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. Many zoos conduct such studies, and also run captive breeding programmes for endangered species. 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. While zoos spend millions on keeping animals confined, natural habitats are destroyed and animals are killed, as theres insufficient funding for their protection. In many zoos, there are also some animal shows and it may be indeed questionable whether treating animals in these ways can be justifiable. 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. 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. 5. 7, 2019), NBA, NBA Breaks All-Time Attendance Record for Fourth Straight Year, nba.com, Apr. 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. WebCons of zoos Animal cruelty in zoos continues to be extremely common. Animals in zoos are often kept in small cages where they cannot roam freely or express natural behaviors. 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 are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. Here, we dive into what fair trade is,. Even those prices are not enough to keep the zoo financially solid. Unlike their natural habitats where they can freely roam, these establishments keep them confined. Another issue with zoos is that there is often also only insufficient regulation of zoos in many countries of our planet. The Chester and Whipsnade zoological parks where the first two non-urban zoos without cages and larger enclosures. WebIn conclusion, zoos should be abolished because they are unethical, cause animal suffering, and are unnecessary in today's society. This issue is indirectly related to environmental problems and is the source of heated debates taking place the world over. In fact, due to quite poor living conditions, many animals in zoos develop serious mental issues over time. There are times when wild animals should stay that way. Many of them suffer from, In zoos many animals sicken and die because they, Many zoos do little for research or animal protection. The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. Yes, there are several reasons why zoos are bad. Because poaching activities qualify as criminal conduct, most attempts are thwarted. 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. Most of us referred to these parks as a zoo. Veterinary doctors, zoologist, voluntary staff, etc. WebZoos have been around for 4,000 years, for many years people have gone to zoos to see wild animals up close. While zoos spend millions on keeping animals confined, natural habitats are destroyed and animals are killed, as theres insufficient funding for their protection. Web1030 Words5 Pages. 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 contemporary debate about zoos tends to focus on animal welfare on both sides, whether zoos protect animals or imprison them. Romesh Ranganathan, a British comedian, stated, It still slightly surprises me that anybody thinks that we should have zoos at all. Zoos are not only important to protect endangered animals from extinction, they are also important from a financial perspective for many local communities all around the world. When that possibility is no longer a choice, then this option might be the next best thing. WebZoos have been around for 4,000 years, for many years people have gone to zoos to see wild animals up close. 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. For example, the veterinary staff at the Bronx Zoo in New York alerted health officials of the presence of West Nile Virus. The overall goal always remains the same; to ensure the best possible care for every animal in care. Should zoos be banned, or do they serve a positive purpose? Follow us on Instagram or Twitter! Vote and explain your view on whether zoos are necessary or should be banned. There are times when wild animals should stay that way. In fact, similar to circuses, animals are often treated quite poorly in zoos and have to comply with the rules of zookeepers. Many zoos conduct such studies, and also run captive breeding programmes for endangered species. When that possibility is no longer a choice, then this option might be the next best thing. As an associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon or other programs. Moreover, these smaller, unregulated organizations sometimes possess animals procured through illegal trafficking channels, a serious global problem. In the US, California More Animal Pros and Cons; Should zoos exist? If you wanted to visit the San Diego Zoo in 2019, then a one-day pass for an adult will set you back $50. 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. WebThey dont have to worry about safety in zoos as they are well taken care of. By 2018, breeding programs at zoos increased the number to 2,400 horses, and 800 were reintroduced to the wild. [21][22] [23], Przewalskis horses, the last wild horses, were declared extinct in the wild in the 1960s when about 12 lived in zoos. 6. 7. 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. Zoos pose several risks that particularly affect animals. Should animals be kept in captivity? The Smithsonian Zoo is one example of many that works with local institutions to build programs at every post-graduate level to ensure the future safety of animals. To the question "should animals be kept in captivity?" Every year, farm animal rescue takes place all across the United States. What Is Sustainable Development and Why Is It Necessary? If you believe they should, consider whether they should remain the same or change. 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. 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. 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 are detrimental to animals' physical health. Animal products like elephant tusks or shark fins create a financial market where the health and welfare of a species is secondary to the profits which are possible. 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. According to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the US had 230 accredited zoos and aquariums as of 2020. ProCon.org is the institutional or organization author for all ProCon.org pages. Some zoos are unable to care for their animals. Zoos are regularly inspected and accredited for the services they provide. 