[1] [2], The contemporary zoo evolved from 19th century European zoos. Zoos also pose a risk to animal health. 17, 2019), Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Pollinator Conservation, aza.org (accessed Apr. the Reasons Why Zoos Should Be Banned Zoos Zoo is the place where wild animals are collected for tourist attraction, as there are several endanger species animals protected from extinction by zookeepers. The study concluded that the cause of such behavior could be mental health issues. 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. Some elephant herds in the wild can grow to become 40 members strong. Przewalskis horse is a success story for zoos because this species was believed to be extinct in the wild. Zoos pose several risks that particularly affect animals. You will not receive any promotional materials from third parties. 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. If you want to use it you simply need toattribute it bylinkingto this page or tohttps://netivist.org. Natural Habitat and Animal Rights Because poaching activities qualify as criminal conduct, most attempts are thwarted. CON Zoos don't educate the public enough to justify keeping animals captive. Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers. They must have staff present at all times who understand what it takes to have a safe experience. According to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the US had 230 accredited zoos and aquariums as of 2020. Zoos Pros and cons As such, reptile houses, aviaries, and insectariums were added with animals grouped taxonomically, to move zoos beyond the spectacle of big, scary animals. 1. Given that the destruction of wildlife habitats worldwide continues unabated and species like elephants, big cats, birds, primates, rhinos, reptiles, and many others are at real of extinction, zoos have stepped in with the hopes of stopping or at least slowing the decline of these endangered species. When the first modern zoo was established in London in the 19th century, the purpose was purely scientific. Should Zoos Be Banned Essay Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Hence, also if you are on a budget and cannot afford to spend too much money on your leisure activities, zoos can provide you a great opportunity to spend your whole day without having to spend excessive amounts of money on it. Pros And Cons Because poaching activities qualify as criminal conduct, most attempts are thwarted. 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. In the US, California More Animal Pros and Cons; Should zoos exist? See also how much gasoline is in a barrel of oil Are zoos good or bad for animals pros and cons? However, especially for those wild animals that know how life in the wild feels like, it can be quite hard to get trapped in zoos and those animals will likely never get happy. If we have to live under unnatural conditions, we also develop mental issues and the same is true for animals of many sorts. In fact, every animal is different and needs individual treatment. Your vote is anonymous. [21][22] [23], Przewalskis horses, the last wild horses, were declared extinct in the wild in the 1960s when about 12 lived in zoos. (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. Lets try to understand the pros and cons of zoos through the following arguments. They also aim toteach visitors the importance of animal conservation and mindfulness of the ecosystem as a whole. Many zoos all over the world also work together and have cooperation agreements. Yes, there are several reasons why zoos are bad. If they dont follow the rules, they essentially go out of business. Should zoos be banned, or do they serve a positive purpose? That change prompted the shift in zoo narrative from entertainment to the protection of animals. Zoos can also be a great destination for field trips. While there are many advantages to zoos, there are also many problems related to those facilities. After finishing university, I traveled around the world. Explore conservationist Damian Aspinalls opinion that zoos are outdated and cruel.. 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. Edinburgh was the first British zoo to follow the idea of displaying animals without bars. 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. 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. Often animals in such zoos are trained to perform tricks. [4], Captive elephants live about half as long as wild elephants: 18.9 years v. 41.7 years for Asian elephants and 16.9 years v. 35.8 years for African elephants. WebIn conclusion, zoos should be abolished because they are unethical, cause animal suffering, and are unnecessary in today's society. Why Zoos Should Not Be Banned 7. Zoos also pose a risk to animal health. Should zoos exist? Please consider making a small donation today. The size and complexity of the zoo system and the vast range of animals in their care mean this problem cant be solved easily. Yes, there are several reasons why zoos are bad. There are many problems that come with keeping animals in zoos. Quarantine procedures are part of the zoos overall structure as well. The article, "Zoos: The Historical Debate" from Globalanimal.org discusses some pros (positive sides) and cons (negative sides) of zoos. 3, 2018, Tse-Lynn Loh, et al., Quantifying the Contribution of Zoos and Aquariums to Peer-Reviewed Scientific Research, facetsjournal.com, Mar. 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. Create your account for free. These efforts have helped to reduce the risks of premature death in many species as well. Some people say zoos are safe to place for animals to live because they do not have to seek for food to survive. 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. In the 1960s The drive-through safari parks became very popular. If you change your mind, you can change your vote simply by clicking on another option. 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. Banning smaller, less established zoos with little funding could be a practical first step to reducing harm to wildlife. Another significant downside of zoos is that animals can often not be returned to the wild after they had been kept in captivity. In fact, many animals are kept in an unnatural manner and also dont get sufficient other animals from their species. Proponents say zoos educate the public about animals. Unlike their natural habitats where they can freely roam, these establishments keep them confined. 