See also how much gasoline is in a barrel of oil Are zoos good or bad for animals pros and cons? There are times when wild animals should stay that way. 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. [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. WebUltimately, the decision of whether or not to keep animals in zoos comes down to a balancing of the pros and cons. Whenever visitors like animals and birds and pay more to visit them, they get luxurious food and habitat. Other great apes have similar health problems in captivity. Pros and Cons of Owning an Exotic Animal Animal Adovocacy Organizations to Partner With In my opinion, keeping animals in zoos can be justifiable as long as animals are kept under rather natural conditions and are not caged in pretty confined spaces. Another problem of zoos is that animals often only have rather limited space to move. Often animals in such zoos are trained to perform tricks. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. 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. Natural Habitat and Animal Rights However, despite good intentions and considerable financial effort, the concept of zoos is nonetheless seriously problematic. 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 wild animals should stay that way. 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.. 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. 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. 4. A zoo cannot provide the perfect environment for every type of animal. Zoos are an unsuitable environment for wild animals and should be abolished. 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. Should zoos be banned facts. 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. Instead of keeping them in small cages, there is an effort to replicate the natural habitat to accommodate the natural instincts of each animal. Hence, especially for rare species, zoos can be quite important for researchers since they are often the only place where scientists can explore those rare species. Unlike their natural habitats where they can freely roam, these establishments keep them confined. Lets try to understand the pros and cons of zoos through the following arguments. However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence. The indirect spending that zoos provide for their communities are significant as well, adding another 62,000 jobs across the United States to support visitors. 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. WebThe question whether animals should be kept in captivity or not is debated on many platforms and forums. Another pro of zoos is their role in animal reproduction. In the US, California More Animal Pros and Cons; Should zoos exist? 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. 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. 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, in many countries of our planet, zoo animals dont have sufficient space to move and cannot satisfy their basic needs, which can indeed be considered as rather cruel. 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. 5. [35] [36][36]. People wont protect what they dont love, and they cant love what they dont know. In the face of sharp criticism and loud calls for zoos to be banned, many modern zoos state that their primary function is to breed endangered species and reintroduce them into the wild. ProCon.org is the institutional or organization author for all ProCon.org pages. In this article, well take a look at. 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. While going to the zoo can be a great way to spend your time, zoos are often also quite popular and crowded and if you want to spend your time in a more relaxed manner, you may want to spend your leisure on other activities or attend rather unpopular zoos instead of crowded ones. 2. Evidence of the existence of zoos and menageries can be traced back to ancient Egypt, circa 3500 BC. 5. Pros and Cons of Owning an Exotic Animal Animal Adovocacy Organizations to Partner With WebIn conclusion, zoos should be abolished because they are unethical, cause animal suffering, and are unnecessary in today's society. [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. Well, we have always seen animals inside the jungle with joy and grow as big and furious wild animals most of the time. 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. 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. 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 If you want to use it you simply need to, Vote and tell us why you find zoos good or bad. 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. 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. WebShould Zoos Be Banned Essay. Zoos should be banned worldwide because the animals are living in an unnatural habitat, the zoos kill or sell surplus animals, and zoos are not educational. Zoos Do Not Offer Sufficient Space A tiger locked in its cage However, through poaching, many animals have become endangered and may even become extinct in the near future. [40], Controversy has historically surrounded zoos, from debates over displaying exotic humans in exhibits to zookeepers not knowing what to feed animals. 2021. Find out more here: Environmental Organizations: 8 NGOs and Non-Profits Worth Supporting, Big cats have an allure unlike many other animals. 8. [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. 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. Among others, articles have been cited by NPOs, Wikipedia, Medium.com as well as on several college websites and lifestyle blogs. 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. In fact, due to the poor overall living conditions and the unnatural treatment of animals in many zoos around the world, zoos may indeed be rather questionable from an ethical standpoint. 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. Many animals in zoos also have a significantly lower life expectancy compared to animals who live in the wild. Exotic pet cats may seem like a good idea, but these. [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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. If you want to use it you simply need toattribute it bylinkingto this page or tohttps://netivist.org. Should zoos exist? WebThey dont have to worry about safety in zoos as they are well taken care of. 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. Some animals travel more than 50 miles per day as they wander about their wild habitat. Zoos are an unsuitable environment for wild animals and should be abolished. Yes, there are several reasons why zoos are bad. [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. Kids 12 and up qualify for the adult rate. List two to three ways. 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. A report out of George Mason University found that zoos associated with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums employed almost 40,000 people. There were only nine California condors in the wild in 1985. CON Zoos don't educate the public enough to justify keeping animals captive. Zoos have existed in some form since at least 2500 BCE in Egypt and Mesopotamia, where records indicate giraffes, bears, dolphins, and other animals were kept by aristocrats. Animals can become dependent on the facilities. WebUltimately, the decision of whether or not to keep animals in zoos comes down to a balancing of the pros and cons. The article, "Zoos: The Historical Debate" from Globalanimal.org discusses some pros (positive sides) and cons (negative sides) of zoos. Animal cruelty or protection? When that possibility is no longer a choice, then this option might be the next best thing. See also how much gasoline is in a barrel of oil Are zoos good or bad for animals pros and cons? Animals in zoos are often kept in small cages where they cannot roam freely or express natural behaviors. This issue is indirectly related to environmental problems and is the source of heated debates taking place the world over. When ecological conservation emerged as a matter of public interest in the 1970s, zoosbegan to engage in conservation programs. To push conservation issues, many large zoos stopped having animals perform tricks for visitors. If it contains abusive or inappropriate language its author will be penalized. Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to 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. The animals are given special activities and nutrition that works with their instincts as well to give them the most natural existence possible. 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. By having these animals in zoos, there is another layer of protection given to these hunted species so that their survival chances are greater. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. 15, 2018, Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Research and Science, aza.org (accessed May 7, 2019), C. Robinette, L. Saffran, A. Ruple, and S.L. 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. 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. Opponents of zoos often claim that zoos are just in place for human amusement. 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. While some zoos are quite profitable and make good money, other zoos rely on donations and government subsidies in order to survive. If you change your mind, you can change your vote simply by clicking on another option. WebWhy Zoos Should Be Banned Zoos should be banned because they are cruel to animals. [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. You can find animal treatment teams including specialists, pathologies, and trainers to ensure that every care plan is followed to the letter. 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. Most zoos use veterinarians and work with professionals from degree programs. For some cute marsupial, bear or cat-like faces that you might not get to see in a zoo either, check out our list of the 15 cutest exotic animals in the world! WebWhy Zoos Should Be Banned Zoos should be banned because they are cruel to animals. Even the Catholic Church got involved with this effort at displaying people in cages, maintaining facilities deep into the 16th century. Opponents say wild animals should never be kept captive. 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. Yes, there are several reasons why zoos are bad. That change prompted the shift in zoo narrative from entertainment to the protection of animals. Elephants become more aggressive when they are unable to travel and explore, which is caused zookeepers to euthanize almost 100 individuals in the past decade because of the danger they caused to others. 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. 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). 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. 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. When you keep the animal in a zoo instead, then they might have 1,500 square feet to roam, and sometimes even less. Should zoos be banned, or do they serve a positive purpose? Vote to see result and collect 1 XP. 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. Vote and explain your view on whether zoos are necessary or should be banned. [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. Lets try to understand the pros and cons of zoos through the following arguments. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Zoos also give us a unique opportunity to see many different exotic animals without the need to travel to many exotic countries. Heres Why, nationalgeographic.com, Mar. That is typically a consequence of employing workers with little to no animal welfare or safety training. 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. Thus, zoos can also be quite important to raise awareness of our global environmental problems in order to protect our animals as best as possible. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. Thanks. Should zoos be banned facts. Although not everyone can afford a visit to their local zoo, there are still plenty of ways to learn more about the various animals who share this planet with us. Animals are not always caged in zoos. Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. Many of them suffer from, In zoos many animals sicken and die because they, Many zoos do little for research or animal protection. Some people say zoos are safe to place for animals to live because they do not have to seek for food to survive. 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. In 2017, 173 accredited US zoos spent $25 million on research, studied 485 species and subspecies of animals, worked on 1,280 research projects, and published 170 research manuscripts. 1. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. This rising need and the requirements of scholarly research led to the founding of the first modern zoos. We can protect some of the rarest animals in the world in zoos. Especially for those people, it can be quite important to go to the zoo and to see all those animals in order to remember how important protecting our environment really is. Animals need to be kept in temperate zones which are similar to their natural habitat if they have any hope of being successful in the zoo. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. According to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the US had 230 accredited zoos and aquariums as of 2020. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/zoo/, https://oakleesguide.com/10-tips-for-an-awesome-zoo-trip/. The Red Panda can be found in St. Louis, and there are fewer than 10,000 of them in the world today. Do they really help preserve endangered species or it is more a business and a cruel source of entertainment? Most zoos got their start because local scientists wanted to get to know wild and exotic species better. Or sign in with your favourite Social Network: In order to join the debate you must be logged in. In fact, many animals are kept in an unnatural manner and also dont get sufficient other animals from their species. Vote and join our debate (see below), Watch this video on "zoochosis" and the living conditions of animals in captivity. 1 Nonprofit in Published Research by Top Zoos and Aquariums, mote.org, Apr. 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. Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. 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 WebThey dont have to worry about safety in zoos as they are well taken care of. The article, "Zoos: The Historical Debate" from Globalanimal.org discusses some pros (positive sides) and cons (negative sides) of zoos. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. Whenever visitors like animals and birds and pay more to visit them, they get luxurious food and habitat. WebUltimately, the decision of whether or not to keep animals in zoos comes down to a balancing of the pros and cons. 3. You will not receive any promotional materials from third parties. The San Diego Zoo offers an annual Gala fundraiser were tickets begin at $450 each, while preferred seating options are priced at $900. 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. For example, the veterinary staff at the Bronx Zoo in New York alerted health officials of the presence of West Nile Virus. We will help you do it! 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. Zoos also pose a risk to animal health. Another significant downside of zoos is that animals can often not be returned to the wild after they had been kept in captivity. Edinburgh was the first British zoo to follow the idea of displaying animals without bars. The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. Zoos are also quite popular in many countries all over the world. Most zoos struggle to survive, which means the animals kept in those facilities are also at risk. Most people working in zoos are true animal lovers. Did you know that one of the first zoological gardens in the Western Hemisphere featured humans instead of animals? 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 have more visitors than the combined attendance of the four major sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL). Our moderators will now review this comment and act accordingly.