1 Nonprofit in Published Research by Top Zoos and Aquariums, mote.org, Apr. If you believe they should not, consider how else to accomplish zoos conservation efforts. 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. Consider the pros and cons with a video from Above the Noise. [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. If so, how? Zoos have more visitors than the combined attendance of the four major sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL). Proponents say zoos educate the public about animals. ProCon/Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. In turn, chances may increase that we can protect many animal species from extinction. Zoos educate the public about animals and conservation efforts. Przewalskis horse is a success story for zoos because this species was believed to be extinct in the wild. 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. Pros and cons of zoos: Should animals be kept in zoos? The animals would then be transferred to zoos where the proper care would be given to them. 25, 2019, Shelby Isaacson, Mote Ranked No. Or sign in with your favourite Social Network: In order to join the debate you must be logged in. 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. [40], Controversy has historically surrounded zoos, from debates over displaying exotic humans in exhibits to zookeepers not knowing what to feed animals. Learn about the pros and cons of zoos and join our debate and poll: Should there be zoos? 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. Whenever visitors like animals and birds and pay more to visit them, they get luxurious food and habitat. Well, we have always seen animals inside the jungle with joy and grow as big and furious wild animals most of the time. They must have staff present at all times who understand what it takes to have a safe experience. Source: This image was created for netivist.org. 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. Opponents say wild animals should never be kept captive. 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. Lets try to understand the pros and cons of zoos through the following arguments. 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. However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence. If we have to live under unnatural conditions, we also develop mental issues and the same is true for animals of many sorts. What people do not know is animals don't have the best interest in being in a zoo. For every $1 million spent by zoos on their operational outlays, there were nearly 30 jobs supported. Lets try to understand the pros and cons of zoos through the following arguments. The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. As unbelievable as this sounds, it is happening, and something should be done to stop such actions in the future. Zoos also pose a risk to animal health. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. 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. In fact, many of us stay children deep inside and we may also remember many nice childhood memories. If they dont follow the rules, they essentially go out of business. 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. What Do Wasps Do for the Environment? When the first modern zoo was established in London in the 19th century, the purpose was purely scientific. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. Vote and join our debate (see below), Watch this video on "zoochosis" and the living conditions of animals in captivity. Among others, articles have been cited by NPOs, Wikipedia, Medium.com as well as on several college websites and lifestyle blogs. 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. WebThe question whether animals should be kept in captivity or not is debated on many platforms and forums. The ethical dilemma around keeping wild animals in captivity is significant. Polar bears dont do well in tropical locations, even when they receive ice as a coping mechanism for the climate. WebIn conclusion, zoos should be abolished because they are unethical, cause animal suffering, and are unnecessary in today's society. 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. These roadside zoos are consistently reported for neglect and severe animal mistreatment. Some elephant herds in the wild can grow to become 40 members strong. Is keeping animals in captivity a good way to ensure their future? This long history of exploitation is a big reason many activists call for zoos to be banned. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. Being stuck in the same enclosure every day also disrupts the natural migratory patterns of the species, which can have a dramatic impact on their mental health. They are simply, From an ethical point of view zoos are also questionable. Some people say zoos are safe to place for animals to live because they do not have to seek for food to survive. Wanna make a contribution to save our environment? 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. CON Zoos don't educate the public enough to justify keeping animals captive. See also how much gasoline is in a barrel of oil Are zoos good or bad for animals pros and cons? Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. Zoos can also be a great destination for field trips. Animals receive care from specialized trainers in zoos. 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. 4. 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. Zoos pose several risks that particularly affect animals. Zoos can also play a crucial role when it comes to research opportunities. 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. Our whole ecosystem is also the life cycle of every living 23, 2019), Krista Langlois, Something Mysterious Is Killing Captive Gorillas, theatlantic.com, Mar. [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. 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 can lead to boredom, frustration, and mental health problems. Manage Settings 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. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. [1] [2], The contemporary zoo evolved from 19th century European zoos. For example, roadside zoos throughout North America make their profit by attracting visitors to adjacent facilities usually on gas station lots. [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. 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. However, I will not take any responsibility for incorrect information and will not be liable for any negative consequences that might occur due to the reliance on this information. Please note that all the information I provide on this website is to my best knowledge. WebThey dont have to worry about safety in zoos as they are well taken care of. Zoos are an unsuitable environment for wild animals and should be abolished. 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. However, despite good intentions and considerable financial effort, the concept of zoos is nonetheless seriously problematic. The animals are given special activities and nutrition that works with their instincts as well to give them the most natural existence possible. [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. While there are many advantages to zoos, there are also many problems related to those facilities. 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. However, through poaching, many animals have become endangered and may even become extinct in the near future. 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. Yes, there are several reasons why zoos are bad. (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. 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. This advantage comes at the expense of the animals which are forced to spend their lives in an enclosure. 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. Sometimes the captive animals were studied; however, they were mostly used for entertainment in the arena, invariably ending in a cruel death. There are thousands of them around the world, with every continent except Antarctica hosting at least one. Because poaching activities qualify as criminal conduct, most attempts are thwarted. Our whole ecosystem is also the life cycle of every living (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. About 15 out of the 5 million animals currently alive are believed to have this rare condition that changes the color of their skin. 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. How can we effectively protect the natural world? When dealing with a predator species in particular, any children born in captivity cannot be released into the wild because they have no hunting or survival instincts. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. Often animals in such zoos are trained to perform tricks. Putting aside these opposing views, it remains a sad reality that the welfare of zoo animals varies widely depending on where you are. You will also see the staff members from local zoos making presentations at local schools and businesses to raise awareness for what they do. Would you like to create a debate and share it with the netivist community? [37] [38] [39], Corroboree frogs, eastern bongos, regent honeyeaters, Panamanian golden frogs, Bellinger River snapping turtles, golden lion tamarins, and Amur leopards, among others, have been saved from extinction by zoos. 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. 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. 17, 2019), Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Marine Mammal Conservation, aza.org (accessed Apr. In fact, many animals are kept in an unnatural manner and also dont get sufficient other animals from their species. 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. WebZoos have been around for 4,000 years, for many years people have gone to zoos to see wild animals up close. This article was published on August 13, 2021, at Britannicas ProCon.org, a nonpartisan issue-information source. ], ProCon.org, "Zoos Top 3 Pros and Cons,", ProCon.org, "Zoos Top 3 Pros and Cons. Consequently, zoos can also be an important income source for many people in poor parts of our planet. Let's take a look at the pros and cons and whether zoos should be allowed to stay in business. Another significant downside of zoos is that animals can often not be returned to the wild after they had been kept in captivity. Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers. 3. A zoo can provide a protected environment for rare and endangered species. Zoos can excel when they have the proper funding to meet the needs of their animal population. Animals are not always caged in zoos. 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. 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. The oldest still operating zoo in the world, Tiergarten Schnbrunn in Vienna, opened in 1752. Most zoos use veterinarians and work with professionals from degree programs. Specific programs at the zoological grounds encourage visitors to interact with the animals in unique ways. Well, we have always seen animals inside the jungle with joy and grow as big and furious wild animals most of the time. The zoos attract over 181 million visitors annually, which is more than the approximately 131 million yearly spectators of the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB combined. By Scott Woodsidecategories: Environment & Nature October 28, 2022, 12:00 PM. See also how much gasoline is in a barrel of oil Are zoos good or bad for animals pros and cons? This rising need and the requirements of scholarly research led to the founding of the first modern zoos. This issue is indirectly related to environmental problems and is the source of heated debates taking place the world over. This is not only true for children, but also for many adults. Evidence of the existence of zoos and menageries can be traced back to ancient Egypt, circa 3500 BC. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. Even the best zoos can have animals develop severe health problems. Even injured animals can encounter this problem if their recovery time is lengthy. 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.