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. 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. 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? 17, 2019), Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Marine Mammal Conservation, aza.org (accessed Apr. After finishing university, I traveled around the world. As unbelievable as this sounds, it is happening, and something should be done to stop such actions in the future. Why should animals be kept in zoos? One strong argument for why zoos should be banned is it is intrinsically wrong to place animals in captivity. The American Zoo Association even stated that conservation was its number one priority. What people do not know is animals don't have the best interest in being in a zoo. Zoos have more visitors than the combined attendance of the four major sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL). From time to time, wild animals have to be caught and sent to zoos in order to sustain the populations of animals in zoos. 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. You will find employer matching, tribute gifts, exhibition sponsorship, and financial wildlife adoptions are all part of their financial picture each year as well. WebCons of zoos Animal cruelty in zoos continues to be extremely common. When that possibility is no longer a choice, then this option might be the next best thing. Proponents say zoos educate the public about animals. 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. WebCons of zoos Animal cruelty in zoos continues to be extremely common. WebReasons Why Zoos Should Be Banned Therefore, zoos should be banned because they are very cruel to animals. In the late 20th century, the narrative changed again to the conservation of animals to stave off extinction. One of them is the confined spaces where the animals are forced to live in. 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. In addition, visitors are allowed to get very close to them, which is notpermitted in larger, better-regulated establishments. Zoos can also be a great destination for field trips. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. [21][22] [23], Przewalskis horses, the last wild horses, were declared extinct in the wild in the 1960s when about 12 lived in zoos. [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. In an ideal world that would not be necessary, wild animals would roam freely in their natural habitats and we, humans, would find ways to observe them and learn about them without disrupting their lives. (Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / aknourkova) Pros: When ecological conservation emerged as a matter of public interest in the 1970s, zoos began to engage in conservation programs. Another problem of zoos is that animals often only have rather limited space to move. These efforts have created a significant reduction in the number of attacks and accidents that occur. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. Many zoos conduct such studies, and also run captive breeding programmes for endangered species. This might take a few seconds, please wait. Please try again. National Geographic notes that elephants can live for up to 70 years when they live in protected areas of the wild in Africa or Asia, while those kept in zoos is just 17 years for African elephants born into captivity. All rights reserved. Create your account for free. There are now wild herds in Europe and Mongolia, closely monitored by scientists, which are thriving. Source: This image was created for netivist.org. 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. 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. Some animals travel more than 50 miles per day as they wander about their wild habitat. Animals in zoos are often kept in small cages where they cannot roam freely or express natural behaviors. Zoos are often used to exploit people, animals, and even communities. 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 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. Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/zoo/, https://oakleesguide.com/10-tips-for-an-awesome-zoo-trip/. Are you experiencing any technical problem with netivist? 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. Zoos are ultimately a business that needs to make money. If you change your mind, you can change your vote simply by clicking on another option. Do they really help preserve endangered species or it is more a business and a cruel source of entertainment? They are simply, From an ethical point of view zoos are also questionable. Especially if you have children, going to the zoo can also be a quite nice family activity. 325 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 200 They also lack the everyday social interactions they would experience in the wild. However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence. Consider how you felt about the issue before reading this article. If it contains abusive or inappropriate language its author will be penalized. 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. 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. [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. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 8. Ever since there has been an increasing public concern about animal welfare in zoos. 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. 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. WebUltimately, the decision of whether or not to keep animals in zoos comes down to a balancing of the pros and cons. [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. 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). Should we boycott or ban zoos? "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. If you believe they should, consider whether they should remain the same or change. NOTE: Your account might be penalized should we not find any wrongdoing by this user. 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. The article, "Zoos: The Historical Debate" from Globalanimal.org discusses some pros (positive sides) and cons (negative sides) of zoos. Zoos have a significant financial benefit for their communities. While there are many advantages of zoos, opponents of zoos often claim that zoos only offer unnatural environments for animals. 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, if staff members dont have proper qualifications, chances are that some animals are treated quite poorly and many of them may also suffer from serious neglect over time. Most zoos use veterinarians and work with professionals from degree programs. The article, "Zoos: The Historical Debate" from Globalanimal.org discusses some pros (positive sides) and cons (negative sides) of zoos. Our whole ecosystem is also the life cycle of every living At the time, these institutions accommodated nearly 800,000 animals and 6,000 species, with around 1,000 on the endangered species list. As such, reptile houses, aviaries, and insectariums were added with animals grouped taxonomically, to move zoos beyond the spectacle of big, scary animals. Polar bears dont do well in tropical locations, even when they receive ice as a coping mechanism for the climate. ", ProCon.org. To access extended pro and con arguments, sources, and discussion questions about whether zoos should exist, go to ProCon.org. 1. They opened in 1931. 