People dont go to zoos to learn about the biodiversity crisis or how they can help. Theyre generally small menageries where wild and exotic animals like lions, tigers, monkeys, wolves, and others are kept in captivity, and often suffer badly. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Animals in the wild are naturally shy to humans. The truth is there is a vast difference between genuine conservation efforts and endangered species protection and running a zoo. There were five such states until 2017, when South Carolina passed a law banning wild and exotic animals to be kept as pets. The AWA establishes only baseline standards of care for licensing exhibitors. Depressed monkey All of these animals are well studied and have a plethora of documentaries and video footage of them in the wild. Increasingly, animals were presented with the distasteful fact of their imprisonment visually elided. Animals are not able to bear living in small, unsuited environments. Fewer and fewer states are allowing residents to keep captive wild animals without a permit. A small exhibit is never going to truly capture the vastness of the open world. The ESA outlines procedures for federal agencies to follow regarding listed species, as well as criminal and civil penalties for violations. A.Z.A. Cleaners and feeders spend a lot of time with the animals, and understanding the situation one is getting into can be very helpful. The Toledo Zoo has dosed zebras and wildebeest with the antipsychotic haloperidol to keep them calm and has put an orangutan on Prozac. Existing refuges often do allow visitors, but their facilities are really arranged for the animals, not for the people. I have written before about the importance of zoos and the role they have to play in the world for conservation . ", PETA's Bekhechi adds, the aim of breeding programmes is just "to produce baby animals to attract visitors.". Animals are often bored and, as a result, some become aggressive and can lash out at other animals or zookeepers. Most states have no laws governing captive wild animals. What people can do: Justin Gillis and Hal Harvey describe the types of local activismthat might be needed, while Saul Griffith points to how Australia shows the way on rooftop solar. Captive animals need better laws, and better enforcement of those laws. Zoos often do more harm than good, creating unnatural environments that look realistic enough to make any potential return to the wild all but impossible. This becomes a major blow to the biodiversity of the affected region. Tigers and lions have around 18,000 times less space in zoos than they would in the wild. His father works for a large national Cat charity in the UK, and Alex has regularly taken part in fundraising events for them through the years. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com. See Related: Importance of Wildlife Conservation. The practice of killing surplus animals is kept quiet by zoos, but it happens, especially in Europe. The window to the world of. In states without tight enough regulation, local jurisdictions oftentimes adopt ordinances that ban or restrict the display of captive wild animals. The United Kingdom, for example, has announced a plan to phase out all circuses featuring wild animal performances by 2020. A fine day out with the family might itself be justification enough for the existence of zoos if the zoo animals are all happy to be there. Animal rights activists argue that hunting, capturing, and putting animals on display is unethical. For privacy policy and ad & cookie policy information, visit our Privacy Policy pages. Zoos are built as a source of income for some. There is more to natural environments than just looks. For example, Charles Harvey and Kurt House argue that subsidies for climate capture technologywill ultimately be a waste. For intellectual property information and terms of use, visit our Intellectual Property Terms of Usepage. This was the first time that the ESA has successfully been used to protect captive wild animals. As long as there is demand should zoos exist essay them, zoos will continue to exist. A largely unregulated trend is the hybrid breeding of wild cats with house cats, with predictably disastrous consequences. Keeping animals in captivity can prevent their extinction. The Los Angeles Zoo has used Celexa, an antidepressant, to control aggression in one of its chimps. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Understanding the optimal requirements for the reproduction of certain animals can be difficult. What began as a way to pass time soon became a compulsion. A gorilla named Togo at the Toledo Zoo used his incredible strength to bend the bars of his cage. However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence. Since most countries dont have any regulations on how to handle animals in zoos, these business people can do whatever it takes to make the most profits possible. When wild animals shouldn't be in captivity. At the end of the day, Zoos are largely unethical places that are built under the pretense of habitat conservation but really are there to earn money and entertain people who want to be able to say they saw real-life wild animals. Even the best zoological park cannot fully capture the wild, and many smaller zoos fail to take effective measures to ensure the health and well-being of their animals. Here is an example of just how harsh it can get when an animal is being trained to perform tricks. There are 39 animal species currently listed by the IUCN as Extinct in the Wild. That's not a record that justifies tens