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. Opponents say wild animals should never be kept captive. 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. Specific programs at the zoological grounds encourage visitors to interact with the animals in unique ways. 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. 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. Yes, there are several reasons why zoos are bad. The animals are given special activities and nutrition that works with their instincts as well to give them the most natural existence possible. Web1030 Words5 Pages. For example, the veterinary staff at the Bronx Zoo in New York alerted health officials of the presence of West Nile Virus. 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. 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. 916 Words4 Pages. 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. Zoos are regularly inspected and accredited for the services they provide. 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. Many of them suffer from, In zoos many animals sicken and die because they, Many zoos do little for research or animal protection. That change prompted the shift in zoo narrative from entertainment to the protection of animals. 3. In the late 20th century, the narrative changed again to the conservation of animals to stave off extinction. 916 Words4 Pages. 21 Pros and Cons of Zoos 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. In fact, due to quite poor living conditions, many animals in zoos develop serious mental issues over time. Do they really help preserve endangered species or it is more a business and a cruel source of entertainment? 6. Zoos also give us a unique opportunity to see many different exotic animals without the need to travel to many exotic countries. [15], Zoo research is used in other ways such as informing legislation like the Sustainable Shark Fisheries and Trade Act, helping engineers build a robot to move like a sidewinder snake, and encouraging minority students to enter STEM careers. Even when these facilities began to open to the general public, the purpose was still to provide an educational resource to the community. Banning zoos could go a long way toward halting this practice or at the very least reducing its impact on the natural world. 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, despite good intentions and considerable financial effort, the concept of zoos is nonetheless seriously problematic. Here are the proper bibliographic citations for this page according to four style manuals (in alphabetical order): [Editor's Note: The APA citation style requires double spacing within entries. 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. Zoos save endangered species by bringing them into a safe environment, where they are protected from poachers, habitat loss, starvation, and predators. In general, opponents of zoos also often claim that zoos are also problematic from an ethical perspective. Vote and explain your view on whether zoos are necessary or should be banned. 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. Instead of keeping them in small cages, there is an effort to replicate the natural habitat to accommodate the natural instincts of each animal. If we want to save those species from extinction, we have to let them breed in safe environments like in zoos in order to protect them from other predator species. Some elephant herds in the wild can grow to become 40 members strong. 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. There are continuous cases of animals abused by visitors and zoo workers. 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. It changes the behavior of the animal. If we have to live under unnatural conditions, we also develop mental issues and the same is true for animals of many sorts. Animals in zoos are often kept in small cages where they cannot roam freely or express natural behaviors. 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. 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. See also how much gasoline is in a barrel of oil Are zoos good or bad for animals pros and cons? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-leader-1','ezslot_18',149,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-leader-1-0');Hence, if you just want to see many animals but dont want to travel to other countries due to various reasons, zoos can also provide you with a great opportunity in this regard. Should zoos be banned facts. Want to learn more about sustainability and the environment? WebThe question whether animals should be kept in captivity or not is debated on many platforms and forums. Their health degrades rapidly when conditions are not favorable to them, sometimes even incapacitating the animal under extreme circumstances. There are now wild herds in Europe and Mongolia, closely monitored by scientists, which are thriving. 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. 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! That means a cycle of dependency begins that requires ongoing resources to maintain because that animal has no ability to live on its own. There are continuous cases of animals abused by visitors and zoo workers. 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. [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. Bible Commentary Bible Verses Devotionals Faith Prayers Coloring Pages Pros and Cons, 6 Powerful Prayers for Binge Eating Disorder, 50 Biblically Accurate Facts About Angels in the Bible, 50 Most Profitable Youth Group Fundraising Ideas for Your Church, 250 Ice Breaker Questions for Teen Youth Groups, 25 Important Examples of Pride in the Bible, Why Jesus Wept and 11 Lessons from His Tears, 25 Different Ways to Worship God and Praise the Lord. As a result of the 2013 documentary Blackfish, which exposed the psychological damage done to orcas by SeaWorld, California outlawed captive orca breeding. Lets try to understand the pros and cons of zoos through the following arguments. 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. Zoos pose several risks that particularly affect animals. See also how much gasoline is in a barrel of oil Are zoos good or bad for animals pros and cons? Thus, by going to the zoo, people may be more eager to take additional efforts in their daily lives to behave as eco-friendly as possible, which is crucial to protect our animal and plant species from extinction and also to solve various other environmental problems. 