WebZoos have been around for 4,000 years, for many years people have gone to zoos to see wild animals up close. Zoos save endangered species by bringing them into a safe environment, where they are protected from poachers, habitat loss, starvation, and predators. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. Another problem of zoos is that animals often only have rather limited space to move. Each person in a caretaker role is highly educated, trained to know the mannerisms, health needs, and characteristics of the animal to ensure the highest levels of safety. For every $1 million spent by zoos on their operational outlays, there were nearly 30 jobs supported. Even injured animals can encounter this problem if their recovery time is lengthy. 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. 3. Should zoos be banned facts. These are the most common arguments in favor and against zoos. 4. 9. WebCons of zoos Animal cruelty in zoos continues to be extremely common. Hence, zoos can also encourage global cooperation, which can benefit all parties 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. 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. Another unique set of problems arises from the live feeding of certain species, particularly big cats. ProCon.org is the institutional or organization author for all ProCon.org pages. 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. About 15 out of the 5 million animals currently alive are believed to have this rare condition that changes the color of their skin. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. Why should animals be kept in zoos? Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. In fact, many animals are kept in an unnatural manner and also dont get sufficient other animals from their species. 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. Zoos can be construed as a. [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. Pros and Cons of Owning an Exotic Animal Animal Adovocacy Organizations to Partner With As a result of the 2013 documentary Blackfish, which exposed the psychological damage done to orcas by SeaWorld, California outlawed captive orca breeding. 5. There are times when wild animals should stay that way. They must have staff present at all times who understand what it takes to have a safe experience. WebThey dont have to worry about safety in zoos as they are well taken care of. Given that the destruction of wildlife habitats worldwide continues unabated and species like elephants, big cats, birds, primates, rhinos, reptiles, and many others are at real of extinction, zoos have stepped in with the hopes of stopping or at least slowing the decline of these endangered species. 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. WebThe question whether animals should be kept in captivity or not is debated on many platforms and forums. [21][22] [23], Przewalskis horses, the last wild horses, were declared extinct in the wild in the 1960s when about 12 lived in zoos. Quarantine procedures are part of the zoos overall structure as well. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Chicago, Illinois 60654 USA, Natalie Leppard Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. [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. In fact, similar to circuses, animals are often treated quite poorly in zoos and have to comply with the rules of zookeepers. Especially for those people, it can be quite important to go to the zoo and to see all those animals in order to remember how important protecting our environment really is. WebShould Zoos Be Banned Essay. Is keeping animals in captivity a good way to ensure their future? 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. They also lack the everyday social interactions they would experience in the wild. By 2018, breeding programs at zoos increased the number to 2,400 horses, and 800 were reintroduced to the wild. Zoos are a typical form of family entertainment, but associating leisure and fun with the contemplation of animals in captivity can send the wrong signals to our children. How can we effectively protect the natural world? It also means that those zoos often work together on research projects and share their latest insights regarding how to keep animals in zoos as naturally as possible. 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. Learn about the pros and cons of zoos and join our debate and poll: Should there be zoos? 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. There are continuous cases of animals abused by visitors and zoo workers. 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. Here are the proper bibliographic citations for this page according to four style manuals (in alphabetical order): [Editor's Note: The APA citation style requires double spacing within entries. Find out more here: Environmental Organizations: 8 NGOs and Non-Profits Worth Supporting, Big cats have an allure unlike many other animals. Let's take a look at the pros and cons and whether zoos should be allowed to stay in business. 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 In fact, animals often unlearn how to take care of themselves in zoos since they learn to rely on zookeepers to provide them with food and with all other things they need. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. Zooshave existed in some form since at least 2500 BCE in Egypt and Mesopotamia, where records indicate giraffes, bears, dolphins, and other animals were kept by aristocrats. Activists are calling to ban zoos, and their voices are getting louder. Romesh Ranganathan, a British comedian, stated, It still slightly surprises me that anybody thinks that we should have zoos at all. The San Diego Zoo offers an annual Gala fundraiser were tickets begin at $450 each, while preferred seating options are priced at $900. Thus, going to the zoo can give you a great time and can be a nice way to unplug from your stressful daily life. The American Zoo Association even stated that conservation was its number one priority. Animal cruelty or protection? The animals always look miserable in captivity [T]he idea that kids only get excited about things they can see in the flesh is ridiculous. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Zoos can also play a crucial role when it comes to research opportunities. Some animals travel more than 50 miles per day as they wander about their wild habitat. What people do not know is animals don't have the best interest in being in a zoo. Because poaching activities qualify as criminal conduct, most attempts are thwarted. In an ideal world that would not be necessary, wild animals would roam freely in their natural habitats and we, humans, would find ways to observe them and learn about them without disrupting their lives. This is not only true for children, but also for many adults. You can find animal treatment teams including specialists, pathologies, and trainers to ensure that every care plan is followed to the letter. The animals would then be transferred to zoos where the proper care would be given to them. 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. 21 Pros and Cons of Zoos Analyze Eight Reasons Zoos Are Good for Conservation from conservation scientist James Borrell. 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. The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. While zoos spend millions on keeping animals confined, natural habitats are destroyed and animals are killed, as theres insufficient funding for their protection. 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. 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. 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. That created a total economic output in the United States of more than $17 billion per year, with $2.4 billion in spending and $5.4 billion in personal earnings on top of that figure. Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers. In fact, many children love to go to the zoo and it can also be a great location for school excursions since going to the zoo is rather risk-free and teachers may not have to worry too much due to that. In fact, every animal is different and needs individual treatment. That means many animals suffer in extreme weather conditions (polar bears in hot regions, for example) they would otherwise never encounter. 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). 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. There are continuous cases of animals abused by visitors and zoo workers. This is due to the fact that many zoos want to keep as many animals as possible to show them to the general public. Pros and Cons of Owning an Exotic Animal Animal Adovocacy Organizations to Partner With Managing Editor 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. A gorilla named Madame Ningo, the firstgorillato arrive in the United States in 1911 who was to live at theBronx Zoo, was fed hot dinners and cooked meat despite gorillas beingherbivores, for example. WebThe question whether animals should be kept in captivity or not is debated on many platforms and forums. If you wanted to visit the San Diego Zoo in 2019, then a one-day pass for an adult will set you back $50. If we want to save those species from extinction, we have to let them breed in safe environments like in zoos in order to protect them from other predator species. In the US, California More Animal Pros and Cons; Should zoos exist? In turn, chances may increase that we can protect many animal species from extinction. Many people also go to the zoo in order to relax and to see something completely different compared to their normal daily life. There are times when wild animals should stay that way. In the face of sharp criticism and loud calls for zoos to be banned, many modern zoos state that their primary function is to breed endangered species and reintroduce them into the wild. Putting aside these opposing views, it remains a sad reality that the welfare of zoo animals varies widely depending on where you are. 23, 2019), CBC, Trapped in a Human Zoo, cbc.ca, (accessed Apr. 13, 2017, Edna Francisco, Zoo Carnivores Need More Space, sciencemag.org, Oct. 1, 2003, Ian Sample, Stress and Lack of Exercise Are Killing Elephants Zoos Warned, theguardian.com, Dec. 11, 2008, Alex Halberstadt, Zoo Animals and Their Discontents, nytimes.com, July 3, 2014, Daniel Engber, The Tears of a Panda, slate.com, Sep. 14, 2006, Jenni Laidman, Zoos Using Drugs to Help Manage Anxious Animals, toledoblade.com, Sep. 12, 2005, Lucy Birkett and Nicholas E. Newton-Fisher, How Abnormal Is the Behavior of Captive, Zoo-Living Chimpanzees?, journals.plos.org, June 16, 2011, John Jett, et al., Tooth Damage in Captive Orcas, sciencedirect.com, May 2018, Natasha Daly, Orcas Dont Do Well in Captivity. 21 Pros and Cons of Zoos In fact, many zoos are rather free regarding how they want to treat their animals and in some countries, animals are even just considered as property instead of living organisms that need proper regulatory protection. Do they really help preserve endangered species or it is more a business and a cruel source of entertainment? Another disadvantage of zoos is that they often only offer quite poor living conditions for animals. Zoos are often used to exploit people, animals, and even communities. These roadside zoos are consistently reported for neglect and severe animal mistreatment. 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. This issue is indirectly related to environmental problems and is the source of heated debates taking place the world over. Instead of keeping them in small cages, there is an effort to replicate the natural habitat to accommodate the natural instincts of each animal. Vote and join our debate (see below), Watch this video on "zoochosis" and the living conditions of animals in captivity. This can lead to boredom, frustration, and mental health problems. Lets try to understand the pros and cons of zoos through the following arguments. As we can see from the previous discussion, zoos are a rather controversial topic. 12, 2018, Brandon McClung, NFL Attendance Lowest since 10 Despite Chargers Rebound, sportsbusinessdaily.com, Jan. 2, 2019, Andrew Moss, Eric Jensen, and Markus Gusset, Evaluating the Contribution of Zoos and Aquariums to Aichi Biodiversity Target 1,Conservation Biology, Aug. 22, 2014, Robin Ganzert, Zoos Save Species Visit One This World Wildlife Day, thehill.com, Mar. WebUltimately, the decision of whether or not to keep animals in zoos comes down to a balancing of the pros and cons. The animals are given special activities and nutrition that works with their instincts as well to give them the most natural existence possible. This is due to the fact that many zoos are subsidized by the government in order to give as many people access to zoos as possible. What Is Sustainable Development and Why Is It Necessary? WebThey dont have to worry about safety in zoos as they are well taken care of. 