of millions of wild animals kept in zoos. The fewer than two dozen non-participants include North Korea, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Turkmenistan. This support of the exotic pet trade also results in a lot of preventable animal deaths. And Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo has an on-site Wildlife Hospital to save sick and injured native species. An orangutan at the Omaha Zoo kept wire for lock-picking hidden in his mouth. Many zoos give children the wrong lessons about wild animals and how to protect animals. These tours often pretend to talk about their animals natural habitat and inclinations. Private Possession: Many wild animals may be kept captive in private homes as pets. This relocation alone can come as a large shock and wreak havoc on the animals mental health. Here are some of the major ways that these jurisdictions are protecting wild captive animals under the law: Restricting Private Parties From Keeping Wild Animals: Some states ban the keeping of wild and exotic animals. Going to the zoo is often quite affordable. Visit animal sanctuaries instead of zoos, marine parks or circuses. Zoos protect against a species going extinct. Life expectancy is controlled by both the mental and physical health of most animals. An example of this is a snake that will bite whatever is threatening them since they are not as good at running away as other animals. PETA says: "People who care about protecting endangered species should donate to organisations that safeguard them in their natural habitats if a species' native environment has been destroyed, there's nowhere left for the animals to go. Animals in the wild are naturally shy to humans. The truth is that zoos are a prison for animals. Genes evolved over time to help the animal adjust to a man-made habitat can be a downside to the populations of the species in the wild. Will we ever see all zoos closed down? Zoos also say that they save the endangered animals, but all they really care about is how much crowd the animal draws. Forests Under Threat: A Comprehensive Look at the Latest Deforestation Statistics, Puppy Mills vs. When factoring in the number of zoos breeding animals and the risk posed to baby animals, the change of disease skyrockets further. There are a number of reasons why animals should not be kept in captivity. Weve discussed the reasons and can surely all now answer the question of why are zoos bad. Are Sliding Doors or French Doors More Energy Efficient? Infringing the rights of individuals because it benefits the species is wrong because a species is not an. Just as we humans are free to do whatever we want so long as we follow the law, then it shouldn't be different for animals. 7 reasons why animals in captivity deserve freedom. The worst climate risks, mapped: In this feature, select a country, and we'll break down the climate hazards it faces. Groundhog More than Just a Weather Prognosticator! While zoos can definitely be exciting places for families to visit, the fact remains that they are bad for animals. Drugs given to animals include sedatives and antipsychotic drugs. With increased awareness about the cruelty involved with keeping wild animals in captivity, more and more jurisdictions are enacting legal protections. This gives the poor pets a home and creates a revenue stream for the zoos. When she caught up with the boys at the cafe, she mauled them before she was shot to death by the police. Elephants are particularly unhappy in zoos, given their great size, social nature and cognitive complexity. Writing at the end of 2020, Al Gore, the 45th vice president of the United States. The real question is, how can we change things? A zoological park is defined as an establishment designed for conservation, study, and public display. The lawsuit asserts the agency must be able to remove animals if the USDA has deemed the facility unable to provide minimum standards of care set out by the Animal Welfare Act. There are currently 421 zoological gardens and aquariums and a 2.9% business growth this year despite the pandemic. The forerunners of the modern zoo, open to the public and grounded in science, took shape in the 19th century. Those who reported a sense of connection to the animals at the zoo also correlated positively with general environmental concern. They are contained in small spaces, often made docile through drugs and other medications, and slowly strip away all autonomy and freedom from all animals. Important to protect endangered species from extinction. What Mr. Ashe wants visitors to experience when they look at the animals is a sense of empathy for the individual animal, as well as the wild populations of that animal.. Zoos are a part of culture across the world. Children leave most zoos with a misconception about how animals behave in the wild and what it takes to truly care for endangered animals. See Related: Most Comfortable Animals in The World. The statistics on the number of big cats alone that have died in captivity between 1990 and 2021 is 126. A species protected in captivity provides a reservoir population against a population crash or extinction in the wild. