should zoos be banned pros and cons should zoos be banned pros and cons

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. In many zoos, there are also some animal shows and it may be indeed questionable whether treating animals in these ways can be justifiable. They also aim toteach visitors the importance of animal conservation and mindfulness of the ecosystem as a whole. If it contains abusive or inappropriate language its author will be penalized. Do they really help preserve endangered species or it is more a business and a cruel source of entertainment? The Toledo Zoo ran a psychiatric program in which a gorilla with premenstrual depression was prescribed Prozac. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. This is quite logical since every living organism needs suitable living conditions to feel good and to increase its population in the long run. Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers. WebUltimately, the decision of whether or not to keep animals in zoos comes down to a balancing of the pros and cons. Should zoos be banned, or do they serve a positive purpose? Thus, it is crucial that we protect those animals from poachers in order to assure a viable future for them. While some zoos are quite profitable and make good money, other zoos rely on donations and government subsidies in order to survive. 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. Below are the proper citations for this page according to four style manuals (in alphabetical order): the Modern Language Association Style Manual (MLA), the Chicago Manual of Style (Chicago), the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA), and Kate Turabian's A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (Turabian). Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers. 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. [1] [2], The contemporary zoo evolved from 19th century European zoos. Moreover, those animals may often feel trapped since they have to stay in their cages and cannot navigate as they would do in the wild. If you change your mind, you can change your vote simply by clicking on another option. Even when these facilities began to open to the general public, the purpose was still to provide an educational resource to the community. 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. 1. 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. 1. At the time, these institutions accommodated nearly 800,000 animals and 6,000 species, with around 1,000 on the endangered species list. About 15 out of the 5 million animals currently alive are believed to have this rare condition that changes the color of their skin. Hence, also if you currently try to figure out what to do for your next field trip, going to the zoo may also be quite nice in this regard. See also how much gasoline is in a barrel of oil Are zoos good or bad for animals pros and cons? The oldest still operating zoo in the world, Tiergarten Schnbrunn in Vienna, opened in 1752. Another problem of zoos is that animals often only have rather limited space to move. 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. Zoos pose several risks that particularly affect animals. 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. Pros and Cons of Owning an Exotic Animal Animal Adovocacy Organizations to Partner With After finishing university, I traveled around the world. Here, we dive into what fair trade is,. 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 This image was created for netivist.org. By keeping populations of animals and conducting wild repopulation, zoos can help preserve species in danger from climate change. While zoos spend millions on keeping animals confined, natural habitats are destroyed and animals are killed, as theres insufficient funding for their protection. One strong argument for why zoos should be banned is it is intrinsically wrong to place animals in captivity. You will not receive any promotional materials from third parties. 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. 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. Please try again. Many zoos conduct such studies, and also run captive breeding programmes for endangered species. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. There were only nine California condors in the wild in 1985. Only use this feature if you are certain this user has infringed netivist's Terms of Service. The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. You can find animal treatment teams including specialists, pathologies, and trainers to ensure that every care plan is followed to the letter. We will help you do it! Let's take a look at the pros and cons and whether zoos should be allowed to stay in business. The Roman Empire was founded in 27 BC, and many Roman emperors kept private zoo collections. That change prompted the shift in zoo narrative from entertainment to the protection of animals. ", ProCon.org. 2. If they dont follow the rules, they essentially go out of business. Zoos receive regular inspections on multiple levels to ensure they are in compliance with care and safety regulations. Zoos have a significant financial benefit for their communities. To ease them into new habitats, an agitated tiger was given Valium, and anxious zebras and wildebeests were given Haldol. Yes, there are several reasons why zoos are bad. 4. If you already created your netivist account, please log in using the button below. 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. 23, 2019), CBC, Trapped in a Human Zoo, cbc.ca, (accessed Apr. Zoos educate the public about animals and conservation efforts. procon@eb.com, 2022 Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. 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. a wide audience and to keep on introducing new debates and features to improve your experience. ProCon.org. Some zoos are unable to care for their animals. 