why animals should not be kept in zoos articles
On the other hand, some animals try to flirt their way to protect their nest. There are dozens of other countries around the world with similar prohibitions, including Austria, Greece, Israel, Mexico, Peru and Singapore. Carl Hegenbeck, a German exotic animal importer, introduced the modern model of more natural habitats for animals instead of obvious cages at his Animal Park in Hamburg in 1907. Help inform others by writing letters to your local newspapers and posting to social media. At least 20 zoos in the United States have already ended their elephant exhibits in part because of ethical concerns about keeping the species captive. Such zoos might even be merged with sanctuaries, places that take wild animals that because of injury or a lifetime of captivity cannot live in the wild. Below are a dozen reasons why zoos can be bad for animals: 1. Children leave most zoos with a misconception about how animals behave in the wild and what it takes to truly care for endangered animals. What Cause Extinction What Can We Do To Stop It? As a result, many zoos breed animals. On the other hand, the researchers reported, there were no significant differences in survey responses before entering an exhibit compared with those obtained as visitors were exiting., A 2008 study of 206 zoo visitors by some members of the same team showed that while 42 percent said that the main purpose of the zoo was to teach visitors about animals and conservation, 66 percent said that their primary reason for going was to have an outing with friends or family, and just 12 percent said their intention was to learn about animals., The researchers also spied on hundreds of visitors conversations at the Bronx Zoo, the Brookfield Zoo outside Chicago and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. This is due to the fact that many zoos want to keep as many animals as . The animals too have rights and they shouldnt be subjected to half the things they undergo. Our EIN number is 94-2681680. When in their natural environments, wild animals are not used to being confronted by humans. When it rains, the topsoil gets washed away leaving the land more exposed. What could these zoos do with it, besides enlarging enclosures? Personally speaking, Ive been to zoos in Sydney, Australia, and all over the UK. A study by Bristol University found that many British zoos fail to provide animals with the required minimum standard of care. Gus, a polar bear at the Central Park Zoo, was given Prozac as part of an attempt to stop him from swimming endless figure-eight laps in his tiny pool. Students and the general public get a chance to learn about different species of animals. This is due to the inhumane conditions that these animals are forced to endure. An example of this is a snake that will bite whatever is threatening them since they are not as good at running away as other animals. Visit animal sanctuaries instead of zoos, marine parks or circuses. Another problem of zoos is that animals often only have rather limited space to move. 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. Wrong! Your email address will not be published. Animals in the wild are naturally shy to humans. For them, the best option is to fight back. That claim is up for debate. What if zoos stopped breeding all their animals, with the possible exception of any endangered species with a real chance of being released back into the wild? Older menageries existed as far back as 2500 BCE, in Mesopotamia. A species protected in captivity provides a reservoir population against a population crash or extinction in the wild. Going to the zoo is sort of a short vacation for many people. In 1982, only 22 condors existed in the wild. Copyrights 2023. Here they are relatively safe . The first modern one was opened in Paris, France in 1793. They normally find themselves locked in cages, and only released into an artificial habitat when there are visitors at the zoo. 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. The bill helps end the rampant abuse of tigers and other big cats in captivity by banning private possession. Genes evolved over time to help the animal adjust to a man-made habitat can be a downside to the populations of the species in the wild. They go for the same reason people went to zoos in the 19th century: to be entertained. Persuasive Speech: Why Animals Should Not be kept in Zoos. Most zoos or animal sanctuaries dont have the space or the facilities to truly recreate the wild. Why Are Puppy Mills Bad: The Numerous Reasons Why They Must Be Stopped And How You, yes you, Can Help! Caring for animals on a full-time basis requires someone who is both informed and cares about them. This can make the animals neurotic, causing them to start biting bars, pacing repetitively, and swaying. 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. 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. Some animals are quite intelligent so keeping them in captivity should never be an option. This is only one of the Acts limitations. Step away from the selfie stick. The Arabian oryx, an antelope native to the Arabian Peninsula, went extinct in the wild in the 1970s and then was reintroduced into the wild from zoo populations. When she caught up with the boys at the cafe, she mauled them before she was shot to death by the police. However, looking back as an adult with a world-savvy eye, there is far more to animal captivity than meets the eye. Artificial environments. [WATCH], Armored Dinosaur Magnificently Preserved After Face, Skin, Spikes Survived Fossilization. A quick google search reveals that a zoo is an establishment that maintains a collection of wild animals, typically in a park or gardens, for study, conservation, or display to the public. ", Published in the June 2017 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK), What to do in the Forest of Bowland, Lancashire, How to plan and book an Indian rail odyssey, Four of the best luxury sleeper trains in India, How Miami is re-embracing its modernist architecture, Where to eat in Clitheroe, the Ribble Valley's culinary hotspot, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society. Most animals are taught to perform tricks and go against the grain of nature purely for human entertainment. