Are Zoos Bad? Why Animals Should Not be Kept in Zoos When it comes to lethal force and animal welfare, at least, public opinion swiftly sides against 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. Most zoos or animal sanctuaries dont have the space or the facilities to truly recreate the wild. Pros and cons of zoos: Should animals be kept in zoos? See Related: Are Humans Animals? A.Z.A. Captive Animals - Animal Legal Defense Fund Some populations in the wild are weakened by endogamy too. 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.. In the age of social media, high profile culls have sparked heated debates. When confined they rock, pull their hair and engage in other tics. What could these zoos do with it, besides enlarging enclosures? 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. Articles on why animals should not be kept in zoos. Why Animals Should zoos be banned? | National Geographic They could either bite, peck, scratch, kick, or flap their wings. A species protected in captivity provides a reservoir population against a population crash or extinction in the wild. 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. 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.. Check out more news and information on Wild Animalsin Science Times. She could then climb the wire without being shocked. This treaty is credited with helping foster international cooperation to protect some endangered and vulnerable species. Grizzly Bear vs Black Bear: Whats the Difference. Help inform others by writing letters to your local newspapers and posting to social media. This can have huge negative effects on the environment in many adverse ways. Taking your family for a day out at the zoo has been a sort of tradition for a very long time and given recent statics the number of visitors is growing. 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. What began as a way to pass time soon became a compulsion. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Private individuals with the financial means use their money to procure rare or exotic animals from zoos to add to their own private collections. However, suffering doesnt have to be physical; boredom, confinement, and stress can cause an animal a lot of suffering. In contrast, those nesting animals or cornered ones will try to defend themselves if being approached to protect their young. Having seen a majestic leopard in the zoo, the visitor becomes more willing to pay for its conservation or vote for policies that will preserve it in the wild. Animals in zoos can sense this, and over time their confinement can lead to worrying behavioral changes. Forests Under Threat: A Comprehensive Look at the Latest Deforestation Statistics, Puppy Mills vs. There is no wild animal census in the United States, and many states have lax oversight, so any estimates about the population of wild animals in captivity is at best an educated guess. I pointed out that we cant ask animals whether they are happy with their enclosure size. If you go on holiday to any major destination, the chances are high that there will be at least one zoo and/or one aquarium nearby. We use cookies to help ensure the best experience on our website. The environment that these animals are kept in isnt natural to them more so the animals that are taken from the wilderness and kept in zoos. They learned from their parents to be mistrustful because they have no way of knowing whether people could be good or do them harm. However, when the animals being culled arent in demand, they might find themselves facing death. Here are my eight reasons why zoos are critical to conservation: 1. Required fields are marked *. Such a transformation might free up some space. The other argument zoos commonly make is that they educate the public about animals and develop in people a conservation ethic. Their droppings look like little glitterballs. Visit animal sanctuaries instead of zoos, marine parks or circuses. A few zoos are famous for their conservation work. In 1982, only 22 condors existed in the wild. BBC - Ethics - Animal ethics: Animals for entertainment This is only one of the Act's limitations. "We engage huge audiences with wildlife, inspiring the conservationists of tomorrow," argues zoological director of ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos, Professor David Field. Zoological gardens have been working to help ensure that any endangered species are given another chance to thrive again over time. But that day of release never quite seems to come. This gives the poor pets a home and creates a revenue stream for the zoos. Their death can be caused by either: lack of space, physical problems, diet, and PTSD. See Related: War and the Effect on Wildlife. In addition, a costlier but more educational option is to make arrangements to view animals in the wild. They learned from their parents to be mistrustful because they have no way of knowing whether people could be good or do them harm. The trade in wild animals involves tremendous suffering at every stage of the process. 9 Reasons Not to Visit Zoos - PETA UK Many zoos give children the wrong lessons about wild animals and how to protect animals. This is only one of the Acts limitations. The sale of excess animals to traveling roadside zoos is another big problem. Display would be incidental. Sadly, once the small animals outgrow their cute phase, the zoo has to get rid of them since feeding and housing them all can get expensive. Unlike in the wild where these endangered species have to worry about staying safe, in these breeding programs they get taken care of. Dimming Lights: Are Fireflies Endangered? India bans the keeping of elephants in circuses and zoos. Even without a consciousness (that we know of) animals are alive and should be treated as such. Captive animals need better laws, and better enforcement of those laws. In many cases, animals in captivity do not have the space or resources to roam and live as they would in their natural habitat. William Randolph Hearst created his own private zoo with lions, tigers, leopards and more at Hearst Castle. According toAnimal Behavior: Resources for Applied Ethology, fleeing or running away is the most popular reaction of animals towards humans. Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage! ViewResources. Caring for the said animals, away from their predator will give their species a chance of repopulating. WorldAnimalFoundation.org is reader-supported. Personally speaking, Ive been to zoos in Sydney, Australia, and all over the UK. Because so many diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans, such as Ebola, Hantavirus, and the bird flu, zoos frequently conduct disease surveillance research in wildlife populations and their own captive populations that can lead to a direct impact on human health. The U.S. became a signatory to CITES in 1975. Copyright 2015-2021 National Geographic Partners, LLC. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/11/opinion/zoos-animal-cruelty.html, Photographs by Peter Fisher for The New York Times. Many zoos claim to be helping preserve dwindling populations. 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. Animal rights activists argue that hunting, capturing, and putting animals on display is unethical. The Brutal Truth About Seal Clubbing: Because Everyone Needs Dead Seal Pups (Not)! 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. The owners of such zoos are focused on maximizing profits even at the animals expense. All Rights Reserved. But many animals clearly show us that they do not enjoy captivity. at the time estimated that between 3,000 and 5,000 animals are euthanized in European zoos each year. In states without tight enough regulation, local jurisdictions oftentimes adopt ordinances that ban or restrict the display of captive wild animals. Fewer and fewer states are allowing residents to keep captive wild animals without a permit. The first zoos housed animals behind metal bars in spartan cages. Wildlife experts remind people that these animals do not know people's intentions, so they will try to protect themselves no matter what. Bears and cats pace. Artificial environments. It is impossible to read these stories without concluding that these animals wanted out. The ESA outlines procedures for federal agencies to follow regarding listed species, as well as criminal and civil penalties for violations. 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). The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. The same applies to elephants. Some of these animals are surplus from roadside zoos. Many animals in zoos are not used to confinement. 1. 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. 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. Elephants bob their heads over and over. State And Local Laws: Strong state laws and even local laws have historically been a useful way to protect exotic and wild animals. Marine mammals in captivity | The Humane Society of the United States Wrong! Animals in the wild are naturally shy to humans. Children leave most zoos with a misconception about how animals behave in the wild and what it takes to truly care for endangered animals. How Does Saving Water Help Climate Change? Not investing enough when designing a habitat for your animals to save money. 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. Its protections are minimal as well. His father works for a large national Cat charity in the UK, and Alex has regularly taken part in fundraising events for them through the years. 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. But the law excludes protection for birds, rats and mice, farmed animals and cold-blooded animals such as reptiles, amphibians and fish. 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. Things to Know. The incident in Miami Seaquarium is proof that animals do not belong in captivity. Public zoos sprang up across Europe, many modeled on the London Zoo in Regents Park. One of the best examples of this advantage is the Przewalski's horse. Many people consider zoos amoral and cruel while others have the notion . This relocation alone can come as a large shock and wreak havoc on the animals mental health. Animals also lose their genetic diversity especially due to inbreeding. Theyre generally small menageries where wild and exotic animals like lions, tigers, monkeys, wolves, and others are kept in captivity, and often suffer badly. Zoos can be productive when it comes to reviving an animal species on the brink of extinction. 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. Many zoos use Prozac and other psychoactive drugs on at least some of their animals to deal with the mental effects of captivity. The Dark Truth behind Bear Bile Uses: Hidden Costs of Traditional Medicine, The Untold Story of Factory-farmed Cows the Consequences for Animal and Human Health, Are Giraffes Endangered? But that incident has triggered conversations on the negative impacts of marine parks and aquariums on wild animals. The better alternatives to zoos are the options that dont result in animals being held in conditions that are unsuitable and forced to live in natural environments. Some studies have shown that as many as 80 percent of zoo carnivores, 64 percent of zoo chimps and 85 percent of zoo elephants have displayed compulsive behaviors or stereotypies. The A.Z.A. Why Zoos and Aquariums Are Beneficial - Association Of Zoos And Aquariums Living collections were often presented in taxonomic order, with various species of the same family grouped together, for comparative study. 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. YES. They normally find themselves locked in cages, and only released into an artificial habitat when there are visitors at the zoo. Roadside zoos dot the American landscape. In addition, baby animals that are deemed excess to requirements find their way into black market sales. Infringing the rights of individuals because it benefits the species is wrong because a species is not an. The ongoing extinction crises shows that zoos are needed - even for common species. 