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can surely help these animals by refusing to visit zoos and instead supporting sanctuaries where animals live in natural habitats. Animals such as lions, elephants, and tigers don't get even close to one percent of the area they roam in the wild. This can have huge negative effects on the environment in many adverse ways. Even when properly fed and well housed, they can never be fully relaxed in confined spaces. According to an article inPlant Based News, marine parks and aquariums are a billion-dollar industry that exists to entertain the public by catching fish and sea mammals from the wild and using them as live exhibits. For many wild animals, this is a vital part of their life, and they can struggle to redefine their footing. Zoos are expensive to run, often have a very tight budget, and cannot afford to maintain and support animals that do not pull their weight in terms of attraction. These laws help the animals and also people, since wild animals in captivity present a serious public safety risk. The California condor breeding program, which almost certainly saved the species from extinction, includes five zoos as active partners. In many modern zoos, animals are well cared for, healthy and probably, for many species, content. Alas, theres plenty of heartbreaking evidence that many are not. Thousands of animals are captured and put in zoos and aquariums for tourist attractions every year. Sanctuaries occupy a "gray area," says Tanya Espinosa, a . WorldAnimalFoundation.org is reader-supported. Likewise, consuming sustainable seafood provides a valuable source of food for people and helps promote sustainable jobs. It gets even worse for the animal if the trainer is impatient, the poor beast will have to endure beatings over commands they dont understand. All rights reserved. When confined they rock, pull their hair and engage in other tics. As a result, many zoos breed animals. [WATCH]. Yes, it is time consuming and it is expensive, but if it is possible, we have to try, simply because is the right thing to do.". Young chimpanzees on movie sets are trained through regular beatings and then discarded around age 8 when they become too large to control. After being captives of the pandemic for more than a year, we have begun experiencing the pleasures of simple outings: dining al fresco, shopping with a friend, taking a stroll through the zoo. Older menageries existed as far back as 2500 BCE, in Mesopotamia. I remember well the awe and joy on their faces, 15 years later. If an animal cannot be given sufficient space or is suffering from stress and not behaving as expected, the zoo is within its right to kill the animal s. The required standard of care for wild animals, such as those held by zoos, is wide-ranging and nigh on impossible for zoos to provide. These animals oftentimes live in inhumane conditions, and pose a serious threat to public safety. They are just some of the millions of wild animals living in captivity across the United States. "Only 15% of the thousands of species held in zoos are considered 'threatened'," says Will Travers OBE, president of Born Free. worldanimalfoundation.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and Other Programs, an affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the Partners. Early in the pandemic, the Neumunster Zoo in northern Germany coolly announced an emergency plan to cope with lost revenue by feeding some animals to other animals, compressing the food chain at the zoo like an accordion, until in the worst-case scenario, only Vitus, a polar bear, would be left standing. Animal Legal Defense Fund petition for rulemaking spurs reporting improvements: Forms will be revised to ensure AWA licensees maintain complete records of all animal deaths. Another serious problem is that the chronically-understaffed USDA conducts inspections infrequently. A study by Bristol University found that many British zoos fail to provide animals with the required minimum standard of care. The worst ones are the malicious keepers who enjoy hurting animals in captivity. Elephants arent the only species that try to flee a zoo life. For some animals, reintroduction will always be difficult, such as baby elephants, or pet cheetahs, both of which habituate to human care very quickly, says Moore of IFAW. Even without a consciousness (that we know of) animals are alive and should be treated as such. For comparison, in 2018, they spent $4.9 billion on operations and construction. Such a transformation might free up some space. However, this is often not much more than an illusion for the customer. "Animals in zoos suffer tremendously, both physically and mentally. It took several decades before Alex was able to leave the corporate world behind and embark on a real writing journey. Here they are relatively safe . Tigers, lions, elephants, bears and nonhuman primates are all included in this law. We use cookies to help ensure the best experience on our website. To many people, a trip to the zoo is a fun day out for the family. To update your payment information, visit our Member Center. Whats Causing Their Decline? In zoos, elephants are often given a small outside enclosure and an internal house. This is nowhere near enough space to provide an elephant with a life comparable to that of its wild counterparts. We say zoos are bad because animals are forced to live in unnatural, stressful, boring environments, leading to a lack of mental and physical stimulation. When the caretakers are not well informed about the animals they are to be taking care of, it can be problematic. For them, the best option is to fight back. Animal Behavior: Resources for Applied Ethology, Man in Uganda Beats Lion With Bare Hands In Bloody Battle Before Feasting on the Beast for Dinner, Dolphin Attacks Trainer in Front of Horrified Families in Miami Seaquarium: How Often Do These Sea Creatures Attack Humans? From there, it was an easy leap to protecting animal species. They are removed from