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. Opponents say wild animals should never be kept captive. Evidence of the existence of zoos and menageries can be traced back to ancient Egypt, circa 3500 BC. ProCon/Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. The Roman Empire was founded in 27 BC, and many Roman emperors kept private zoo collections. Would you like to create a debate and share it with the netivist community? Zoos are ultimately a business that needs to make money. They must have staff present at all times who understand what it takes to have a safe experience. There are times when wild animals should stay that way. This is not only true for children, but also for many adults. In general, if animals are kept under unnatural living conditions, their behavior will change in the long run. As unbelievable as this sounds, it is happening, and something should be done to stop such actions in the future. The American Zoo Association even stated that conservation was its number one priority. The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. 916 Words4 Pages. If they dont follow the rules, they essentially go out of business. Polar bears, for example, had an infant mortality rate of 65% due to small enclosures. If you change your mind, you can change your vote simply by clicking on another option. ", ProCon.org. The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. 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. 9. 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. While some zoos are quite profitable and make good money, other zoos rely on donations and government subsidies in order to survive. 7. WebWhy Zoos Should Be Banned Zoos should be banned because they are cruel to animals. Proponents say zoos educate the public about animals. Zoos provide 200,000 jobs with an annual budget of $230 million set aside for wildlife conservation. Let's take a look at the pros and cons and whether zoos should be allowed to stay in business. From this time on, I wanted to make a contribution to ensure a livable future for the next generations in every part of our beautiful planet. 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. WebThey dont have to worry about safety in zoos as they are well taken care of. In fact, similar to circuses, animals are often treated quite poorly in zoos and have to comply with the rules of zookeepers. Should zoos be banned facts. 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. Many animals in zoos also have a significantly lower life expectancy compared to animals who live in the wild. When that possibility is no longer a choice, then this option might be the next best thing. Please try again. Another problem of zoos is that animals often only have rather limited space to move. 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? 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 Moreover, these smaller, unregulated organizations sometimes possess animals procured through illegal trafficking channels, a serious global problem. Did you know that one of the first zoological gardens in the Western Hemisphere featured humans instead of animals? The animals would then be transferred to zoos where the proper care would be given to them. 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. This can lead to boredom, frustration, and mental health problems. Another significant downside of zoos is that animals can often not be returned to the wild after they had been kept in captivity. 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. This image was created for netivist.org. In fact, many of us stay children deep inside and we may also remember many nice childhood memories. Zoos save endangered species by bringing them into a safe environment, where they are protected from poachers, habitat loss, starvation, and predators. Analyze Eight Reasons Zoos Are Good for Conservation from conservation scientist James Borrell. 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. NOTE: Your account might be penalized should we not find any wrongdoing by this user. There are times when a zoo is absolutely necessary to the survival of the animal. WebThey dont have to worry about safety in zoos as they are well taken care of. If you have four kids that you want to take there for the day, then you could be out $300 before you take your first step onto the grounds. 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. Vote to see result and collect 1 XP. 23, 2019), CBC, Trapped in a Human Zoo, cbc.ca, (accessed Apr. 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. Over 180 million people visit zoos in the United States each year. Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. The article, "Zoos: The Historical Debate" from Globalanimal.org discusses some pros (positive sides) and cons (negative sides) of zoos. As we can see from the previous discussion, zoos are a rather controversial topic. Why the Difference Between Weather and Climate Matters. However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. A zoo cannot provide the perfect environment for every type of animal. Because poaching activities qualify as criminal conduct, most attempts are thwarted. 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. [1] [2], The contemporary zoo evolved from 19th century European zoos. Author Bio Natalie Regoli is a child of God, devoted wife, and mother of two boys. Animals can become dependent on the facilities. A childs ticket is going to cost you $46. One strong argument for why zoos should be banned is it is intrinsically wrong to place animals in captivity. Your comment is being posted. 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. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-box-4','ezslot_15',142,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-box-4-0');Zoos not only give us the opportunity to see many different animals, they are also important from an educational perspective. 2021. 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. What Does Afforestation Mean and Why Is It Important? Find out more here: Environmental Organizations: 8 NGOs and Non-Profits Worth Supporting, Big cats have an allure unlike many other animals. Animals in zoos are often kept in small cages where they cannot roam freely or express natural behaviors. 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. 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. The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. CON Zoos don't educate the public enough to justify keeping animals captive. 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. 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. protect many animals from endangerment or even from extinction, Personal Brand vs. Corporate Brand: 24 Key Pros & Cons, 24 Key Pros & Cons Of Investing In (Retro) Video Games, 34 Major Pros & Cons Of Investing In Comic Books, Gold Bars vs. Gold Coins: 23 Precious Pros & Cons, 31 Cool Pros & Cons Of Owning A Classic Car, 24 Key Pros & Cons Of Unemployment Benefits, 32 Key Pros & Cons Of Investing In Trading Cards, 30 Precious Pros & Cons Of Investing In Art, Zoos can help to protect endangered species, Zoos do not provide natural living conditions, Zoos can raise awareness on global problems, Zoos are problematic from an ethical view, Takes away the need to travel to see animals, Not possible to return animals to the wild. What people do not know is animals don't have the best interest in being in a zoo. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. 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. Here, we dive into what fair trade is,. The Toledo Zoo ran a psychiatric program in which a gorilla with premenstrual depression was prescribed Prozac. Many zoos conduct such studies, and also run captive breeding programmes for endangered species. A complete ban or more vigorous enforcement of standards would also protect these untrained workers from injury or death caused by unpredictable animal behavior. Keep up the good work. Follow us on Instagram or Twitter! Unlike their natural habitats where they can freely roam, these establishments keep them confined. Your vote is anonymous. 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. 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. That change prompted the shift in zoo narrative from entertainment to the protection of animals. WebZoos have been around for 4,000 years, for many years people have gone to zoos to see wild animals up close. One strong argument for why zoos should be banned is it is intrinsically wrong to place animals in captivity. 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. The study concluded that the cause of such behavior could be mental health issues. Proponents say zoos educate the public about animals. 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. This first effort displayed people who had different physical traits that were unusual something similar to the freak shows of the traveling circuses in the 19th and early 20th century. Our whole ecosystem is also the life cycle of every living 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. Then there are the circumstances where we try to profit off of their circumstances. Many zoos conduct such studies, and also run captive breeding programmes for endangered species. An increasing number of animal rights advocates and animal protection organizations are questioning the role of zoos in modern societies. This can lead to boredom, frustration, and mental health problems. Due to the unnatural living conditions of zoos, animals are also less likely to breed in zoos and therefore, the population of those animals may decline rather than increase in the long run. Should we boycott or ban zoos? 6. People wont protect what they dont love, and they cant love what they dont know. 17, 2019), Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Climate Change and Wildlife, aza.org (accessed Apr. 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. When the first modern zoo was established in London in the 19th century, the purpose was purely scientific. Putting aside these opposing views, it remains a sad reality that the welfare of zoo animals varies widely depending on where you are. ], [Editors Note: The MLA citation style requires double spacing within entries. 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. Some people say zoos are safe to place for animals to live because they do not have to seek for food to survive. For example, roadside zoos throughout North America make their profit by attracting visitors to adjacent facilities usually on gas station lots. What people do not know is animals don't have the best interest in being in a zoo. 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 due to the unnatural living conditions in zoos and also due to the fact that animals often get tired of their lives in zoos. Most people working in zoos are true animal lovers. 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. 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. Should zoos be banned facts. Most zoos got their start because local scientists wanted to get to know wild and exotic species better. 21 Pros and Cons of Zoos Let's take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of zoos before we make up our minds. 1. 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. There are continuous cases of animals abused by visitors and zoo workers. Wanna make a contribution to save our environment? The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers. Most zoos struggle to survive, which means the animals kept in those facilities are also at risk. 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. [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. the initial reaction of most people is rejection. There are thousands of them around the world, with every continent except Antarctica hosting at least one. ProCon.org. [3] [4]. 25, 2019, Shelby Isaacson, Mote Ranked No. The most urgent issue is arguably the lack of uniform regulation. 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. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. 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. They even expanded and redesigned animal enclosures to improve the lives of captive animals. The Chester and Whipsnade zoological parks where the first two non-urban zoos without cages and larger enclosures. 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. The overall goal always remains the same; to ensure the best possible care for every animal in care. In fact, the USDA states that allowing visitors to handle animals like baby tigers or lions violates the Animal Welfare Act. 3, 2018, Tse-Lynn Loh, et al., Quantifying the Contribution of Zoos and Aquariums to Peer-Reviewed Scientific Research, facetsjournal.com, Mar. At the time, these institutions accommodated nearly 800,000 animals and 6,000 species, with around 1,000 on the endangered species list. 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. 3. [16], Zoos are also working to save polar bears, tigers, and wild African elephants from habitat loss, apes and rhinos from poachers, dolphins and whales from hunters, and bees and butterflies from population declines, among many other efforts to help many other animals. 5. 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. They also lack the everyday social interactions they would experience in the wild. In fact, every animal is different and needs individual treatment. Equity, respect and transparency are at the heart of fair trades definition. Zoos have a significant financial benefit for their communities. Every year, farm animal rescue takes place all across the United States. Your vote is anonymous. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_17',146,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');In fact, many small children love going to the zoo and to see the different animals. Thanks. 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.