However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence. Even when these facilities began to open to the general public, the purpose was still to provide an educational resource to the community. 4, 2018, Zoo Atlanta, Representative Research, zooatlanta.org (accessed May 8, 2019), Bronx Zoo, Bridging the Gap, bronxzoo.com (accessed May 8, 2019), Emma Marris, "Modern Zoos Are Not Worth the Moral Cost,: nytimes.com, June 11, 2021, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, "Currently Accredited Zoos and Aquariums," aza.org, Apr. 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. 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. One strong argument for why zoos should be banned is it is intrinsically wrong to place animals in captivity. WebIn conclusion, zoos should be abolished because they are unethical, cause animal suffering, and are unnecessary in today's society. It places enormous pressure on the mental health of many species, causing them to live much shorter lives than they would in the wild. 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. Thus, going to the zoo can give you a great time and can be a nice way to unplug from your stressful daily life. Web1030 Words5 Pages. chose to work in zoos because they like animals, and wanted to work closely with them and help them thrive. Animals in captivity often develop dangerous and destructive habits due to the stress of living in such restricted spaces. Should zoos be banned, or do they serve a positive purpose? Accessed February 21, 2023. https://www.procon.org/headlines/zoos-top-3-pros-and-cons/, Eight Reasons Zoos Are Good for Conservation, National Geographic, Zoo, nationalgeographic.org (accessed May 8, 2019), Schnbrunn Palace, Zoo, schoenbrunn.at (accessed Apr. What Does Afforestation Mean and Why Is It Important? By Scott Woodsidecategories: Environment & Nature October 28, 2022, 12:00 PM. Zoos pose several risks that particularly affect animals. Follow us on Instagram or Twitter! One of them is the confined spaces where the animals are forced to live in. 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 detrimental to animals' physical health. 17, 2019), Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Marine Mammal Conservation, aza.org (accessed Apr. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. The Chester and Whipsnade zoological parks where the first two non-urban zoos without cages and larger enclosures. By 2018, breeding programs at zoos increased the number to 2,400 horses, and 800 were reintroduced to the wild. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-box-4','ezslot_15',142,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-box-4-0');Zoos not only give us the opportunity to see many different animals, they are also important from an educational perspective. In fact, due to quite poor living conditions, many animals in zoos develop serious mental issues over time. If you believe they should, consider whether they should remain the same or change. Zoos Do Not Offer Sufficient Space A tiger locked in its cage 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. The actual territory of some individuals and packs may be over 300 miles in width. The first modern one was opened in 1828 for scientific study in London, and then eventually became open to the public about 30 years later. WebUltimately, the decision of whether or not to keep animals in zoos comes down to a balancing of the pros and cons. This image was created for netivist.org. This issue is indirectly related to environmental problems and is the source of heated debates taking place the world over. 6. 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. Proponents say zoos educate the public about animals. Although there are efforts to replicate a wild habitat, a small display area is hardly the same as being free to roam. These roadside zoos are consistently reported for neglect and severe animal mistreatment. Zoo is the place where wild animals are collected for tourist attraction, as there are several endanger species animals protected from extinction by zookeepers. Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers. 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. 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. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Pros and cons of zoos: Should animals be kept in zoos? Zoos also give us a unique opportunity to see many different exotic animals without the need to travel to many exotic countries. When you visit the Memphis Zoo, then you can see an Okapi. For example, the veterinary staff at the Bronx Zoo in New York alerted health officials of the presence of West Nile Virus. The oldest still operating zoo in the world, Tiergarten Schnbrunn in Vienna, opened in 1752. In fact, the USDA states that allowing visitors to handle animals like baby tigers or lions violates the Animal Welfare Act. In turn, chances are that those zoo animals are much unhappier compared to animals of the same species who live in the wild. 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. 15, 2018, Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Research and Science, aza.org (accessed May 7, 2019), C. Robinette, L. Saffran, A. Ruple, and S.L. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. To the question "should animals be kept in captivity?" Vote to see result and collect 1 XP. In the 1960s The drive-through safari parks became very popular. 23, 2019), CBC, Trapped in a Human Zoo, cbc.ca, (accessed Apr. Controversy has historically surrounded zoos, from debates over displaying exotic humans in exhibits to zookeepers not knowing what to feed animals. 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. This can lead to boredom, frustration, and mental health problems. Why the Difference Between Weather and Climate Matters. Heres Why, nationalgeographic.com, Mar. In general, opponents of zoos also often claim that zoos are also problematic from an ethical perspective. Animals in zoos are often kept in small cages where they cannot roam freely or express natural behaviors. Zoos are ultimately a business that needs to make money. Consider the pros and cons with a video from Above the Noise. WebIn conclusion, zoos should be abolished because they are unethical, cause animal suffering, and are unnecessary in today's society. Zoos Do Not Offer Sufficient Space A tiger locked in its cage One strong argument for why zoos should be banned is it is intrinsically wrong to place animals in captivity. Here, we dive into what fair trade is,. 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. In fact, especially people who work in demanding jobs for quite long hours every day often need time for themselves in order to reload their batteries. In this article, well take a look at. Do you think zoos are necessary? Animals receive care from specialized trainers in zoos. WebCons of zoos Animal cruelty in zoos continues to be extremely common. While there are many important advantages of zoos, the presence of zoos also implies some problems. WebCons of zoos Animal cruelty in zoos continues to be extremely common. 