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. This is quite logical since every living organism needs suitable living conditions to feel good and to increase its population in the long run. [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. A report out of George Mason University found that zoos associated with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums employed almost 40,000 people. Human-Environment Interaction: Definition & Examples, 30 Team-Building Activities for Kids (Indoor & Outdoor), 25 Outdoor Team Building Activities for Group Bonding, 3 Homemade Heating Pad DIYs to Warm Up Your Winter, How to Make a Bird Box With Easy Customizations, DIY Baking Soda Vinegar Foot Soak For Tired Feet. When that possibility is no longer a choice, then this option might be the next best thing. WebShould Zoos Be Banned Essay. As a result of the 2013 documentary Blackfish, which exposed the psychological damage done to orcas by SeaWorld, California outlawed captive orca breeding. If you already created your netivist account, please log in using the button below. Author Bio Natalie Regoli is a child of God, devoted wife, and mother of two boys. Zoos have a significant financial benefit for their communities. By Scott Woodsidecategories: Environment & Nature October 28, 2022, 12:00 PM. These efforts have created a significant reduction in the number of attacks and accidents that occur. Over the past 30 years, many established zoos have endeavored to improve the level of animal care and rehabilitate their image in the public eye. 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. Growing urbanization and industrialization led to heightened demand for new forms of entertainment. Keep up the good work. Zoos are a typical form of family entertainment, but associating leisure and fun with the contemplation of animals in captivity can send the wrong signals to our children. Most zoos use veterinarians and work with professionals from degree programs. Our moderators will now review this comment and act accordingly. CON Zoos don't educate the public enough to justify keeping animals captive. [13] [14], Because so many diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans, such as Ebola, Hantavirus, and the bird flu, zoos frequently conduct disease surveillance research in wildlife populations and their own captive populations that can lead to a direct impact on human health. 3. Zoos can do an excellent job at conservation if they make the effort, but far too often profit is the primary motivation. There were only nine California condors in the wild in 1985. 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. Already have an account on netivist? Many zoos conduct such studies, and also run captive breeding programmes for endangered species. 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? Pros And Cons How can we effectively protect the natural world? There are continuous cases of animals abused by visitors and zoo workers. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. To access extended pro and con arguments, sources, and discussion questions about whether zoos should exist, go to ProCon.org. Pros And Cons Should Zoos Be Banned Predatory animals encounter a similar problem when they are kept in a zoo as well, even if there is no way to safely introduce them back into the wild. Some establishments have worked hard to adapt their enclosures to better suit the needs of the animals they hold. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. Whenever visitors like animals and birds and pay more to visit them, they get luxurious food and habitat. 23, 2019), Krista Langlois, Something Mysterious Is Killing Captive Gorillas, theatlantic.com, Mar. In fact, many of us stay children deep inside and we may also remember many nice childhood memories. Thanks. 13, 2017, Edna Francisco, Zoo Carnivores Need More Space, sciencemag.org, Oct. 1, 2003, Ian Sample, Stress and Lack of Exercise Are Killing Elephants Zoos Warned, theguardian.com, Dec. 11, 2008, Alex Halberstadt, Zoo Animals and Their Discontents, nytimes.com, July 3, 2014, Daniel Engber, The Tears of a Panda, slate.com, Sep. 14, 2006, Jenni Laidman, Zoos Using Drugs to Help Manage Anxious Animals, toledoblade.com, Sep. 12, 2005, Lucy Birkett and Nicholas E. Newton-Fisher, How Abnormal Is the Behavior of Captive, Zoo-Living Chimpanzees?, journals.plos.org, June 16, 2011, John Jett, et al., Tooth Damage in Captive Orcas, sciencedirect.com, May 2018, Natasha Daly, Orcas Dont Do Well in Captivity. Zoos can also play a crucial role when it comes to research opportunities. This is due to the fact that many zoos want to keep as many animals as possible to show them to the general public. Zoo is the place where wild animals are collected for tourist attraction, as there are several endanger species animals protected from extinction by zookeepers. The only effective and sustainable way to save species is to support schemes that target the root cause of the extinction and endangerment of animals habitat destruction. Zoos receive regular inspections on multiple levels to ensure they are in compliance with care and safety regulations. 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. Your comment is being posted. Proponents say zoos educate the public about 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 Animal cruelty or protection? Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. Chicago, Illinois 60654 USA, Natalie Leppard 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. 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. In fact, many people only realize how important it really is to behave environmentally-friendly once they see all those fascinating animals. WebIn conclusion, zoos should be abolished because they are unethical, cause animal suffering, and are unnecessary in today's society. A zoo cannot provide the perfect environment for every type of animal. They attract more than 200 million visitors annually, with special educational programs designed specifically for school groups. If you visit the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans, then you can see a rare white alligator. [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. Thus, if you are an animal lover and want to see as many animals as possible in a rather short period of time, chances are that zoos will be quite helpful for you. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Animals can become dependent on the facilities. Even injured animals can encounter this problem if their recovery time is lengthy. Web1030 Words5 Pages. [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. Natural Habitat and Animal Rights Ota Benga was part of an exhibit in the Bronx and in St. Louis, purchased by a Christian missionary who wanted to put African people into an exhibition. There are times when wild animals should stay that way. 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.