WebThey dont have to worry about safety in zoos as they are well taken care of. As an associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon or other programs. The article, "Zoos: The Historical Debate" from Globalanimal.org discusses some pros (positive sides) and cons (negative sides) of zoos. 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. Some elephant herds in the wild can grow to become 40 members strong. Source: This image was created for netivist.org. Some establishments have worked hard to adapt their enclosures to better suit the needs of the animals they hold. 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 [3] [4]. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. By having these animals in zoos, there is another layer of protection given to these hunted species so that their survival chances are greater. This long history of exploitation is a big reason many activists call for zoos to be banned. 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. This is not only true for children, but also for many adults. 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. Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers. The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. There are thousands of them around the world, with every continent except Antarctica hosting at least one. [21][22] [23], Przewalskis horses, the last wild horses, were declared extinct in the wild in the 1960s when about 12 lived in zoos. Should we boycott or ban zoos? Even the Catholic Church got involved with this effort at displaying people in cages, maintaining facilities deep into the 16th century. Exotic pet cats may seem like a good idea, but these. For example, the veterinary staff at the Bronx Zoo in New York alerted health officials of the presence of West Nile Virus. In this article, well take a look at. A joint conservation effort between the San Diego and Los Angeles Zoos with other organizations resulted in a population of 276 California condors in the wild and another 170 in captivity by 2016. Vote to see result and collect 1 XP. WebZoos have been around for 4,000 years, for many years people have gone to zoos to see wild animals up close. Only a dozen individuals were left in one facility by the 1940s, but their numbers are now in the thousands today because of the conservation programs that were initiated to save them. 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. 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. Ota Benga was part of an exhibit in the Bronx and in St. Louis, purchased by a Christian missionary who wanted to put African people into an exhibition. 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. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. WebCons of zoos Animal cruelty in zoos continues to be extremely common. Please try again. In fact, the USDA states that allowing visitors to handle animals like baby tigers or lions violates the Animal Welfare Act. 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. From time to time, wild animals have to be caught and sent to zoos in order to sustain the populations of animals in zoos. Zoos can excel when they have the proper funding to meet the needs of their animal population. There is no quick fix for the issues faced by zoos across the country and around the world. In 2017, 173 accredited US zoos spent $25 million on research, studied 485 species and subspecies of animals, worked on 1,280 research projects, and published 170 research manuscripts. To ease them into new habitats, an agitated tiger was given Valium, and anxious zebras and wildebeests were given Haldol. There are residency programs, veterinarian internships, and a variety of other educational opportunities which allow for a high level of treatment for the conditions which may development. It changes the behavior of the animal. Thus, it is crucial that we protect those animals from poachers in order to assure a viable future for them. Jane Goodall, the famous British primatologist and one of the most important experts in chimpanzees in the world, has defended the role of zoos in helping us understand and preservethe life of wild animals (see video below). One strong argument for why zoos should be banned is it is intrinsically wrong to place animals in captivity. In fact, psyche plays a major role for the life expectancy of many animals and if those animals get tired of their lives in zoos, chances are that their overall life expectancy drops as well. 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. Many zoos all over the world also work together and have cooperation agreements. 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. 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. 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. WebCons of zoos Animal cruelty in zoos continues to be extremely common. In fact, those people often work in demanding office jobs for long hours and dont spend time in nature anymore. Many animals in zoos also have a significantly lower life expectancy compared to animals who live in the wild. Specific programs at the zoological grounds encourage visitors to interact with the animals in unique ways. The San Diego Zoo offers an annual Gala fundraiser were tickets begin at $450 each, while preferred seating options are priced at $900. Animals receive care from specialized trainers in zoos. The animals would then be transferred to zoos where the proper care would be given to them. Join with confidence, netivist is completely advertisement free. 23, 2019), CBC, Trapped in a Human Zoo, cbc.ca, (accessed Apr. 17, 2019), Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Pollinator Conservation, aza.org (accessed Apr. Evidence of the existence of zoos and menageries can be traced back to ancient Egypt, circa 3500 BC. Thanks. After the famous wildlife conservationist Geral Durrell opened a zoo in Jersey in 1959, zoos all over the world have embraced the mission of. 17, 2019), Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Marine Mammal Conservation, aza.org (accessed Apr. 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. Humans as part of zoological exhibitions did not fully stop until the early 20th century. We can protect some of the rarest animals in the world in zoos. This can lead to boredom, frustration, and mental health problems. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. Keep up the good work. The oldest still operating zoo in the world, Tiergarten Schnbrunn in Vienna, opened in 1752. 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. 