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. "Zoos Top 3 Pros and Cons." WebThey dont have to worry about safety in zoos as they are well taken care of. The American Zoo Association even stated that conservation was its number one priority. For example, roadside zoos throughout North America make their profit by attracting visitors to adjacent facilities usually on gas station lots. A report out of George Mason University found that zoos associated with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums employed almost 40,000 people. WebZoos have been around for 4,000 years, for many years people have gone to zoos to see wild animals up close. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. One of them is the confined spaces where the animals are forced to live in. Hence, it is quite likely that animals in zoos will develop changes in behavior over time and some of those animals may also become quite unpredictable and dangerous for animal attendants in zoos. 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. Zoos can be construed as a. Why should animals be kept in zoos? Especially if you have children, going to the zoo can also be a quite nice family activity. A complete ban or more vigorous enforcement of standards would also protect these untrained workers from injury or death caused by unpredictable animal behavior. Another unique set of problems arises from the live feeding of certain species, particularly big cats. Zoos have a significant financial benefit for their communities. Additional rare animals which receive protection in U.S. zoos include the Addax, Amur tiger, Borneo elephant, and the Pacific walrus. While there are many advantages of zoos, opponents of zoos often claim that zoos only offer unnatural environments for animals. 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. The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. New to netivist? 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. 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. 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. Because poaching activities qualify as criminal conduct, most attempts are thwarted. 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. WebReasons Why Zoos Should Be Banned Therefore, zoos should be banned because they are very cruel to animals. Manage Settings Many animals in zoos also have a significantly lower life expectancy compared to animals who live in the wild. 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. 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. In the late 20th century, the narrative changed again to the conservation of animals to stave off extinction. While there are many advantages to zoos, there are also many problems related to those facilities. Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. However, despite good intentions and considerable financial effort, the concept of zoos is nonetheless seriously problematic. Congrats you just reached a new level on Netivist. Then there are the circumstances where we try to profit off of their circumstances. They must have staff present at all times who understand what it takes to have a safe experience. What people do not know is animals don't have the best interest in being in a zoo. There is no quick fix for the issues faced by zoos across the country and around the world. 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). 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. 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. The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. The best natural habitat enclosures are a poor substitute for the real thing. 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. 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. 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. Even the Catholic Church got involved with this effort at displaying people in cages, maintaining facilities deep into the 16th century. At least 37 countries have banned or restricted the sale of cosmetics with ingredients tested on animals, including nations in the European Union. 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. There are continuous cases of animals abused by visitors and zoo workers. If you want to use it you simply need to, Vote and tell us why you find zoos good or bad. From time to time, wild animals have to be caught and sent to zoos in order to sustain the populations of animals in zoos. Furthermore, zoos often harbor non-native species unacclimatized to the local environment. ", ProCon.org. This issue is indirectly related to environmental problems and is the source of heated debates taking place the world over. ProCon/Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. 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. An increasing number of animal rights advocates and animal protection organizations are questioning the role of zoos in modern societies. WebWhy Zoos Should Be Banned Zoos should be banned because they are cruel to animals. Some animals travel more than 50 miles per day as they wander about their wild habitat. Zoos provide 200,000 jobs with an annual budget of $230 million set aside for wildlife conservation. It changes the behavior of the animal. Consequently, zoos can also be an important income source for many people in poor parts of our planet. 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. Banning smaller, less established zoos with little funding could be a practical first step to reducing harm to wildlife. The behavior of animals will change when they encounter long periods of captivity. If you are new to netivist, please create your account for free and start collecting your netivist points! Zoo is the place where wild animals are collected for tourist attraction, as there are several endanger species animals protected from extinction by zookeepers. 3. Edinburgh was the first British zoo to follow the idea of displaying animals without bars. 5. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Zoos are often used to exploit people, animals, and even communities. 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. Banning zoos could go a long way toward halting this practice or at the very least reducing its impact on the natural world. 3. There are times when wild animals should stay that way. Some zoos are unable to care for their animals. What people do not know is animals don't have the best interest in being in a zoo. The study concluded that the cause of such behavior could be mental health issues. 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. The contemporary debate about zoos tends to focus on animal welfare on both sides, whether zoos protect animals or imprison them. Zoos save endangered species by bringing them into a safe environment, where they are protected from poachers, habitat loss, starvation, and predators. Deem, Zoos and Public Health: A Partnership on the One Health Frontier,One Health, Nov. 23, 2016, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, 10 Endangered Species Saved from Extinction by Zoos, medium.com, May 18, 2017, Association of Zoos & Aquariums, AZA and Animal Program Conservation Initiatives, aza.org (accessed Apr. 