their natural habitats and confined to small limited spaces and often forced to perform tricks or entertain visitors. Artificial environments. Many animals in zoos are not used to confinement. But the law excludes protection for birds, rats and mice, farmed animals and cold-blooded animals such as reptiles, amphibians and fish. Copyright 2015-2021 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Zoological gardens have been working to help ensure that any endangered species are given another chance to thrive again over time. According toAnimal Behavior: Resources for Applied Ethology, fleeing or running away is the most popular reaction of animals towards humans. The environment that these animals are kept in isnt natural to them more so the animals that are taken from the wilderness and kept in zoos. Photographs by Peter Fisher. They bought tickets, and the wild creatures should behave accordingly. For example, a lion might have a hard time adjusting to hunting for its meals when it has spent years being fed and lazing around. See Related: Are Humans Animals? When the zoo replaced the bars with thick glass, he started methodically removing the putty holding it in. Sanctuaries promise to take in and care for any animals that have been abused, neglected, or abandoned and to keep them for life. 1. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. Ms. Marris is an environmental writer and the author of the forthcoming book Wild Souls: Freedom and Flourishing in the Non-Human World.. Some are in aquariums, circuses, theme parks and zoos, others live caged at private homes. Reasons why people think keeping animals in zoos is bad for their welfare: the animal is deprived of its natural habitat; the animal may not have enough room; the animal is deprived of its natural . The educational day out model of zoos endured until the late 20th century, when zoos began actively rebranding themselves as serious contributors to conservation. At the Los Angeles Zoo, a gorilla named Evelyn escaped seven times in 20 years. The shooting of Harambe the gorilla spawned the most-shared meme of 2016 and caused a hounded Cincinnati Zoo to suspend its social media accounts. Should Animals Be Kept In Zoos However, there are various reasons that explain why zoos are unethical. Wildlife experts remind people that these animals do not know people's intentions, so they will try to protect themselves no matter what. Deforestation will be the next problem when animals such as moose, elks, and deer start eating everything even young trees. Even if the animals are being fed well, the lack of freedom can cause them to be stressed. [WATCH], Armored Dinosaur Magnificently Preserved After Face, Skin, Spikes Survived Fossilization. The Link Between Fasting And Mental Health: Can It Improve Mood And Cognition? Kept in barren cages rarely larger than 20 by 20 feet, bears in roadside zoos spend their days pacing, sleeping abnormally long periods of time, and bobbing their head all indications of extreme psychological distress. The common negative effects of zoos on animals are listed below. A few zoos are famous for their conservation work. In several cases, animals held in poor conditions at roadside zoos have been transferred to sanctuaries, after the Animal Legal Defense Fund brought lawsuits under the Endangered Species Act. Animal Legal Defense Fund,National Headquarters Their natural habitat extends far beyond anything captivity zoos could provide. Don't be suckered into supporting companies that offer experiences like hugging a tiger, swimming with dolphins, riding elephants, or kissing sharks. Animals also lose their genetic diversity especially due to inbreeding. Some surplus animals or injured animals are even fed to predators as a means of life-cycle maintenance. It is these boastful collections of animals, these autocratic menageries, from which the modern zoo, with its didactic plaques and $15 hot dogs, springs. However, that does not stop the silent damage that captivity delivers to such roaming animal species. Its protections are minimal as well. Today, nearly every country in the world is a member of CITES. However, the truth remains that zoos often have insufficient knowledge of the animals they are housing. This isnt always guaranteed since the breeding practices could be insufficient or even produce animals that are not suitable for survival in the wild. The lack of enough vegetation will then lead to global warming due to less carbon in the atmosphere. Boycott businesses that profit from cruelty to animals. All of these options afford you a close view of nature exactly as it was intended. I find one statistic particularly telling about their priorities: A 2018 analysis of the scientific papers produced by association members between 1993 and 2013 showed that just about 7 percent of them annually were classified as being about biodiversity conservation.. This is due to the inhumane conditions that these animals are forced to endure. These refuge-zoos could become places where animals live. But the law excludes protection for birds, rats and mice, farmed animals and "cold-blooded" animals such as reptiles, amphibians and fish. What if zoos stopped breeding all their animals, with the possible exception of any endangered species with a real chance of being released back into the wild? The A.Z.A. Many zoos claim to be helping preserve dwindling populations. Many zoos use Prozac and other psychoactive drugs on at least some of their animals to deal with the mental effects of captivity. People are always attracted to exotic animals such as