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. All rights reserved. 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. 5. Unlike their natural habitats where they can freely roam, these establishments keep them confined. This issue is indirectly related to environmental problems and is the source of heated debates taking place the world over. 23, 2019), Krista Langlois, Something Mysterious Is Killing Captive Gorillas, theatlantic.com, Mar. Share it! Quarantine procedures are part of the zoos overall structure as well. Zoos have more visitors than the combined attendance of the four major sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL). 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. Chicago, Illinois 60654 USA, Natalie Leppard Let's take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of zoos before we make up our minds. WebIn conclusion, zoos should be abolished because they are unethical, cause animal suffering, and are unnecessary in today's society. That is typically a consequence of employing workers with little to no animal welfare or safety training. These facilities can provide an educational resource to their community. Do you think zoos are necessary? Growing urbanization and industrialization led to heightened demand for new forms of entertainment. Even the Catholic Church got involved with this effort at displaying people in cages, maintaining facilities deep into the 16th century. The contemporary zoo evolved from 19th century European zoos. In addition, visitors are allowed to get very close to them, which is notpermitted in larger, better-regulated establishments. Want to learn more about sustainability and the environment? If you believe they should not, consider how else to accomplish zoos conservation efforts. 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. chose to work in zoos because they like animals, and wanted to work closely with them and help them thrive. One strong argument for why zoos should be banned is it is intrinsically wrong to place animals in captivity. By Scott Woodsidecategories: Environment & Nature October 28, 2022, 12:00 PM. 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. You will not receive any promotional materials from third parties. 21 Pros and Cons of Zoos 23, 2019), CBC, Trapped in a Human Zoo, cbc.ca, (accessed Apr. As such, reptile houses, aviaries, and insectariums were added with animals grouped taxonomically, to move zoos beyond the spectacle of big, scary animals. Do the cons of zoos outweight their benefits? As unbelievable as this sounds, it is happening, and something should be done to stop such actions in the future. Exotic pet cats may seem like a good idea, but these. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. Zoos also pose a risk to animal health. 21 Pros and Cons of Zoos Your vote is anonymous. Another unique set of problems arises from the live feeding of certain species, particularly big cats. In fact, due to habitat destruction and many other environmental problems, many species have become endangered over the past decades. Please consider making a small donation today. A zoo cannot provide the perfect environment for every type of animal. 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. About 15 out of the 5 million animals currently alive are believed to have this rare condition that changes the color of their skin. 3. Zoos also pose a risk to animal health. Orcas can live for more than a century on their own, but when you keep them in captivity, the average lifespan for a male is less than 20 years. 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. Opponents of zoos often claim that zoos are just in place for human amusement. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. Opponents say wild animals should never be kept captive. 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. This will allow us to keep netivist alive and available to They opened in 1931. 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. CON Zoos don't educate the public enough to justify keeping animals captive. From time to time, wild animals have to be caught and sent to zoos in order to sustain the populations of animals in zoos. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. Even when you take into consideration the educational benefits that come with a zoo, the fact is that most wild animals do not adapt well to confined circumstances. Zoos can do an excellent job at conservation if they make the effort, but far too often profit is the primary motivation. 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. 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. This is due to the fact that many zoos want to keep as many animals as possible to show them to the general public. This can lead to boredom, frustration, and mental health problems. 325 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 200 WebThe question whether animals should be kept in captivity or not is debated on many platforms and forums. Watch this video with Jane Goodall on the role of zoos in saving animals. 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. WebZoos have been around for 4,000 years, for many years people have gone to zoos to see wild animals up close. There are times when a zoo is absolutely necessary to the survival of the animal. [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. As unbelievable as this sounds, it is happening, and something should be done to stop such actions in the future. Should animals be kept in captivity? Vote and join our debate (see below), Watch this video on "zoochosis" and the living conditions of animals in captivity. Do they really help preserve endangered species or it is more a business and a cruel source of entertainment? That means many animals suffer in extreme weather conditions (polar bears in hot regions, for example) they would otherwise never encounter. As of 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. Especially if you have children, it can be quite nice to go to the zoo and to see many different animals. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. It changes the behavior of the animal. [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. What people do not know is animals don't have the best interest in being in a zoo. They even expanded and redesigned animal enclosures to improve the lives of captive animals. Smaller zoos dont always have the money to hire well-trained zoological staff or expand their breeding programs and facilities to maintain the ethos of conservation. In fact, especially in regions with weak economies, people often rely on income from zoos to make a living. [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. Thus, in order to protect those animals from mental issues as best as possible, zoos should try to improve the overall living conditions of those animals and provide them with sufficient space so that those animals can live as naturally as possible. If you want to use it you simply need to, Vote and tell us why you find zoos good or bad. Vote to see result and collect 1 XP. Abnormal animal behavior also puts zoo workers at greater risk for injury and death. 