The ethical dilemma around keeping wild animals in captivity is significant. A zoo cannot provide the perfect environment for every type of animal. Thus, it is crucial that we protect those animals from poachers in order to assure a viable future for them. Create your account for free. 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. Then, targeted bans for specific zoos that do not satisfy firmer regulations might become an option. You will find employer matching, tribute gifts, exhibition sponsorship, and financial wildlife adoptions are all part of their financial picture each year as well. Should zoos be banned, or do they serve a positive purpose? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-banner-1','ezslot_16',144,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-banner-1-0');Zoos can also play a crucial role to protect many animals from endangerment or even from extinction. If you believe they should, consider whether they should remain the same or change. Animals receive care from specialized trainers in zoos. A report out of George Mason University found that zoos associated with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums employed almost 40,000 people. A zoo cannot provide the perfect environment for every type of animal. That is typically a consequence of employing workers with little to no animal welfare or safety training. Should zoos be banned facts. Just look at a childs eyes at the zoo when he or she encounters a tiger or similarly majestic animal. [12], 228 accredited zoos published 5,175 peer-reviewed manuscripts between 1993 and 2013. Environmental Conscience aims to provide unique high-quality content that is helpful to the reader. 17, 2019), Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Climate Change and Wildlife, aza.org (accessed Apr. 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. To the question "should animals be kept in captivity?" Edinburgh was the first British zoo to follow the idea of displaying animals without bars. Just login. "Zoos Top 3 Pros and Cons." 6. So, some animal activists maintain that a total ban on zoos is the only fix. Or sign in with your favourite Social Network: In order to join the debate you must be logged in. How can we effectively protect the natural world? Do you think zoos are necessary? This emphasis is still present today, with many facilities offering educational programs, behind-the-scenes tours, and various activities which encourage visitors to learn more about the animals which live there. 17, 2019), Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Marine Mammal Conservation, aza.org (accessed Apr. Should zoos be banned, or do they serve a positive purpose? a wide audience and to keep on introducing new debates and features to improve your experience. Yes, there are several reasons why zoos are bad. According to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the US had 230 accredited zoos and aquariums as of 2020. 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. This first effort displayed people who had different physical traits that were unusual something similar to the freak shows of the traveling circuses in the 19th and early 20th century. Whenever visitors like animals and birds and pay more to visit them, they get luxurious food and habitat. While zoos spend millions on keeping animals confined, natural habitats are destroyed and animals are killed, as theres insufficient funding for their protection. In many zoos, there are also some animal shows and it may be indeed questionable whether treating animals in these ways can be justifiable. Continue with Recommended Cookies. If we have to live under unnatural conditions, we also develop mental issues and the same is true for animals of many sorts. In fact, due to the poor overall living conditions and the unnatural treatment of animals in many zoos around the world, zoos may indeed be rather questionable from an ethical standpoint. Whenever visitors like animals and birds and pay more to visit them, they get luxurious food and habitat. Some people say zoos are safe to place for animals to live because they do not have to seek for food to survive. However, constraints like limited space and funds hinder this process. 23, 2019), Krista Langlois, Something Mysterious Is Killing Captive Gorillas, theatlantic.com, Mar. In fact, many people who live in big cities often lost their connection to nature. Especially in poor developing countries, many regions rely on zoos to make additional income in order to improve the living conditions of the general public. There is no quick fix for the issues faced by zoos across the country and around the world. Most of us referred to these parks as a zoo. [34], About 24% of captive orcas have major to extreme tooth wear and 60% had tooth fractures as a result of stress-induced teeth grinding. As unbelievable as this sounds, it is happening, and something should be done to stop such actions in the future. When you visit the Memphis Zoo, then you can see an Okapi. WebThey dont have to worry about safety in zoos as they are well taken care of. In fact, especially in regions with weak economies, people often rely on income from zoos to make a living. 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. While some zoos are quite profitable and make good money, other zoos rely on donations and government subsidies in order to survive. 6. The most urgent issue is arguably the lack of uniform regulation. 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. WebReasons Why Zoos Should Be Banned Therefore, zoos should be banned because they are very cruel to animals. 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 New to netivist? Is keeping animals in captivity a good way to ensure their future? At least 37 countries have banned or restricted the sale of cosmetics with ingredients tested on animals, including nations in the European Union. 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. 