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. Our whole ecosystem is also the life cycle of every living This long history of exploitation is a big reason many activists call for zoos to be banned. WebUltimately, the decision of whether or not to keep animals in zoos comes down to a balancing of the pros and cons. While there are many advantages of zoos, opponents of zoos often claim that zoos only offer unnatural environments for animals. Hence, zoos can also encourage global cooperation, which can benefit all parties in the long run. Now some would argue we do the same thing with animals or try to hold communities hostage because of the potential financial gains that a well-run zoo can provide. When that possibility is no longer a choice, then this option might be the next best thing. Animals which are born in captivity can often adapt to their circumstances if given enough time, but they will still encounter the lifespan issues of their parents. 17, 2019), Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Climate Change and Wildlife, aza.org (accessed Apr. Zoos provide specialized care for the animals that are kept on the grounds. 5. Zoos can also play a crucial role when it comes to research opportunities. 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. We are having trouble saving your comment. Our whole ecosystem is also the life cycle of every living if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-banner-1','ezslot_16',144,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-banner-1-0');Zoos can also play a crucial role to protect many animals from endangerment or even from extinction. 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. By 2018, breeding programs at zoos increased the number to 2,400 horses, and 800 were reintroduced to the wild. The study concluded that the cause of such behavior could be mental health issues. Although these efforts do not entirely replicate migration or hunting, it does reduce the amount of boredom that occurs during their stay in the zoo. 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. They also lack the everyday social interactions they would experience in the wild. In fact, many people only realize how important it really is to behave environmentally-friendly once they see all those fascinating animals. On the other hand, organizations such as PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), Animal Aid and Born Free have initiated campaigns for the closure of zoos, arguing that most zoos deprive animals from their most basic needs and that animal abuse and suffering should not bea source of entertainment. 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. 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. Chicago, Illinois 60654 USA, Natalie Leppard Please let us know! [35] [36][36]. 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. 7, 2019), NBA, NBA Breaks All-Time Attendance Record for Fourth Straight Year, nba.com, Apr. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. One strong argument for why zoos should be banned is it is intrinsically wrong to place animals in captivity. Join with confidence, netivist is completely advertisement free. ], [Editors Note: The MLA citation style requires double spacing within entries. So, some animal activists maintain that a total ban on zoos is the only fix. 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. The overall goal always remains the same; to ensure the best possible care for every animal in care. Another problem with zoos is that staff members in zoos often dont have the required knowledge to take care of the different animals in a proper manner. Animals receive care from specialized trainers in zoos. Zoos also pose a risk to animal health. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. 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. New to netivist? Zoos Do Not Offer Sufficient Space A tiger locked in its cage Zoos save endangered species by bringing them into a safe environment, where they are protected from poachers, habitat loss, starvation, and predators. Careful supervision of policies and procedures allows for trainers, visitors, and the animals to maintain a higher level of safety in every facet of care. Vote and join our debate (see below), Watch this video on "zoochosis" and the living conditions of animals in captivity. There are now wild herds in Europe and Mongolia, closely monitored by scientists, which are thriving. These efforts have created a significant reduction in the number of attacks and accidents that occur. Already have an account on netivist? There are continuous cases of animals abused by visitors and zoo workers. Moreover, these smaller, unregulated organizations sometimes possess animals procured through illegal trafficking channels, a serious global problem. Another significant upside of zoos is that they can protect animals from poaching. This might take a few seconds, please wait. In the late 20th century, the narrative changed again to the conservation of animals to stave off extinction. If you feel this user's conduct is unappropriate, please report this comment and our moderaters will review its content and deal with this matter as soon as possible. Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. Tags: Animals Conservation Guide Must reads, Subscribe to our newsletter Informative, free, inspiring, Environmental Organizations: 8 NGOs and Non-Profits Worth Supporting, Fair Trade vs. Fairtrade: Why Its Not the Same Thing, The 10 Coolest Farm Animal Rescue Sites in the US, 6 Solutions to Deforestation and What You Can Do, Factory Farming: A Look at This Problematic System, How to Geocache: A Beginners 7-Step Guide, Practice Radical Self Acceptance in 4 Steps, 7 Flowers to Plant in March & Other Spring Gardening Ideas, Does Almond Milk Go Bad? Should zoos exist? 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. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. Only a dozen individuals were left in one facility by the 1940s, but their numbers are now in the thousands today because of the conservation programs that were initiated to save them. Instead of keeping them in small cages, there is an effort to replicate the natural habitat to accommodate the natural instincts of each animal. Do you think zoos are necessary? 