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. When wild animals shouldn't be in captivity. Since most countries dont have any regulations on how to handle animals in zoos, these business people can do whatever it takes to make the most profits possible. Wildlife experts said that the incident was just another proof that wild animals should not be kept captive because it would not happen had the dolphin was only in the wild. Profits are also gained through the selling of animals to other zoos or circuses. Properly curated and interpreted, a well-run garden can be a site for a rewarding outing with friends or family, a source of education for the 27 percent of people who read signs and a point of civic pride. As an avid fan of botanical gardens, I humbly suggest that as the captive animals retire and die off without being replaced, these biodiversity-worshiping institutions devote more and more space to the wonderful world of plants. When factoring in the number of zoos breeding animals and the risk posed to baby animals, the change of disease skyrockets further. Climate change around the world: In Postcards From a World on Fire, 193 stories from individual countries show how climate change is reshaping reality everywhere, from dying coral reefs in Fiji to disappearing oases in Morocco and far, far beyond. Even if the animals are being fed well, the lack of freedom can cause them to be stressed. Living collections were often presented in taxonomic order, with various species of the same family grouped together, for comparative study. 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. Many visitors will disturb and disrespect the animals in a zoo simply because they feel as though they are owed a performance of some sort. Animals are often bored and, as a result, some become aggressive and can lash out at other animals or zookeepers. CITES does not directly address living conditions for captive animals. How Similar is Human DNA to Other Animals, Animals That Have Become Extinct in the Last 100 Years, 9 Best Solar-Powered Computers to Buy Today, 10 Impactful Ways to Conserve Coral Reefs. While zoos can definitely be exciting places for families to visit, the fact remains that they are bad for animals. It is expensive and difficult to keep wild animals in captivity. The other argument zoos commonly make is that they educate the public about animals and develop in people a conservation ethic. So when they face a threat, wild animals believe that they should survive by fleeing, fighting, flirting, or freezing. Another similar behavior of flirting is freezing, in which an animal does not move when there is no way of escape, like being caught in a trap or net even though they are terrified. This relocation alone can come as a large shock and wreak havoc on the animals mental health. These tours often pretend to talk about their animals natural habitat and inclinations. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Throughout history, men have accumulated large and fierce animals to advertise their might and prestige. This could cause problems for the animal. The truth is that zoos are a prison for animals. Bears, lions, and other animals languish in roadside zoos across the country. Sadly, most of these associations end up protecting the interests of their members, and not the animals they should be protecting. The trainer was immediately sent to the hospital and has since recovered from physical injuries, and so does the dolphin. The Los Angeles Zoo has used Celexa, an antidepressant, to control aggression in one of its chimps. 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. Apes are excellent at escaping. This is only one of the Act's limitations. Going to the zoo is often quite affordable. Power-mad men from Henry III to Saddam Husseins son Uday to the drug kingpin Pablo Escobar to Charlemagne all tried to underscore their strength by keeping terrifying beasts captive. Elephants are particularly unhappy in zoos, given their great size, social nature and cognitive complexity. These refuge-zoos could become places where animals live. Why Animals Should Not be Kept in Zoos These animals oftentimes live in inhumane conditions, and pose a serious threat to public safety. Once an animal has served its purpose, many zoos will either sell them or euthanize them. Its protections are minimal as well. The educational day out model of zoos endured until the late 20th century, when zoos began actively rebranding themselves as serious contributors to conservation. For example, a lion might have a hard time adjusting to hunting for its meals when it has spent years being fed and lazing around. As long as there is demand should zoos exist essay them, zoos will continue to exist. The owners of such zoos are focused on maximizing profits even at the animals expense. 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. Fewer and fewer states are allowing residents to keep captive wild animals without a permit. Animal Legal Defense Fund,National Headquarters Climate change has become a very real threat for the next and even current generations. Zoos are a part of culture across the world. Elephants arent the only species that try to flee a zoo life. See Related: Most Comfortable Animals in The World. Even when properly fed and well housed, they can never be fully relaxed in confined spaces. On top of that, the animals dont have much freedom even in these tiny spaces that they are forced to live in. For example, if the number of lions is drastically reduced in an area, their prey will thrive. This becomes a major blow to the biodiversity of the affected region. Many people consider zoos amoral and cruel while others have the notion . Many zoos will then resort to drugging animals in order to keep them docile and normal for the pleasure of the viewing public. This support of the exotic pet trade also results in a lot of preventable animal deaths. The role of our leaders: Writing at the end of 2020, Al Gore, the 45th vice president of the United States, found reasons for optimismin the Biden presidency, a feeling perhaps borne out by the passing of major climate legislation. They are removed from their natural habitats and confined to small limited spaces and often forced to perform tricks or entertain visitors. Severe arthritis and foot infections are common in captive elephants due to standing on hard, unnatural surfaces all day without room to roam. In addition, a costlier but more educational option is to make arrangements to view animals in the wild. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com. When confined they rock, pull their hair and engage in other tics. No, most likely not. In the case of America, our maps, developed with experts, show where extreme heat is causing the most deaths. Taking an animal say a big cat, into an enclosed habitat when she cant hunt for herself can be detrimental to her life skills. Their lives in captivity can be harsh especially when the animal has been completely removed from its social structures. Copyright 2023 The Science Times. State laws vary considerably, with some states banning the ownership of wild and exotic animals while others have virtually no regulation whatsoever. This alone increases the risk of disease, as animals are exposed to viruses they have never encountered before. From there, it was an easy leap to protecting animal species. Animals are not able to bear living in small, unsuited environments. Visiting a zoo is a chance for many people to see exotic animals they would otherwise be unable to see. Chimps pull out their own hair. But that day of release never quite seems to come. It is not possible to have zookeepers versed in a detailed understanding of every single species. 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. 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. Weve discussed the reasons and can surely all now answer the question of why are zoos bad. See Related: Endangered Species in Oklahoma. Animal rights activists argue that hunting, capturing, and putting animals on display is unethical. Look out for the GFAS seal of approval. Some are in aquariums, circuses, theme parks and zoos, others live caged at private homes. Protect animals by boycotting roadside zoos. All rights reserved. Exotic animals have become very popular, but they are also dangerous in so many ways. Writing at the end of 2020, Al Gore, the 45th vice president of the United States. Declawing is extremely painful and causes permanent disability. 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. Once the ground has been left with no coverage, soil erosion will be the next step. Though the zoos business has grown from what it was over a century ago, there are still some things that can be improved. Capturing animals even smart ones like apes, for amusement shouldnt be going on anywhere. See Related: Best Wildlife Conservation Jobs. The confined living areas are a big contributor to animal stress and lack of physical stimulation like would be gained from a nice sprint. The Link Between Fasting And Mental Health: Can It Improve Mood And Cognition? They found that only 27 percent of people bothered to read the signs at exhibits. The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) operates an accreditation system for sanctuaries, rescue centres and rehabilitation centres. A 2019 report by World Animal Protection found that captive animals exhibitedabnormal levels of aggression, indicating that the attack in Miami Seaquarium was a direct result of captivity, despite claims that it is an isolated incident and is uncommon. Animal Legal Defense Fund petition for rulemaking spurs reporting improvements: Forms will be revised to ensure AWA licensees maintain complete records of all animal deaths. For animals in zoos, the AWA sets low requirements as to housing, food and sanitation, and, as is commonly noted, no requirements for mental stimulation of animals other than primates. Required fields are marked *. Its protections are minimal as well. PETA isn't alone. Wildlife experts remind people that these animals do not know people's intentions, so they will try to protect themselves no matter what. Lets get into the nitty-gritty details of why keeping animals in zoos is bad: Wild animals often suffer in captivity because they were meant to be free. 1. The first efforts to keep wild and exotic animals for non-utilitarian uses began about 2500 BCE, when rulers in . In the end, he said, we live with our own constraints. He added, We are all captive in some regards to social and ethical and religious and other constraints on our life and our activities.. Zoos often have insufficient knowledge of animals. Theres also the Zoological Association of America that operates in the United States. Cleaners and feeders spend a lot of time with the animals, and understanding the situation one is getting into can be very helpful. Not investing enough when designing a habitat for your animals to save money. A criticism is that protections are less robust for species that are economically valuable, and that CITES is not as transparent in its decision-making or enforcement as would be ideal. What if they sent all the animals that need really large areas or lots of freedom and socialization to refuges? In a 2011 study, researchers quizzed visitors at the Cleveland, Bronx, Prospect Park and Central Park zoos about their level of environmental concern and what they thought about the animals. However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence. Existing refuges often do allow visitors, but their facilities are really arranged for the animals, not for the people. Zoo elephants tend to die young. 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. This alteration of the animals behavior will eventually do more harm than good. Animals such as lions, elephants, and tigers dont get even close to one percent of the area they roam in the wild. This is evident in killer whales' most vital body part: their teeth. See Related: Endangered Species in California. Humans have kept wild animals for thousands of years. RELATED ARTICLE: Dolphin Attacks Trainer in Front of Horrified Families in Miami Seaquarium: How Often Do These Sea Creatures Attack Humans? When the caretakers are not well informed about the animals they are to be taking care of, it can be problematic. Important to protect endangered species from extinction. Reasons why people think keeping animals in zoos is bad for their welfare: the animal is deprived of its natural habitat; the animal may not have enough room; the animal is deprived of its natural . However, that does not stop the silent damage that captivity delivers to such roaming animal species. Read more: Should I worry about chemtrails? 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. 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.
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