3. ProCon/Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. What Do Wasps Do for the Environment? Some zoos are unable to care for their animals. protect many animals from endangerment or even from extinction, Personal Brand vs. Corporate Brand: 24 Key Pros & Cons, 24 Key Pros & Cons Of Investing In (Retro) Video Games, 34 Major Pros & Cons Of Investing In Comic Books, Gold Bars vs. Gold Coins: 23 Precious Pros & Cons, 31 Cool Pros & Cons Of Owning A Classic Car, 24 Key Pros & Cons Of Unemployment Benefits, 32 Key Pros & Cons Of Investing In Trading Cards, 30 Precious Pros & Cons Of Investing In Art, Zoos can help to protect endangered species, Zoos do not provide natural living conditions, Zoos can raise awareness on global problems, Zoos are problematic from an ethical view, Takes away the need to travel to see animals, Not possible to return animals to the wild. Your vote is anonymous. The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. This article was published on August 13, 2021, at Britannicas ProCon.org, a nonpartisan issue-information source. WebIn conclusion, zoos should be abolished because they are unethical, cause animal suffering, and are unnecessary in today's society. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Do the cons of zoos outweight their benefits? This could mean that they ship animals from one zoo to another in case it makes sense. WebThey dont have to worry about safety in zoos as they are well taken care of. WebReasons Why Zoos Should Be Banned Therefore, zoos should be banned because they are very cruel to animals. 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. 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. What people do not know is animals don't have the best interest in being in a zoo. Our whole ecosystem is also the life cycle of every living Should animals be kept in captivity? 7. [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. Ten Days That Vanished: The Switch to the Gregorian Calendar, https://www.britannica.com/story/pro-and-con-zoos. This article was published on August 13, 2021, at Britannicas ProCon.org, a nonpartisan issue-information source. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. Please try again. Zoos receive regular inspections on multiple levels to ensure they are in compliance with care and safety regulations. Let's take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of zoos before we make up our minds. 23, 2019), CBC, Trapped in a Human Zoo, cbc.ca, (accessed Apr. Most zoos struggle to survive, which means the animals kept in those facilities are also at risk. 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. 3, 2018, Tse-Lynn Loh, et al., Quantifying the Contribution of Zoos and Aquariums to Peer-Reviewed Scientific Research, facetsjournal.com, Mar. However, many people claim that taxpayers money that is spent on zoos could be much better spent on other important infrastructure projects. Should we boycott or ban zoos? Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Banning smaller, less established zoos with little funding could be a practical first step to reducing harm to wildlife. Thus, if you are an animal lover and want to see as many animals as possible in a rather short period of time, chances are that zoos will be quite helpful for you. See also how much gasoline is in a barrel of oil Are zoos good or bad for animals pros and cons? Web1030 Words5 Pages. This can lead to boredom, frustration, and mental health problems. WebCons of zoos Animal cruelty in zoos continues to be extremely common. Orcas can live for more than a century on their own, but when you keep them in captivity, the average lifespan for a male is less than 20 years. Zoos have more visitors than the combined attendance of the four major sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL). Learn about the pros and cons of zoos and join our debate and poll: Should there be zoos? 3. 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. It was only then that a transition was made from royal menageries, designed to entertain the elite, to public zoological gardens aiming to educate the wider population. This might take a few seconds, please wait. 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. Polar bears, for example, had an infant mortality rate of 65% due to small enclosures. Thus, in order to protect those animals from mental issues as best as possible, zoos should try to improve the overall living conditions of those animals and provide them with sufficient space so that those animals can live as naturally as possible. ProCon.org is the institutional or organization author for all ProCon.org pages. If you feel this user's conduct is unappropriate, please report this comment and our moderaters will review its content and deal with this matter as soon as possible. Sometimes the captive animals were studied; however, they were mostly used for entertainment in the arena, invariably ending in a cruel death. Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers. Tags: Animals Conservation Guide Must reads, Subscribe to our newsletter Informative, free, inspiring, Environmental Organizations: 8 NGOs and Non-Profits Worth Supporting, Fair Trade vs. Fairtrade: Why Its Not the Same Thing, The 10 Coolest Farm Animal Rescue Sites in the US, 6 Solutions to Deforestation and What You Can Do, Factory Farming: A Look at This Problematic System, How to Geocache: A Beginners 7-Step Guide, Practice Radical Self Acceptance in 4 Steps, 7 Flowers to Plant in March & Other Spring Gardening Ideas, Does Almond Milk Go Bad? While there are many advantages to zoos, there are also many problems related to those facilities. This is due to the unnatural living conditions in zoos and also due to the fact that animals often get tired of their lives in zoos. 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. We can protect some of the rarest animals in the world in zoos. Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. WebUltimately, the decision of whether or not to keep animals in zoos comes down to a balancing of the pros and cons. Vote and join our debate (see below), Watch this video on "zoochosis" and the living conditions of animals in captivity. There are times when wild animals should stay that way. 21 Pros and Cons of Zoos Kids 12 and up qualify for the adult rate. (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. 