Reintroduced animals have a hard time coping with life in the wild after long periods away. But many animals clearly show us that they do not enjoy captivity. 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. But, for every story that casts zoos in a bad light from Vince the rhino's poaching at Paris' Thoiry Zoo in March; Cincinnati Zoo shooting endangered gorilla, Harambe, last year after a child fell into his enclosure; or Copenhagen Zoo killing and publicly dissecting Marius, a two-year-old giraffe in 2014 there are heart-warming tales too. Animals such as lions, elephants, and tigers dont get even close to one percent of the area they roam in the wild. Polar bears have one million times less space. These refuge-zoos could become places where animals live. Some 5,800 species of animals are covered by the treaty (along with 30,000 species of plants). 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. See Related: Most Comfortable Animals in The World. Animals live in cruel conditions, confined to small cages without the enrichment they need to lead full, happy lives. As a result, many zoos breed animals. Zoos have been around for thousands of yearsas far back as 3500 BC in Egypt. 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. For comparison, in 2018, they spent $4.9 billion on operations and construction. Many zoos claim to be helping preserve dwindling populations. Zoos are home to many 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. Check out more news and information on Wild Animalsin Science Times. In fact, while animals will have almost unlimited space in the wild, they are often caged in rather confined areas in zoos. Some populations in the wild are weakened by endogamy too. The surpluses are then sold off to zoos, aquariums, or even circuses. It is not humane to keep large mammals like orcas, dolphins or elephants in zoos or theme parks. Will we ever see all zoos closed down? See Related: Different Animals That Cant Jump. Animals kept in an unsuitable environment or fed the wrong diet can suffer, and this can lead to illness or death. When it comes to lethal force and animal welfare, at least, public opinion swiftly sides against zoos. Artificial environments. Some, however, argue that children benefit from zoos. For example, the typical enclosure designed for a polar bear is about a million times smaller than its natural roaming grounds. 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 incident in Miami Seaquarium is proof that animals do not belong in captivity. This may be true to some extent; however, many zoos are running breeding programs for their own benefit and have no interest in releasing their animals back into the wild. "An even smaller proportion are part of captive breeding programmes and, of those, a tiny fraction have been released back into the wild. Many zoos and aquariums offer behind-the-scenes tours and informative talks on animal welfare. Profits are also gained through the selling of animals to other zoos or circuses. Though the zoos business has grown from what it was over a century ago, there are still some things that can be improved. Animals held captive in zoos are in very small environments such as cages, and they have no freedom. Jason Hribals 2010 book, Fear of the Animal Planet, chronicles dozens of attempts. This is particularly true if the animal is there for entertainment. They are kind people, bonded to their charges and immersed in the culture of the zoo, in which they are the good guys. The worst climate risks, mapped: In this feature, select a country, and we'll break down the climate hazards it faces. 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. Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage! Their death can be caused by either: lack of space, physical problems, diet, and PTSD. As an avid fan of botanical gardens, I humbly suggest that as the captive animals retire and die off without being replaced, these biodiversity-worshiping institutions devote more and more space to the wonderful world of plants. Infringing the rights of individuals because it benefits the species is wrong because a species is not an. 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. Chimps pull out their own hair. However, I feel there are certain species that should never be held in captivity unless they are candidates for breeding programs or rehabilitation. 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. For example, if the number of lions is drastically reduced in an area, their prey will thrive. 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. Some surplus animals or injured animals are even fed to predators as a means of life-cycle maintenance. See Related: War and the Effect on Wildlife. Big cats, such as lions and tigers, used in circuses are forced to live in tiny cages that are transported across the country. The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. Animals have been going extinct for as long as there has been life on earthany weakling or disadvantageous animals get wiped out. William Randolph Hearst created his own private zoo with lions, tigers, leopards and more at Hearst Castle. Its protections are minimal as well. This alone increases the risk of disease, as animals are exposed to viruses they have never encountered before. Living collections were often presented in taxonomic order, with various species of the same family grouped together, for comparative study. Gus, a polar bear at the Central Park Zoo, was given Prozac as part of an attempt to stop him from swimming