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. The worst climate risks, mapped: In this feature, select a country, and we'll break down the climate hazards it faces. In fact, while animals will have almost unlimited space in the wild, they are often caged in rather confined areas in zoos. Elephants are particularly unhappy in zoos, given their great size, social nature and cognitive complexity. "An even smaller proportion are part of captive breeding programmes and, of those, a tiny fraction have been released back into the wild. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram. 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. For comparison, in 2018, they spent $4.9 billion on operations and construction. ", PETA's Bekhechi adds, the aim of breeding programmes is just "to produce baby animals to attract visitors.". There were five such states until 2017, when South Carolina passed a law banning wild and exotic animals to be kept as pets. These wild animals are sold at auctions, pet stores or over the internet. That doesnt mean there havent been criticisms. Lack of learning valuable animal life skills such as hunting and social structures eventually leads to the alteration of the said animals behavior. In one escape, they worked together: One held a mop handle steady while her sister climbed it to freedom. Regardless of the merits or ethics of zoos, one thing's for certain: they're going to be around for some years yet. 12 Reasons Why Animals Should Not Be Kept in Zoos - Our Endangered World 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. When in their natural environments, wild animals are not used to being confronted by humans. Those who reported a sense of connection to the animals at the zoo also correlated positively with general environmental concern. 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. The lawsuit asserts the agency must be able to remove animals if the USDA has deemed the facility unable to provide minimum standards of care set out by the Animal Welfare Act. Older menageries existed as far back as 2500 BCE, in Mesopotamia. The process of training an animal is a long and brutal one. Should zoos exist essay: Should Zoos Still Exist or Not? The Arguments Zoos are expensive to run, often have a very tight budget, and cannot afford to maintain and support animals that do not pull their weight in terms of attraction. There is no end to the risk of cross-contamination and disease spread, especially when considering the fact that lots of zoos fail to provide the correct standard of care. Once an animal has served its purpose, many zoos will either sell them or euthanize them. Black-footed ferrets and red wolves in the United States and golden lion tamarins in Brazil all endangered, as well have been bred at zoos for reintroduction into the wild. While zoos can definitely be exciting places for families to visit, the fact remains that they are bad for animals. We have good models of captive wild animal protection laws outside of this country as well. 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. What if they sent all the animals that need really large areas or lots of freedom and socialization to refuges? These standards set a low bar and are widely considered to be sub-par in protecting animals. Lack of trees to rain will then lead to less and less vegetation and eventually draught in the area which will force the surviving animals to migrate to areas with better conditions. Ive been to zoos and aquariums in Winnipeg, Vancouver, and Vancouver Island, not to mention those in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. Capturing animals even smart ones like apes, for amusement shouldnt be going on anywhere. In a study done on 40 chimpanzees in six different zoos, all of the chimps exhibited behavior their counterparts in nature did not. Here's What Experts Think. Animals are not able to bear living in small, unsuited environments. Healthy animals in zoos are killed because they are not needed. 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 . When an animal is not on the endangered list, capturing it doesnt serve any purpose to the animal. CreditPhotographs by Peter Fisher for The New York Times. Animals are forced to sleep, eat, and defecate in the same small area. Alas, theres plenty of heartbreaking evidence that many are not. What Is The Hunters Role in Wildlife Conservation? The real question is, how can we change things? If an untrained zookeeper comes across a stubborn animal, they might hurt it if they are impatient. Zoos provide opportunities for nice family trips. But theres no unambiguous evidence that zoos are making visitors care more about conservation or take any action to support it. Orcas don't do well in captivity. Here's why. - Animals 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. If one could simply stop urging and encouraging zoos then maybe someday animals get to live in the free wild as they please. Zoo keepers are often trained and specialize in a particular breed or species. When wild animals shouldn't be in captivity. Others are captured from their native habitats, or come from backyard breeders or the black market. Though some zoos plan on reintroducing the animals into the wild after a while, living in zoos makes it impossible for some animals. 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. Drugs given to animals include sedatives and antipsychotic drugs. The allure of baby animals and the crowds they pull can lead a zoological garden director to increase them to keep attracting customers. That's not a record that justifies tens of millions of wild animals kept in zoos. 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. Taking an animal say a big cat, into an enclosed habitat when she cant hunt for herself can be detrimental to her life skills. Zoos also say that they save the endangered animals, but all they really care about is how much crowd the animal draws. Id like to think these kids, now in their early 20s, are working for a conservation organization somewhere. Pro and Con: Zoos | Britannica However, in a zoo, the boundaries between the wild and captivity are rearranged. Animals held captive in zoos are in very small environments such as cages, and they have no freedom. Understanding the optimal requirements for the reproduction of certain animals can be difficult.

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