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. 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. 5, 2018, Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Currently Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, aza.org, Apr. Although there are efforts to replicate a wild habitat, a small display area is hardly the same as being free to roam. The best natural habitat enclosures are a poor substitute for the real thing. 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. Manage Settings 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. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. (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. Ever since there has been an increasing public concern about animal welfare in zoos. They also aim toteach visitors the importance of animal conservation and mindfulness of the ecosystem as a whole. However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence. While zoos spend millions on keeping animals confined, natural habitats are destroyed and animals are killed, as theres insufficient funding for their protection. 5. 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. 3. WebCons of zoos Animal cruelty in zoos continues to be extremely common. In turn, chances may increase that we can protect many animal species from extinction. 2. WebWhy Zoos Should Be Banned Zoos should be banned because they are cruel to animals. While there are many important advantages of zoos, the presence of zoos also implies some problems. Since the overall living conditions for animals are often quite poor in zoos, opponents of zoos also often claim that most zoos are cruel and should be closed. Explain your answer(s). Should zoos be banned, or do they serve a positive purpose? In many zoos, there are also some animal shows and it may be indeed questionable whether treating animals in these ways can be justifiable. 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. 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. 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. procon@eb.com, 2022 Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. Follow us on Instagram or Twitter! At least 37 countries have banned or restricted the sale of cosmetics with ingredients tested on animals, including nations in the European Union. Just login. 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. What Is Sustainable Development and Why Is It Necessary? 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. [31][32] [33], A study of captive chimpanzees found that abnormal behaviour is endemic in the population, and includes behaviors such as eating feces, twitching, rocking back and forth, plucking hair, pacing, vomiting, and self-mutilation, among others. Another problem of zoos is that animals often only have rather limited space to move. Another significant downside of zoos is that animals can often not be returned to the wild after they had been kept in captivity. ", ProCon.org. That change prompted the shift in zoo narrative from entertainment to the protection of animals. The Roman Empire was founded in 27 BC, and many Roman emperors kept private zoo collections. We can protect some of the rarest animals in the world in zoos. 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. This is not only due to the entrance fees for zoos, but also due to the fact that tourists will sleep in hotels and eat out in restaurants, which further generates significant income for the local population. While zoos spend millions on keeping animals confined, natural habitats are destroyed and animals are killed, as theres insufficient funding for their protection. Keep up the good work. My name is Andreas and my mission is to educate people of all ages about our environmental problems and how everyone can make a contribution to mitigate these issues. Thus, zoos are also often not able to increase the populations of animals in the wild. Why the Difference Between Weather and Climate Matters. (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. Another disadvantage of zoos is that they often only offer quite poor living conditions for animals. 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. A zoo cannot provide the perfect environment for every type of animal. Is keeping animals in captivity a good way to ensure their future? You will find employer matching, tribute gifts, exhibition sponsorship, and financial wildlife adoptions are all part of their financial picture each year as well. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 9. Should zoos be banned, or do they serve a positive purpose? WebReasons Why Zoos Should Be Banned Therefore, zoos should be banned because they are very cruel to animals. 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. 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. Not only can we benefit from the experience of learning about new animals and their habitats by visiting a zoo, but it also gives families an opportunity to spend time together while enjoying the outdoors. Consequently, zoos can also be an important income source for many people in poor parts of our planet. Did you know that one of the first zoological gardens in the Western Hemisphere featured humans instead of animals? That means a cycle of dependency begins that requires ongoing resources to maintain because that animal has no ability to live on its own. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. This can lead to boredom, frustration, and mental health problems. ProCon.org. Furthermore, zoos often harbor non-native species unacclimatized to the local environment. Environmental Conscience aims to provide unique high-quality content that is helpful to the reader. 2. Animals in zoos are often kept in small cages where they cannot roam freely or express natural behaviors. 3, 2018, Tse-Lynn Loh, et al., Quantifying the Contribution of Zoos and Aquariums to Peer-Reviewed Scientific Research, facetsjournal.com, Mar. 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. Zoos are an unsuitable environment for wild animals and should be abolished. Zoos provide specialized care for the animals that are kept on the grounds. Proponents say zoos educate the public about animals. There are times when wild animals should stay that way. Some people say zoos are safe to place for animals to live because they do not have to seek for food to survive. 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. [3] [4]. That problem will not go away no matter how many generations remain in captivity. By having these animals in zoos, there is another layer of protection given to these hunted species so that their survival chances are greater. Let's take a look at the pros and cons and whether zoos should be allowed to stay in business. These roadside zoos are consistently reported for neglect and severe animal mistreatment. Zoos Do Not Offer Sufficient Space A tiger locked in its cage Especially if you have children, going to the zoo can also be a quite nice family activity. 