endless figure-eight laps in his tiny pool. Many zoos will then resort to drugging animals in order to keep them docile and normal for the pleasure of the viewing public. We do know that common animals kept as pets include lions, tigers, cougars, ocelots, servals, wolves, bears, alligators, snakes and nonhuman primates like chimpanzees. Others allow private parties to keep animals like tigers or primates with a permit. However, there are some disadvantages of zoos to the environment ranging from overpopulation of a species to global warming. All Rights are Resvered. There is an undeniable thrill, seeing animals in zoos, circuses, movies, television shows, and amusement parks. Regardless of the merits or ethics of zoos, one thing's for certain: they're going to be around for some years yet. However, looking back as an adult with a world-savvy eye, there is far more to animal captivity than meets the eye. One of the best examples of this advantage is the Przewalski's horse. Animals in the wild are naturally shy to humans. These are highly intelligent animals with complex social constructs that scientists have studied for . Zookeepers also often may neglect their healthcare needs. The Convention On International Trade In Endangered Species Of Wild Fauna And Flora (CITES): CITES is an international treaty that regulates the trade of wildlife for nations that are signatories to the treaty. PETA isn't alone. Crustacean Chronicles: A Deep Dive into the Fascinating World of the Crab, Pet Food Manufacturers and Who Rules the Roost in a Growing Market. Many zoo animals are forcefully removed from their natural habitat. Healthy animals in zoos are killed because they are not needed. At the Los Angeles Zoo, a gorilla named Evelyn escaped seven times in 20 years. It is expensive and difficult to keep wild animals in captivity. 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. Unfortunately, this is done under the guise of conservation and to protect endangered species. This paper is going to discuss why animals should not be kept in captivity. Slow animals with minimal to zero predators such as elephants have brief life spans in captivity. The lack of enough vegetation will then lead to global warming due to less carbon in the atmosphere. Should Animals Be Kept In Zoos However, there are various reasons that explain why zoos are unethical. In 2018, the Eighth Circuit issued a unanimous decision in Cricket Hollows appeal of that case, that it can be a violation of the Endangered Species Act when captive animals arent given proper care. Ostensibly places for genteel amusement and edification, zoos expanded beyond big and fearsome animals to include reptile houses, aviaries and insectariums. Are Sliding Doors or French Doors More Energy Efficient? Animal Legal Defense Fund v. Claws N Paws, Looking for case and legal resources? There have also been reported cases of zoos not properly disposing of dead bodies when animals die on their premises. The bill helps end the rampant abuse of tigers and other big cats in captivity by banning private possession. For example, the law does not restrict the display or private ownership of captive wild animals or prohibit the use of controversial bullhooks, whips, electrical shock or other devices commonly used in circuses. These experiences are often harmful to wildlife and dangerous for you. 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. There are zoological park associations that were formed to keep zoo owners on their toes. When it comes to lethal force and animal welfare, at least, public opinion swiftly sides against zoos. Sadly, most of these associations end up protecting the interests of their members, and not the animals they should be protecting. Keep on reading. Drugs given to animals include sedatives and antipsychotic drugs. A criticism is that protections are less robust for species that are economically valuable, and that CITES is not as transparent in its decision-making or enforcement as would be ideal. 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. These laws help the animals and also people, since wild animals in captivity present a serious public safety risk. Captive tigers pace back and forth, and in a 2014 study, researchers found that the time devoted to pacing by a species in captivity is best predicted by the daily distances traveled in nature by the wild specimens. It is almost as if they feel driven to patrol their territory, to hunt, to move, to walk a certain number of steps, as if they have a Fitbit in their brains. You can see exotic animals without the need for traveling. In many cases, animals in captivity do not have the space or resources to roam and live as they would in their natural habitat. Climate change around the world: In Postcards From a World on Fire, 193 stories from individual countries show how climate change is reshaping reality everywhere, from dying coral reefs in Fiji to disappearing oases in Morocco and far, far beyond. 