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. Source: This image was created for netivist.org. 23, 2019), Krista Langlois, Something Mysterious Is Killing Captive Gorillas, theatlantic.com, Mar. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-leader-1','ezslot_18',149,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-leader-1-0');Hence, if you just want to see many animals but dont want to travel to other countries due to various reasons, zoos can also provide you with a great opportunity in this regard. Because poaching activities qualify as criminal conduct, most attempts are thwarted. A study of 35 species of carnivores, including brown bears, cheetahs, and lions, found that zoo enclosures were too small for the animals to carry out their normal routines, which led to problems such as pacing and more infant deaths. List two to three ways. Well, we have always seen animals inside the jungle with joy and grow as big and furious wild animals most of the time. Heres Why, nationalgeographic.com, Mar. Most zoos use veterinarians and work with professionals from degree programs. In fact, many of us stay children deep inside and we may also remember many nice childhood memories. Some zoos are unable to care for their animals. WebReasons Why Zoos Should Be Banned Therefore, zoos should be banned because they are very cruel to animals. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 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 Some people say zoos are safe to place for animals to live because they do not have to seek for food to survive. Most zoos got their start because local scientists wanted to get to know wild and exotic species better. To push conservation issues, many large zoos stopped having animals perform tricks for visitors. Should animals be kept in captivity? [40], 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. In fact, especially in regions with weak economies, people often rely on income from zoos to make a living. That change prompted the shift in zoo narrative from entertainment to the protection of animals. 916 Words4 Pages. 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. chose to work in zoos because they like animals, and wanted to work closely with them and help them thrive. [26][27], TV shows such as Planet Earth bring wild animals into living rooms, allowing people to see the animals in their natural habitats without causing harm to animals such as the endangered snow leopard. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. Proponents say zoos educate the public about animals. Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers. People working at zoos paid little attention to the concept of wildlife conservation or expanding our scientific understanding of the animal kingdom. This article was published on August 13, 2021, at Britannicas ProCon.org, a nonpartisan issue-information source. To access extended pro and con arguments, sources, and discussion questions about whether zoos should exist, go to ProCon.org. 1. 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 Because there isnt a monetary transaction that occurs, there is no way for the non-profit organization providing supports for the zoo to recoup their losses. 17, 2019), Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Marine Mammal Conservation, aza.org (accessed Apr. Zoos have more visitors than the combined attendance of the four major sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL). By having these animals in zoos, there is another layer of protection given to these hunted species so that their survival chances are greater. 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. The best natural habitat enclosures are a poor substitute for the real thing. 1. Web1030 Words5 Pages. We are having trouble saving your comment. Should zoos be banned, or do they serve a positive purpose? (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. Zoos also pose a risk to animal health. Yes, there are several reasons why zoos are bad. Here, we dive into what fair trade is,. If you believe they should not, consider how else to accomplish zoos conservation efforts. Zoos have existed in some form since at least 2500 BCE in Egypt and Mesopotamia, where records indicate giraffes, bears, dolphins, and other animals were kept by aristocrats. Do you think zoos are necessary? Humans as part of zoological exhibitions did not fully stop until the early 20th century. the initial reaction of most people is rejection. When we look at zoo management, it is not unusual to take calves away from their mothers before they fully mature simply because there is a new marketing opportunity available somewhere else. This issue is indirectly related to environmental problems and is the source of heated debates taking place the world over. 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. WebZoos have been around for 4,000 years, for many years people have gone to zoos to see wild animals up close. 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. 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 of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. This issue is indirectly related to environmental problems and is the source of heated debates taking place the world over. The ethical dilemma around keeping wild animals in captivity is significant. 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. As such, reptile houses, aviaries, and insectariums were added with animals grouped taxonomically, to move zoos beyond the spectacle of big, scary animals. Manage Settings While there are many advantages to zoos, there are also many problems related to those facilities. My kids are obsessed with dinosaurs that no longer exist, and Skylanders, which have never existed. [28], A study of 35 species of carnivores, including brown bears, cheetahs, and lions, found that zoo enclosures were too small for the animals to carry out their normal routines, which led to problems such as pacing and more infant deaths. When that possibility is no longer a choice, then this option might be the next best thing.