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. 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. 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. However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence. This can not only save you plenty of money but also significant amounts of time. 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. 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. 5, 2018, Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Currently Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, aza.org, Apr. Although these efforts do not entirely replicate migration or hunting, it does reduce the amount of boredom that occurs during their stay in the zoo. Vote and join our debate (see below), Watch this video on "zoochosis" and the living conditions of animals in captivity. The most urgent issue is arguably the lack of uniform regulation. This article was published on August 13, 2021, at Britannicas ProCon.org, a nonpartisan issue-information source. Hence, also if you are on a budget and cannot afford to spend too much money on your leisure activities, zoos can provide you a great opportunity to spend your whole day without having to spend excessive amounts of money on it. Please let us know! This article was published on August 13, 2021, at Britannicas ProCon.org, a nonpartisan issue-information source. The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. While going to the zoo can be a great way to spend your time, zoos are often also quite popular and crowded and if you want to spend your time in a more relaxed manner, you may want to spend your leisure on other activities or attend rather unpopular zoos instead of crowded ones. Why should animals be kept in zoos? There are continuous cases of animals abused by visitors and zoo workers. Where Do Mosquitoes Go in Winter and Why? Wanna make a contribution to save our environment? The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. In fact, every animal is different and needs individual treatment. While some zoos are quite profitable and make good money, other zoos rely on donations and government subsidies in order to survive. Zoos are an unsuitable environment for wild animals and should be abolished. They also lack the everyday social interactions they would experience in the wild. Edinburgh was the first British zoo to follow the idea of displaying animals without bars. 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. However, through poaching, many animals have become endangered and may even become extinct in the near future. What Is Sustainable Development and Why Is It Necessary? 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. There are many problems that come with keeping animals in zoos. In the US, California More Animal Pros and Cons; Should zoos exist? 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. Our whole ecosystem is also the life cycle of every living 4. Zoos also pose a risk to animal health. If you want to use it you simply need to, Vote and tell us why you find zoos good or bad. 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. This issue is indirectly related to environmental problems and is the source of heated debates taking place the world over. If you are new to netivist, please create your account for free and start collecting your netivist points! Let's take a look at the pros and cons and whether zoos should be allowed to stay in business. 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. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. ProCon/Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. 7, 2019), NBA, NBA Breaks All-Time Attendance Record for Fourth Straight Year, nba.com, Apr. Create your account for free. 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. Zoos study, Animals in captivity are deprived of many things that are important to them, as a result they become lonely and bored. [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. 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. 3. This can lead to boredom, frustration, and mental health problems. Animals can become dependent on the facilities. 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 Moreover, you can also educate children about the importance of behaving eco-friendly, which is crucial to assure a livable future for them and for the next generations.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'environmental_conscience_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_24',196,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0'); Another nice thing about zoos is that they are often quite different. 1. 4. [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. WebIn conclusion, zoos should be abolished because they are unethical, cause animal suffering, and are unnecessary in today's society. Because poaching activities qualify as criminal conduct, most attempts are thwarted. 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. 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. [30], Animal behaviorists often see zoo animals suffering from problems not seen in the wild, such as clinical depression in clouded leopards and gibbons, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in brown bears, and anxiety in giraffes. There are times when wild animals should stay that way. [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. In fact, many animals in the wild lose their lives every year due to poaching since people want to sell the horns or other valuable parts of those animals for quite high prices. 6. Consequently, zoos can also be an important income source for many people in poor parts of our planet. That problem will not go away no matter how many generations remain in captivity. We will help you do it! This is due to the fact that many zoos want to keep as many animals as possible to show them to the general public. These efforts have helped to reduce the risks of premature death in many species as well. This is not only due to the entrance fees for zoos, but also due to the fact that tourists will sleep in hotels and eat out in restaurants, which further generates significant income for the local population. While there are many advantages to zoos, there are also many problems related to those facilities. Please note that all the information I provide on this website is to my best knowledge. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_17',146,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');In fact, many small children love going to the zoo and to see the different animals.