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 Proponents say zoos educate the public about animals. Most zoos got their start because local scientists wanted to get to know wild and exotic species better. For every $1 million spent by zoos on their operational outlays, there were nearly 30 jobs supported. Zoos save endangered species by bringing them into a safe environment, where they are protected from poachers, habitat loss, starvation, and predators. If you want to use it you simply need to, Vote and tell us why you find zoos good or bad. Among others, articles have been cited by NPOs, Wikipedia, Medium.com as well as on several college websites and lifestyle blogs. Thus, by going to the zoo, people may be more eager to take additional efforts in their daily lives to behave as eco-friendly as possible, which is crucial to protect our animal and plant species from extinction and also to solve various other environmental problems. Careful supervision of policies and procedures allows for trainers, visitors, and the animals to maintain a higher level of safety in every facet of care. Opponents say wild animals should never be kept captive. Of 77 elephants in 13 zoos, 71 were overweight and spent 83% of their time indoors, contributing to early death. One of the biggest reasons why zoos are bad is because there arent any proper laws to be followed when it comes to providing these animals with protection and as far as there isnt any, zoos should be banned. 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 are ultimately a business that needs to make money. Abnormal animal behavior also puts zoo workers at greater risk for injury and death. At the time, these institutions accommodated nearly 800,000 animals and 6,000 species, with around 1,000 on the endangered species list. 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. WebWhy Zoos Should Be Banned Zoos should be banned because they are cruel to animals. In general, opponents of zoos also often claim that zoos are also problematic from an ethical perspective. We will help you do it! They even expanded and redesigned animal enclosures to improve the lives of captive animals. Even the Greater Vancouver Zoo, which seeks to replicate the natural environment for their animals, cannot supply a large enough space to accommodate these natural behaviors. 1. It changes the behavior of the animal. Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers. WebCons of zoos Animal cruelty in zoos continues to be extremely common. Vote and explain your view on whether zoos are necessary or should be banned. While zoos spend millions on keeping animals confined, natural habitats are destroyed and animals are killed, as theres insufficient funding for their protection. Follow us on Instagram or Twitter! 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. A zoo can provide a protected environment for rare and endangered species. 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. When that possibility is no longer a choice, then this option might be the next best thing. Being stuck in the same enclosure every day also disrupts the natural migratory patterns of the species, which can have a dramatic impact on their mental health. Explain your answer(s). The San Diego Zoo offers an annual Gala fundraiser were tickets begin at $450 each, while preferred seating options are priced at $900. Other great apes have similar health problems in captivity. Another pro of zoos is their role in animal reproduction. Another issue with zoos is that there is often also only insufficient regulation of zoos in many countries of our planet. 2. Hence, zoos can also encourage global cooperation, which can benefit all parties in the long run. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. Another problem of zoos is that animals often only have rather limited space to move. One of them is the confined spaces where the animals are forced to live in. After reading the pros and cons on this topic, has your thinking changed? There were only nine California condors in the wild in 1985. Some establishments have worked hard to adapt their enclosures to better suit the needs of the animals they hold. Zoos can excel when they have the proper funding to meet the needs of their animal population. Managing Editor As a result of the 2013 documentary Blackfish, which exposed the psychological damage done to orcas by SeaWorld, California outlawed captive orca breeding. Growing urbanization and industrialization led to heightened demand for new forms of entertainment. If you have four kids that you want to take there for the day, then you could be out $300 before you take your first step onto the grounds. Because poaching activities qualify as criminal conduct, most attempts are thwarted. However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence. 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. Often animals in such zoos are trained to perform tricks. They are simply, From an ethical point of view zoos are also questionable. WebIn conclusion, zoos should be abolished because they are unethical, cause animal suffering, and are unnecessary in today's society. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. [35] [36][36]. Due to the unnatural living conditions of zoos, animals are also less likely to breed in zoos and therefore, the population of those animals may decline rather than increase in the long run. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. There are many problems that come with keeping animals in zoos. Zoos are losing their influence on the educational industry. WebZoos have been around for 4,000 years, for many years people have gone to zoos to see wild animals up close. Predatory animals encounter a similar problem when they are kept in a zoo as well, even if there is no way to safely introduce them back into the wild. Web1030 Words5 Pages. Explore conservationist Damian Aspinalls opinion that zoos are outdated and cruel.. While zoos spend millions on keeping animals confined, natural habitats are destroyed and animals are killed, as theres insufficient funding for their protection. 8. Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers. This advantage comes at the expense of the animals which are forced to spend their lives in an enclosure. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. 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. We are having trouble saving your comment. Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. 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. 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. 