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. Author Bio Natalie Regoli is a child of God, devoted wife, and mother of two boys. In fact, those people often work in demanding office jobs for long hours and dont spend time in nature anymore. 4. 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. Animals are not always caged in zoos. Only use this feature if you are certain this user has infringed netivist's Terms of Service. At least 37 countries have banned or restricted the sale of cosmetics with ingredients tested on animals, including nations in the European Union. Some zoos are unable to care for their animals. 7. Thanks. See also how much gasoline is in a barrel of oil Are zoos good or bad for animals pros and cons? 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. 2. Pros and Cons of Owning an Exotic Animal Animal Adovocacy Organizations to Partner With Especially in poor developing countries, many regions rely on zoos to make additional income in order to improve the living conditions of the general public. Yes, there are several reasons why zoos are bad. Congrats you just reached a new level on Netivist. Zoos pose several risks that particularly affect animals. Abnormal animal behavior also puts zoo workers at greater risk for injury and death. 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. Your vote is anonymous. Zoo is the place where wild animals are collected for tourist attraction, as there are several endanger species animals protected from extinction by zookeepers. [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. CON Zoos don't educate the public enough to justify keeping animals captive. 2021. Hence, it is quite likely that animals in zoos will develop changes in behavior over time and some of those animals may also become quite unpredictable and dangerous for animal attendants in zoos. You will not receive any promotional materials from third parties. In this article, well take a look at. There are many problems that come with keeping animals in zoos. 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. WebIn conclusion, zoos should be abolished because they are unethical, cause animal suffering, and are unnecessary in today's society. WebZoos have been around for 4,000 years, for many years people have gone to zoos to see wild animals up close. 7, 2019), NBA, NBA Breaks All-Time Attendance Record for Fourth Straight Year, nba.com, Apr. [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. 20, 2017, US Fish & Wildlife Service, California Condor Population Information, fws.gov, May 7, 2018, Jan Flemr, Long Way Home as Przewalskis Horses Fly to Mongolia, phys.org, July 19, 2018, Jane Palmer, The Worlds Last Truly Wild Horse, bbc.com, Nov. 11, 2015, Lori Marino, et al., Do Zoos and Aquariums Promote Attitude Change in Visitors? WebZoos have been around for 4,000 years, for many years people have gone to zoos to see wild animals up close. 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. For example, the veterinary staff at the Bronx Zoo in New York alerted health officials of the presence of West Nile Virus. Natural Habitat and Animal Rights For every $1 million spent by zoos on their operational outlays, there were nearly 30 jobs supported. There are continuous cases of animals abused by visitors and zoo workers. 5. WebIn conclusion, zoos should be abolished because they are unethical, cause animal suffering, and are unnecessary in today's society. 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. 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. Consequently, zoos may not protect our animal species from extinction at all, especially if those animals are kept under rather poor conditions and are therefore not willing to reproduce in a sufficient manner. This can not only save you plenty of money but also significant amounts of time. [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. Furthermore, zoos often harbor non-native species unacclimatized to the local environment. Whenever visitors like animals and birds and pay more to visit them, they get luxurious food and habitat. 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. How to Tell and What to Do, The Best Fertilizer for Indoor Plants and When to Use It, 7 Eco-Friendly Resorts for Sustainable Travelers, Where & How to Recycle Laptops and Why Its So Important, Everyday Palm Oil Products and Sustainable Alternatives, 6 Solutions to Deforestation and What You Can Do, The 15 Cutest Exotic Animals in the World. Should zoos exist? 3. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. 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. 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. WebUltimately, the decision of whether or not to keep animals in zoos comes down to a balancing of the pros and cons. While there are many important advantages of zoos, the presence of zoos also implies some problems. There is no quick fix for the issues faced by zoos across the country and around the world. Orcas can live for more than a century on their own, but when you keep them in captivity, the average lifespan for a male is less than 20 years. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. A zoo cannot provide the perfect environment for every type of animal. Do the cons of zoos outweight their benefits? Of 77 elephants in 13 zoos, 71 were overweight and spent 83% of their time indoors, contributing to early death. WebIn conclusion, zoos should be abolished because they are unethical, cause animal suffering, and are unnecessary in today's society. Zoos pose several risks that particularly affect animals. In fact, every animal is different and needs individual treatment. 1. Join with confidence, netivist is completely advertisement free. Zoos provide specialized care for the animals that are kept on the grounds. You can find animal treatment teams including specialists, pathologies, and trainers to ensure that every care plan is followed to the letter. Should zoos be banned facts. 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. 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. 5. What people do not know is animals don't have the best interest in being in a zoo. There are times when wild animals should stay that way. The oldest still operating zoo in the world, Tiergarten Schnbrunn in Vienna, opened in 1752. No matter how closely programs like Planet Earth depict animals, nothing will match the bond of seeing them in real life.