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. The most urgent issue is arguably the lack of uniform regulation. This is due to the fact that many zoos want to keep as many animals as possible to show them to the general public. Most zoos struggle to survive, which means the animals kept in those facilities are also at risk. Especially if you have children, it can be quite nice to go to the zoo and to see many different animals. Zoos are often used to exploit people, animals, and even communities. What Does Afforestation Mean and Why Is It Important? [1] [2], The contemporary zoo evolved from 19th century European zoos. 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. They attract more than 200 million visitors annually, with special educational programs designed specifically for school groups. 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. Animals in zoos are often kept in small cages where they cannot roam freely or express natural behaviors. Often animals in such zoos are trained to perform tricks. As of 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. When you keep the animal in a zoo instead, then they might have 1,500 square feet to roam, and sometimes even less. Let's take a look at the pros and cons and whether zoos should be allowed to stay in business. If you visit the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans, then you can see a rare white alligator. Zoos can excel when they have the proper funding to meet the needs of their animal population. The Roman Empire was founded in 27 BC, and many Roman emperors kept private zoo collections. What Do Wasps Do for the Environment? Zoos have more visitors than the combined attendance of the four major sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL). 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. 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. Proponents say zoos educate the public about animals. Consider how you felt about the issue before reading this article. Lets try to understand the pros and cons of zoos through the following arguments. ProCon.org. 1. Research on this species is quite important since only if we get to know more about them, we will be able to protect those species from extinction in the long run. Romesh Ranganathan, a British comedian, stated, It still slightly surprises me that anybody thinks that we should have zoos at all. The actual territory of some individuals and packs may be over 300 miles in width. Source: This image was created for netivist.org. 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. The size and complexity of the zoo system and the vast range of animals in their care mean this problem cant be solved easily. As such, reptile houses, aviaries, and insectariums were added with animals grouped taxonomically, to move zoos beyond the spectacle of big, scary animals. Please note that all the information I provide on this website is to my best knowledge. This image was created for netivist.org. Ten Days That Vanished: The Switch to the Gregorian Calendar, https://www.britannica.com/story/pro-and-con-zoos. Animals are not always caged in zoos. While zoos spend millions on keeping animals confined, natural habitats are destroyed and animals are killed, as theres insufficient funding for their protection. 23, 2019), CBC, Trapped in a Human Zoo, cbc.ca, (accessed Apr. That means many animals suffer in extreme weather conditions (polar bears in hot regions, for example) they would otherwise never encounter. The article, "Zoos: The Historical Debate" from Globalanimal.org discusses some pros (positive sides) and cons (negative sides) of zoos. For example, the veterinary staff at the Bronx Zoo in New York alerted health officials of the presence of West Nile Virus. You will find employer matching, tribute gifts, exhibition sponsorship, and financial wildlife adoptions are all part of their financial picture each year as well. 2019, Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Visitor Demographics, aza.org (accessed May 7, 2019), Maury Brown, Why MLB Attendance Dropped below 70 Million for the First Time in 15 Years, forbes.com, Oct. 3, 2018, NHL, NHL Attendance (1975-76 through 2018-2019), records.nhl.com (accessed May. WebIn conclusion, zoos should be abolished because they are unethical, cause animal suffering, and are unnecessary in today's society. Natural Habitat and Animal Rights Create your account for free. In fact, similar to circuses, animals are often treated quite poorly in zoos and have to comply with the rules of zookeepers. 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. While zoos spend millions on keeping animals confined, natural habitats are destroyed and animals are killed, as theres insufficient funding for their protection. WebThe question whether animals should be kept in captivity or not is debated on many platforms and forums. Keep up the good work. CON Zoos don't educate the public enough to justify keeping animals captive. Many of them suffer from, In zoos many animals sicken and die because they, Many zoos do little for research or animal protection. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. Some establishments have worked hard to adapt their enclosures to better suit the needs of the animals they hold. 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. The study concluded that the cause of such behavior could be mental health issues. 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. New to netivist? WebReasons Why Zoos Should Be Banned Therefore, zoos should be banned because they are very cruel to animals. While zoos spend millions on keeping animals confined, natural habitats are destroyed and animals are killed, as theres insufficient funding for their protection. If your thoughts have not changed, list two to three ways your better understanding of the other side of the issue now helps you better argue your position. 9 Reasons Not to Visit Zoos 2022-11-17 Should zoos be banned facts Rating: 4,9/10 1414 reviews "Sab Din Hot Na Ek Saman" (meaning "Every day is the same" in English) is a common phrase that reflects the monotony and repetitive nature of daily life. 2. The contemporary zoo evolved from 19th century European zoos. Should zoos be banned facts. Although there are some around the world which continue to place their primary emphasis on teaching, research, and saving endangered species, more facilities are focused on the entertainment experience instead. Elephants become more aggressive when they are unable to travel and explore, which is caused zookeepers to euthanize almost 100 individuals in the past decade because of the danger they caused to others. Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. Our moderators will now review this comment and act accordingly. Visiting the zoo requires people to have respect for the fences, borders, and safety enclosures that separate the animals from their trainers, keepers, and families. In the late 20th century, the narrative changed again to the conservation of animals to stave off extinction. Many zoos conduct such studies, and also run captive breeding programmes for endangered species. 20, 2017, US Fish & Wildlife Service, California Condor Population Information, fws.gov, May 7, 2018, Jan Flemr, Long Way Home as Przewalskis Horses Fly to Mongolia, phys.org, July 19, 2018, Jane Palmer, The Worlds Last Truly Wild Horse, bbc.com, Nov. 11, 2015, Lori Marino, et al., Do Zoos and Aquariums Promote Attitude Change in Visitors? In general, opponents of zoos also often claim that zoos are also problematic from an ethical perspective. WebWhy Zoos Should Be Banned Zoos should be banned because they are cruel to animals. Find out more here: Environmental Organizations: 8 NGOs and Non-Profits Worth Supporting, Big cats have an allure unlike many other 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. Lets try to understand the pros and cons of zoos through the following arguments. To push conservation issues, many large zoos stopped having animals perform tricks for visitors. 3. 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 turn, those animals will lose part of their natural instincts and will no longer be able to survive in the wild due to that. Activists are calling to ban zoos, and their voices are getting louder. Zoos pose several risks that particularly affect animals. About 15 out of the 5 million animals currently alive are believed to have this rare condition that changes the color of their skin. Explain your answer(s). 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. There are additional pros and cons of zoos that are essential to consider as well. Let's take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of zoos before we make up our minds. That problem will not go away no matter how many generations remain in captivity. Veterinary doctors, zoologist, voluntary staff, etc. Should zoos be banned facts. Opponents say wild animals should never be kept captive. WebThey dont have to worry about safety in zoos as they are well taken care of. 2021, there are 241 accredited zoos in the United States. 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. Our whole ecosystem is also the life cycle of every living 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. 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. 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. See also how much gasoline is in a barrel of oil Are zoos good or bad for animals pros and cons? Should zoos be banned, or do they serve a positive purpose? To ease them into new habitats, an agitated tiger was given Valium, and anxious zebras and wildebeests were given Haldol. The animals would then be transferred to zoos where the proper care would be given to them. The contemporary debate about zoos tends to focus on animal welfare on both sides, whether zoos protect animals or imprison them. 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. [4], Captive elephants live about half as long as wild elephants: 18.9 years v. 41.7 years for Asian elephants and 16.9 years v. 35.8 years for African elephants. There are continuous cases of animals abused by visitors and zoo workers. Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers. Quarantine procedures are part of the zoos overall structure as well. 3. 1. 2021. Most zoos use veterinarians and work with professionals from degree programs. One strong argument for why zoos should be banned is it is intrinsically wrong to place animals in captivity. 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. If you believe they should not, consider how else to accomplish zoos conservation efforts. They also lack the everyday social interactions they would experience in the wild. In turn, chances may increase that we can protect many animal species from extinction. This long history of exploitation is a big reason many activists call for zoos to be banned. By 2018, breeding programs at zoos increased the number to 2,400 horses, and 800 were reintroduced to the wild. Despite their immense popularity, zoos have become increasingly controversial institutions. 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. [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. Elephants dont do well when they are kept in locations that are cold and snowy. Although the initial methods of retrieval were brutal, sometimes killing the parents to take the young one back for study, the overall goal was to extend human knowledge. Natural Habitat and Animal Rights Some zoos are unable to care for their animals. 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. Unlike their natural habitats where they can freely roam, these establishments keep them confined. Zoos educate the public about animals and conservation efforts. WebThey dont have to worry about safety in zoos as they are well taken care of. However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence. WebUltimately, the decision of whether or not to keep animals in zoos comes down to a balancing of the pros and cons. This disadvantage occurs because there is no longer a need to hunt for their survival. Zoos can also be a great destination for field trips. 3, 2018, Tse-Lynn Loh, et al., Quantifying the Contribution of Zoos and Aquariums to Peer-Reviewed Scientific Research, facetsjournal.com, Mar. Pros and cons of zoos: Should animals be kept in zoos? Another 23 jobs were supported for every $1 million that zoos spent on construction projects. Should zoos be banned, or do they serve a positive purpose? Thus, zoos can also be quite important to raise awareness of our global environmental problems in order to protect our animals as best as possible. If you believe they should, consider whether they should remain the same or change. Over 181 million people visit zoos and aquariums every year in the United States,and 25 million in the United Kingdom. Another issue with zoos is that there is often also only insufficient regulation of zoos in many countries of our planet. WebReasons Why Zoos Should Be Banned Therefore, zoos should be banned because they are very cruel to animals. A complete ban or more vigorous enforcement of standards would also protect these untrained workers from injury or death caused by unpredictable animal behavior. 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. 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. There are times when wild animals should stay that way. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. Want to learn more about sustainability and the environment? [24] [25], A review published in Animal Studies Repository concluded, to date there is no compelling or even particularly suggestive evidence for the claim that zoos and aquariums promote attitude change, education, and interest in conservation in visitors. Even a study widely cited to justify the argument that zoos educate the public stated, there was no overall statistically significant change in understanding [of ecological concepts] seen because visitors know a lot about ecology before going to the zoo. Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. There is no quick fix for the issues faced by zoos across the country and around the world. As an associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon or other programs. For some cute marsupial, bear or cat-like faces that you might not get to see in a zoo either, check out our list of the 15 cutest exotic animals in the world! However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence. According to organizations like the World Society for the Protection of Animals and The Humane Society of the United States, restrictive cages and enclosures affect normal animal behavior and sometimes lead to shorter lifespans. Zoo is the place where wild animals are collected for tourist attraction, as there are several endanger species animals protected from extinction by zookeepers. Vote and join our debate (see below), Watch this video on "zoochosis" and the living conditions of animals in captivity. They are simply, From an ethical point of view zoos are also questionable. If so, how? Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. Exotic pet cats may seem like a good idea, but these. These efforts have helped to reduce the risks of premature death in many species as well. Then, targeted bans for specific zoos that do not satisfy firmer regulations might become an option. 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. 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. WebThe question whether animals should be kept in captivity or not is debated on many platforms and forums. 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. Lets try to understand the pros and cons of zoos through the following arguments. A zoo cannot provide the perfect environment for every type of animal. Humans as part of zoological exhibitions did not fully stop until the early 20th century. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. These efforts have created a significant reduction in the number of attacks and accidents that occur. One strong argument for why zoos should be banned is it is intrinsically wrong to place animals in captivity. In general, if animals are kept under unnatural living conditions, their behavior will change in the long run. ], ProCon.org, "Zoos Top 3 Pros and Cons,", ProCon.org, "Zoos Top 3 Pros and Cons. Your comment is being posted. These facilities can provide an educational resource to their community. Opponents say wild animals should never be kept captive. There are continuous cases of animals abused by visitors and zoo workers. Some people say zoos are safe to place for animals to live because they do not have to seek for food to survive. Should animals be kept in captivity? Putting aside these opposing views, it remains a sad reality that the welfare of zoo animals varies widely depending on where you are. 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 WebUltimately, the decision of whether or not to keep animals in zoos comes down to a balancing of the pros and cons. The American Zoo Association even stated that conservation was its number one priority. Yes, there are several reasons why zoos are bad. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. Consequently, going to the zoo can be a great way to spend your time in a completely different environment, which can also be helpful if you are currently rather bored with your daily life. [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. This will allow us to keep netivist alive and available to
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. 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 also pose a risk to animal health. All rights reserved. In fact, many people only realize how important it really is to behave environmentally-friendly once they see all those fascinating animals. 1. 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. 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. (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. Please try again. Well, we have always seen animals inside the jungle with joy and grow as big and furious wild animals most of the time. The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. ", ProCon.org. The overall goal always remains the same; to ensure the best possible care for every animal in care. Let's take a look at the pros and cons and whether zoos should be allowed to stay in business. Proper citation depends on your preferred or required style manual. Zoos can do an excellent job at conservation if they make the effort, but far too often profit is the primary motivation. What we see is a process that eventually leads towards domestication, which is why it is a struggle for injured or wild animals to finish out their lives in a zoo. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. A zoological garden, which is sometimes referred to as an animal park or a menagerie, is a facility which houses animals within an enclosure and displays them to the public in a manner that is safe for everyone involved. Please let us know! 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. The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. In fact, many big zoos have hundreds or even thousands of different animal species and even if you search for rather exotic species that would never be present in your local area, chances are that you will find those species in zoos. Animals receive care from specialized trainers in zoos. 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. Zoo is the place where wild animals are collected for tourist attraction, as there are several endanger species animals protected from extinction by zookeepers. 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 many zoos, there are also some animal shows and it may be indeed questionable whether treating animals in these ways can be justifiable. 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. When an incident causes an individual to fall into the enclosure of a wild animal, the facility will usually save the person by killing the animal. Thus, zoos are also often not able to increase the populations of animals in the wild. See also how much gasoline is in a barrel of oil Are zoos good or bad for animals pros and cons? Heres Why, nationalgeographic.com, Mar.