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 There are times when wild animals should stay that way. However, especially for those wild animals that know how life in the wild feels like, it can be quite hard to get trapped in zoos and those animals will likely never get happy. You will not receive any promotional materials from third parties. These efforts have helped to reduce the risks of premature death in many species as well. WebCons of zoos Animal cruelty in zoos continues to be extremely common. [3] [4]. Zoos are losing their influence on the educational industry. Zoos pose several risks that particularly affect animals. NOTE: Your account might be penalized should we not find any wrongdoing by this user. [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. 1. Vote to see result and collect 1 XP. Zoos can also play a crucial role when it comes to research opportunities. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. 2. That said, a more uniform, robust, and compassionate regulatory system based on the humane care and conservation of wildlife would be a step in the right direction. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. 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. This is not only true for children, but also for many adults. We are having trouble saving your comment. Last modified on August 13, 2021. There are many problems that come with keeping animals in zoos. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/zoo/, https://oakleesguide.com/10-tips-for-an-awesome-zoo-trip/. 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. 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. 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. Another significant upside of zoos is that they can protect animals from poaching. 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. [29], About 70% of adult male gorillas in North America have heart disease, the leading cause of death among gorillas in captivity, although the condition is almost completely absent in the wild. Consider how you felt about the issue before reading this article. These efforts have created a significant reduction in the number of attacks and accidents that occur. Wanna make a contribution to save our environment? Web1030 Words5 Pages. To access extended pro and con arguments, sources, and discussion questions about whether zoos should exist, go to ProCon.org. However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence. 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. People wont protect what they dont love, and they cant love what they dont know. This long history of exploitation is a big reason many activists call for zoos to be banned. Proponents say zoos educate the public about animals. The Red Panda can be found in St. Louis, and there are fewer than 10,000 of them in the world today. 5, 2018, Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Currently Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, aza.org, Apr. 1. 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. 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. Our whole ecosystem is also the life cycle of every living Another significant downside of zoos is that animals can often not be returned to the wild after they had been kept in captivity. Zoos are also quite popular in many countries all over the world. [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. Most of us referred to these parks as a zoo. [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [9] [41], According to a study of 26 zoos worldwide published in Conservation Biology, visitors to zoos increased their knowledge of biodiversity and specific individual actions to protect biodiversity. Animals in zoos are often kept in small cages where they cannot roam freely or express natural behaviors. 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. If they dont follow the rules, they essentially go out of business. Do We Need Them. 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. Whenever visitors like animals and birds and pay more to visit them, they get luxurious food and habitat. There are times when a zoo is absolutely necessary to the survival of the animal. People working at zoos paid little attention to the concept of wildlife conservation or expanding our scientific understanding of the animal kingdom. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. By keeping populations of animals and conducting wild repopulation, zoos can help preserve species in danger from climate change. Let's take a look at the pros and cons and whether zoos should be allowed to stay in business. Humans as part of zoological exhibitions did not fully stop until the early 20th century. The overall goal always remains the same; to ensure the best possible care for every animal in care. Keep up the good work. 1. About 15 out of the 5 million animals currently alive are believed to have this rare condition that changes the color of their skin. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. That change prompted the shift in zoo narrative from entertainment to the protection of animals. This article was published on August 13, 2021, at Britannicas ProCon.org, a nonpartisan issue-information source. Human-Environment Interaction: Definition & Examples, 30 Team-Building Activities for Kids (Indoor & Outdoor), 25 Outdoor Team Building Activities for Group Bonding, 3 Homemade Heating Pad DIYs to Warm Up Your Winter, How to Make a Bird Box With Easy Customizations, DIY Baking Soda Vinegar Foot Soak For Tired Feet. In fact, many people who live in big cities often lost their connection to nature. CON Zoos don't educate the public enough to justify keeping animals captive. 916 Words4 Pages. 2021. Yes, there are several reasons why zoos are bad. Zoos can excel when they have the proper funding to meet the needs of their animal population. 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. When that possibility is no longer a choice, then this option might be the next best thing. The shocking evidence of animal abuse in some circuses, dolphinariums and zoos have pushed many environmental and wildlife activist groupsto campaign for the closure of many of the institutions that keep wild animals in captivity. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. WebThe question whether animals should be kept in captivity or not is debated on many platforms and forums. Sometimes the captive animals were studied; however, they were mostly used for entertainment in the arena, invariably ending in a cruel death. WebZoos have been around for 4,000 years, for many years people have gone to zoos to see wild animals up close. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. Explore conservationist Damian Aspinalls opinion that zoos are outdated and cruel.. 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. As unbelievable as this sounds, it is happening, and something should be done to stop such actions in the future. 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!