17, 2019), Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Pollinator Conservation, aza.org (accessed Apr. This advantage comes at the expense of the animals which are forced to spend their lives in an enclosure. Activists are calling to ban zoos, and their voices are getting louder. WebZoos have been around for 4,000 years, for many years people have gone to zoos to see wild animals up close. Even the best zoos can have animals develop severe health problems. 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. 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). Another 23 jobs were supported for every $1 million that zoos spent on construction projects. Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. In fact, due to quite poor living conditions, many animals in zoos develop serious mental issues over time. As such, reptile houses, aviaries, and insectariums were added with animals grouped taxonomically, to move zoos beyond the spectacle of big, scary animals. Should zoos be banned facts. Animals in zoos are often kept in small cages where they cannot roam freely or express natural behaviors. 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, many animals are kept in an unnatural manner and also dont get sufficient other animals from their species. See also how much gasoline is in a barrel of oil Are zoos good or bad for animals pros and cons? Critics and animal rights activists insist that despite their noble intentions, zoos are inherently immoral and primarily serve to entertain humans at the animals expense. 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. 7, 2019), NBA, NBA Breaks All-Time Attendance Record for Fourth Straight Year, nba.com, Apr. No matter how closely programs like Planet Earth depict animals, nothing will match the bond of seeing them in real life. If we have to live under unnatural conditions, we also develop mental issues and the same is true for animals of many sorts. We are having trouble saving your comment. Unlike their natural habitats where they can freely roam, these establishments keep them confined. The article, "Zoos: The Historical Debate" from Globalanimal.org discusses some pros (positive sides) and cons (negative sides) of zoos. Kids 12 and up qualify for the adult rate. 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. 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. 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. In fact, many people only realize how important it really is to behave environmentally-friendly once they see all those fascinating animals. Zoos don't educate the public enough to justify keeping animals captive. 2021. Zoos Do Not Offer Sufficient Space A tiger locked in its cage One of them is the confined spaces where the animals are forced to live in. The article, "Zoos: The Historical Debate" from Globalanimal.org discusses some pros (positive sides) and cons (negative sides) of zoos. Some people say zoos are safe to place for animals to live because they do not have to seek for food to survive. A Critical Evaluation of the American Zoo and Aquarium Study, animalstudiesrepoistory.org, 2010, John H. Falk, et al., Why Zoos and Aquariums Matter: Assessing the Impact of a Visit to a Zoo or Aquarium, docplayer.net, 2007, Romesh Ranganathan, Zoos Are Prisons for Animals No One Needs to See a Depressed Penguin in the Flesh, theguardian.com, Mar. Some elephant herds in the wild can grow to become 40 members strong. They are simply, From an ethical point of view zoos are also questionable. There are many problems that come with keeping animals in zoos. WebUltimately, the decision of whether or not to keep animals in zoos comes down to a balancing of the pros and cons. 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. Consider the pros and cons with a video from Above the Noise. Humans as part of zoological exhibitions did not fully stop until the early 20th century. WebCons of zoos Animal cruelty in zoos continues to be extremely common. [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. 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. In fact, many people who live in big cities often lost their connection to nature. However, today on Earth due to population growth and urbanization many animal species are endangered and most people have very few opportunities to observe and learn from animals. In fact, the USDA states that allowing visitors to handle animals like baby tigers or lions violates the Animal Welfare Act. 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. Whenever visitors like animals and birds and pay more to visit them, they get luxurious food and habitat. In the late 20th century, the narrative changed again to the conservation of animals to stave off extinction. A zoo cannot provide the perfect environment for every type of animal. 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. There is no quick fix for the issues faced by zoos across the country and around the world. This article was published on August 13, 2021, at Britannicas ProCon.org, a nonpartisan issue-information source. [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. Yes, there are several reasons why zoos are bad. Putting aside these opposing views, it remains a sad reality that the welfare of zoo animals varies widely depending on where you are. Zoos are losing their influence on the educational industry. 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. 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. Extend the debate to other human-made animal habitats, such as safari parks and animal sanctuaries. ProCon.org is the institutional or organization author for all ProCon.org pages. Instead of keeping them in small cages, there is an effort to replicate the natural habitat to accommodate the natural instincts of each animal. Should zoos exist? 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. Over 180 million people visit zoos in the United States each year. WebThe question whether animals should be kept in captivity or not is debated on many platforms and forums. 1. [1] [2], The contemporary zoo evolved from 19th century European zoos. The animals are given special activities and nutrition that works with their instincts as well to give them the most natural existence possible. 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. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Our whole ecosystem is also the life cycle of every living Animals in zoos are often kept in small cages where they cannot roam freely or express natural behaviors. Zoos save endangered species by bringing them into a safe environment, where they are protected from poachers, habitat loss, starvation, and predators. Push for the position and policies you support by writing US national senators and representatives. There are now wild herds in Europe and Mongolia, closely monitored by scientists, which are thriving. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. In this article, the pros and cons of zoos are discussed.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_10',132,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-medrectangle-4-0'); One important advantage of zoos is that they enable us to see many different animals in one place.