7. One of them is the confined spaces where the animals are forced to live in. Even injured animals can encounter this problem if their recovery time is lengthy. Author Bio Natalie Regoli is a child of God, devoted wife, and mother of two boys. Some animals travel more than 50 miles per day as they wander about their wild habitat. chose to work in zoos because they like animals, and wanted to work closely with them and help them thrive. Your comment is being posted. Heres Why, nationalgeographic.com, Mar. In fact, the overall setting and also the visual appearance greatly differs across zoos and in case you get bored by your favorite zoo, you may just try another zoo. Especially in poor developing countries, many regions rely on zoos to make additional income in order to improve the living conditions of the general public. Whenever visitors like animals and birds and pay more to visit them, they get luxurious food and habitat. Because poaching activities qualify as criminal conduct, most attempts are thwarted. Managing Editor There are times when a zoo is absolutely necessary to the survival of the animal. As a result of the 2013 documentary Blackfish, which exposed the psychological damage done to orcas by SeaWorld, California outlawed captive orca breeding. 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 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. This can lead to boredom, frustration, and mental health problems. Well, we have always seen animals inside the jungle with joy and grow as big and furious wild animals most of the time. 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. Zoo advocates maintain that their efforts make a difference in wildlife conservation and will continue to have a positive environmental impact well into the future. 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. Even highly trained people miss an open lock or find themselves in dangerous circumstances with predatory animals, so there is always some level of risk involved. Our moderators will now review this comment and act accordingly. Elephants dont do well when they are kept in locations that are cold and snowy. From time to time, wild animals have to be caught and sent to zoos in order to sustain the populations of animals in zoos. Just login. 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 See also how much gasoline is in a barrel of oil Are zoos good or bad for animals pros and cons? 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. This issue is indirectly related to environmental problems and is the source of heated debates taking place the world over. Zoos are ultimately a business that needs to make money. Last modified on August 13, 2021. At least 37 countries have banned or restricted the sale of cosmetics with ingredients tested on animals, including nations in the European Union. Some establishments have worked hard to adapt their enclosures to better suit the needs of the animals they hold. 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. That is typically a consequence of employing workers with little to no animal welfare or safety training. Opponents say wild animals should never be kept captive. [3] [4]. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Zoo is the place where wild animals are collected for tourist attraction, as there are several endanger species animals protected from extinction by zookeepers. The most urgent issue is arguably the lack of uniform regulation. When you keep the animal in a zoo instead, then they might have 1,500 square feet to roam, and sometimes even less. There are times when wild animals should stay that way. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Natural Habitat and Animal Rights 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. Many zoos all over the world also work together and have cooperation agreements. In fact, many animals in the wild lose their lives every year due to poaching since people want to sell the horns or other valuable parts of those animals for quite high prices. Should zoos be banned, or do they serve a positive purpose? Web1030 Words5 Pages. In turn, chances may increase that we can protect many animal species from extinction. 916 Words4 Pages. Another unique set of problems arises from the live feeding of certain species, particularly big cats. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. After the famous wildlife conservationist Geral Durrell opened a zoo in Jersey in 1959, zoos all over the world have embraced the mission of. WebZoos have been around for 4,000 years, for many years people have gone to zoos to see wild animals up close. According to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the US had 230 accredited zoos and aquariums as of 2020. Is keeping animals in captivity a good way to ensure their future? Edinburgh was the first British zoo to follow the idea of displaying animals without bars. 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. WebZoos have been around for 4,000 years, for many years people have gone to zoos to see wild animals up close. Push for the position and policies you support by writing US national senators and representatives. WebShould Zoos Be Banned Essay. WebCons of zoos Animal cruelty in zoos continues to be extremely common. Of 77 elephants in 13 zoos, 71 were overweight and spent 83% of their time indoors, contributing to early death. The American Zoo Association even stated that conservation was its number one priority. Then there are the circumstances where we try to profit off of their circumstances. Evidence of the existence of zoos and menageries can be traced back to ancient Egypt, circa 3500 BC. They must have staff present at all times who understand what it takes to have a safe experience. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. Most zoos use veterinarians and work with professionals from degree programs. 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. Zoos are an unsuitable environment for wild animals and should be abolished. Even the best zoos can have animals develop severe health problems.