grizzlies, lions, wolves, tigers, and alligators among others. Animals are stressed when they get separated from their packs or herds, especially when they end up as the only one of their kind in their new homes. Zoos can be productive when it comes to reviving an animal species on the brink of extinction. This could cause problems for the animal. Its protections are minimal as well. At least 20 zoos in the United States have already ended their elephant exhibits in part because of ethical concerns about keeping the species captive. There is no end to the risk of cross-contamination and disease spread, especially when considering the fact that lots of zoos fail to provide the correct standard of care. Well, scat reveals all sorts of things about individual animals; information the keepers share with the scientific community. Their droppings look like little glitterballs. Tigers, lions, elephants, bears and nonhuman primates are all included in this law. They are used to collect exotic pets from owners who are looking to get rid of them. This treaty is credited with helping foster international cooperation to protect some endangered and vulnerable species. They learned from their parents to be mistrustful because they have no way of knowing whether people could be good or do them harm. More tigers live in cages in this country, than exist in all the wild. Tatiana the tiger, kept in the San Francisco Zoo, snapped one day in 2007 after three teenage boys had been taunting her. Bears and cats pace. What Is The Hunters Role in Wildlife Conservation? Wild animals have certain behaviors that are uniquely influenced by their environments. Outside of providing sufficient space to allow natural behaviors to develop, issues such as climate, diet, and the formation of a social hierarchy where appropriate make running a zoo a difficult task. For example, if the number of lions is drastically reduced in an area, their prey will thrive. In contrast, those nesting animals or cornered ones will try to defend themselves if being approached to protect their young. WorldAnimalFoundation.org, Today's Deal: $300 Discount on Halo 2+ GPS Dog Collar. But that day of release never quite seems to come. When zoos find themselves with surplus animals, they need to find ways to reduce their numbers. This goes to the detriment of the animals in zoos and puts them at risk of receiving inadequate care. In a 2011 study, researchers quizzed visitors at the Cleveland, Bronx, Prospect Park and Central Park zoos about their level of environmental concern and what they thought about the animals. Things like ensuring animals arent caged and treated less than they deserve. Zoos provide opportunities for nice family trips. Below are a dozen reasons why zoos can be bad for animals: No matter how dedicated a zoo is, it cant meet the space requirements for most of its animals. One of the best examples of this advantage is the Przewalski's horse. Marine mammals are best protected by cleaning up and protecting their habitats. I do not doubt that some people had their passion for a particular species, or wildlife in general, sparked by zoo experiences. Zoo animals sustain both physical and psychological scars from harsh zookeepers. Chimps pull out their own hair. This paper is going to discuss why animals should not be kept in captivity. See Related: Best Books on Endangered Species. Properly curated and interpreted, a well-run garden can be a site for a rewarding outing with friends or family, a source of education for the 27 percent of people who read signs and a point of civic pride. Four of the zoos and the aquarium in New York City, for instance, are managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society, which is involved in conservation efforts around the world. Watching these is a much healthier and more educational way to learn about wild animals than visiting a local zoo. Zoos often have insufficient knowledge of animals. See Related: Endangered Species in Oklahoma. All things considered, animals should not be kept in zoos or aquariums. State And Local Laws: Strong state laws and even local laws have historically been a useful way to protect exotic and wild animals. But relatively early in their evolution, a German exotic animal importer named Carl Hagenbeck changed the way wild animals were exhibited. WHY ANIMALS SHOULD NOT BE KEPT IN CAPTIVITY By "Phillip" Hungry, depressed, and unable to connect. But is there a reason why animals should not be kept in zoos? Regardless of the merits or ethics of zoos, one thing's for certain: they're going to be around for some years yet. There is always that element of choice that gets removed from them in a captive environment. The U.S. became a signatory to CITES in 1975. Read more: Should I worry about chemtrails? ALSO READ: Man in Uganda Beats Lion With Bare Hands In Bloody Battle Before Feasting on the Beast for Dinner. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram. When it rains, the topsoil gets washed away leaving the land more exposed. A 2014 study by the Society for Conservation Biology found that of over 2,800 children surveyed following visits to London Zoo, 62% showed no positive learning outcomes. Little Joe, a gorilla, escaped from the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston twice in 2003. Learn More. However, few people stop and actively consider why zoos are bad. While researching my book on the ethics of human interactions with wild species, Wild Souls, I examined how, exactly, zoos contribute to the conservation of wild animals.
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