3. If you are new to netivist, please create your account for free and start collecting your netivist points! [16], Zoos are also working to save polar bears, tigers, and wild African elephants from habitat loss, apes and rhinos from poachers, dolphins and whales from hunters, and bees and butterflies from population declines, among many other efforts to help many other animals. Proponents say zoos educate the public about animals. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-leader-2','ezslot_21',190,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-leader-2-0');In fact, some zoos offer a home for some quite exotic species that are barely existent in the wild anymore. Animals need to be kept in temperate zones which are similar to their natural habitat if they have any hope of being successful in the zoo. It changes the lifespan of the animals held in captivity. Share it! There are many problems that come with keeping animals in zoos. The size and complexity of the zoo system and the vast range of animals in their care mean this problem cant be solved easily. The Smithsonian Zoo is one example of many that works with local institutions to build programs at every post-graduate level to ensure the future safety of animals. There are continuous cases of animals abused by visitors and zoo workers. [40], Controversy has historically surrounded zoos, from debates over displaying exotic humans in exhibits to zookeepers not knowing what to feed animals. 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. Zoos have a significant financial benefit for their communities. However, while those zoos may help to make some money for people in those regions, the conditions in those zoos are often rather poor since the goal is profit maximization and not to offer animals the best living conditions possible. 5. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. While there are many advantages of zoos, opponents of zoos often claim that zoos only offer unnatural environments for animals. If you wanted to visit the San Diego Zoo in 2019, then a one-day pass for an adult will set you back $50. The indirect spending that zoos provide for their communities are significant as well, adding another 62,000 jobs across the United States to support visitors. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/zoo/, https://oakleesguide.com/10-tips-for-an-awesome-zoo-trip/. Opponents say wild animals should never be kept captive. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. By Scott Woodsidecategories: Environment & Nature October 28, 2022, 12:00 PM. Because poaching activities qualify as criminal conduct, most attempts are thwarted. Additional rare animals which receive protection in U.S. zoos include the Addax, Amur tiger, Borneo elephant, and the Pacific walrus. Zoos provide 200,000 jobs with an annual budget of $230 million set aside for wildlife conservation. 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. That hasnt stopped some poachers from breaking into zoos to harvest what they want, but it is preventing the levels of harm that we have seen in the past. Yes, there are several reasons why zoos are bad. Lets try to understand the pros and cons of zoos through the following arguments. For example, the veterinary staff at the Bronx Zoo in New York alerted health officials of the presence of West Nile Virus. If so, how? Animals in zoos are often kept in small cages where they cannot roam freely or express natural behaviors. By keeping populations of animals and conducting wild repopulation, zoos can help preserve species in danger from climate change. Zoo advocates maintain that their efforts make a difference in wildlife conservation and will continue to have a positive environmental impact well into the future. These efforts have helped to reduce the risks of premature death in many species as well. 9. Hence, you dont have to worry to go to the zoo from a social perspective since zoos are socially accepted in most countries of our planet. However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence. However, if staff members dont have proper qualifications, chances are that some animals are treated quite poorly and many of them may also suffer from serious neglect over time. WebWhy Zoos Should Be Banned Zoos should be banned because they are cruel to animals. 1. On the other hand, organizations such as PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), Animal Aid and Born Free have initiated campaigns for the closure of zoos, arguing that most zoos deprive animals from their most basic needs and that animal abuse and suffering should not bea source of entertainment. Furthermore, zoos often harbor non-native species unacclimatized to the local environment. A childs ticket is going to cost you $46. Evidence of the existence of zoos and menageries can be traced back to ancient Egypt, circa 3500 BC. There are times when wild animals should stay that way. WebThe question whether animals should be kept in captivity or not is debated on many platforms and forums. 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. To push conservation issues, many large zoos stopped having animals perform tricks for visitors. ProCon.org. Let's take a look at the pros and cons and whether zoos should be allowed to stay in business. Whenever visitors like animals and birds and pay more to visit them, they get luxurious food and habitat. [31][32] [33], A study of captive chimpanzees found that abnormal behaviour is endemic in the population, and includes behaviors such as eating feces, twitching, rocking back and forth, plucking hair, pacing, vomiting, and self-mutilation, among others. The animals would then be transferred to zoos where the proper care would be given to them. When that possibility is no longer a choice, then this option might be the next best thing. 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. 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. Consider how you felt about the issue before reading this article. WebZoos have been around for 4,000 years, for many years people have gone to zoos to see wild animals up close. To ease them into new habitats, an agitated tiger was given Valium, and anxious zebras and wildebeests were given Haldol.
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