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.. In this way, they could lead the predator away from their nest. In 2014, the Animal Legal Defense Fund successfully brought a lawsuit under the Endangered Species Act against a roadside zoo called the Cricket Hollow Animal Park, that was mistreating protected animals. In the 1980s, a group of orangutans escaped several times at the San Diego Zoo. The window to the world of. Regardless of the merits or ethics of zoos, one thing's for certain: they're going to be around for some years yet. Many zoos use Prozac and other psychoactive drugs on at least some of their animals to deal with the mental effects of captivity. Tigers and lions have around 18,000 times less space in zoos than they would in the wild. Especially not for the broad spectrum of species they have in their park. However, through education and informative motions for change, we can make change the way zoos are run. I dont see any problem with holding animals for display, Mr. Ashe told me. Keeping endangered animals in zoos infringes on those individuals' rights to freedom. For some animals in zoos, the shock of their relocation alone can be fatal. Copyrights 2023. 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. For example, Charles Harvey and Kurt House argue that subsidies for climate capture technologywill ultimately be a waste. Black-footed ferrets and red wolves in the United States and golden lion tamarins in Brazil all endangered, as well have been bred at zoos for reintroduction into the wild. An estimated 20 red wolves are all that remain in the wild. Older menageries existed as far back as 2500 BCE, in Mesopotamia. All of these animals are well studied and have a plethora of documentaries and video footage of them in the wild. The A.Z.A. The United Kingdom, for example, has announced a plan to phase out all circuses featuring wild animal performances by 2020. Most people visit the zoo to see the big draw animals. As long as there is demand should zoos exist essay them, zoos will continue to exist. Zoo animals, this new narrative went, function as backup populations for wild animals under threat, as well as ambassadors for their species, teaching humans and motivating them to care about wildlife. It is these boastful collections of animals, these autocratic menageries, from which the modern zoo, with its didactic plaques and $15 hot dogs, springs. Thousands of animals are captured and put in zoos and aquariums for tourist attractions every year. However, only a certain number of each species are really needed, and so should breeding result in a sharp increase, these numbers are reduced via various methods. Most zoos dont focus on the educational aspect of zoos; the animals are mainly kept for amusement. The AWA only applies to some captive wild animals. For animals in zoos, the AWA sets low requirements as to housing, food and sanitation, and, as is commonly noted, no requirements for mental stimulation of animals other than primates. 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. The state and local laws protecting wild animals in captivity are spreading. Don't be suckered into supporting companies that offer experiences like hugging a tiger, swimming with dolphins, riding elephants, or kissing sharks. The daily stress and lack of stimulation often leads to abnormal and self-destructive behaviour - for example, pacing, walking in tight circles, rocking, swaying, or self-mutilation - a condition known as "zoochosis". Zoo elephants tend to die young. Alex shares his life with his wife (to-be), children and stepchildren, a herd of guinea pigs, and numerous tropical fish, frogs and snails. When theres a surplus, you can just have a plant sale. See Related: Endangered Species in Oklahoma. Not surprising, perhaps, considering the typical polar bear enclosure is one million times smaller than the area they would naturally roam.". Most states have no laws governing captive wild animals. These standards set a low bar and are widely considered to be sub-par in protecting animals. Top 50 Most Good-looking Nationalities: AI Shows Beautiful People From Different Countries; How Does Science Measure Beauty, Attractiveness? As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. How Similar is Human DNA to Other Animals, Animals That Have Become Extinct in the Last 100 Years, 9 Best Solar-Powered Computers to Buy Today, 10 Impactful Ways to Conserve Coral Reefs. Though some zoos plan on reintroducing the animals into the wild after a while, living in zoos makes it impossible for some animals. Well, scat reveals all sorts of things about individual animals; information the keepers share with the scientific community. Tell lawmakers you support animal-friendly legislation and local bans on using animals in entertainment. Private individuals with the financial means use their money to procure rare or exotic animals from zoos to add to their own private collections. Fish and Wildlife Service, suggested that learning how to breed animals contributes to conservation in the long term, even if very few animals are being released now. Trading in Wild Animals: Every year, thousands of animals enter the captive wild animal trade. Even when properly fed and well housed, they can never be fully relaxed in confined spaces. They are used to collect exotic pets from owners who are looking to get rid of them. There is considerable variation from state to state and among cities and counties, as to how much legal protection is offered to captive wild animals. Here is an example of just how harsh it can get when an animal is being trained to perform tricks. When she caught up with the boys at the cafe, she mauled them before she was shot to death by the police. 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 similar behavior of flirting is freezing, in which an animal does not move when there is no way of escape, like being caught in a trap or net even though they are terrified. Ive spent many memorable days in botanical gardens, completely swept away by the beauty of the design as well as the unending wonder of evolution and theres no uneasiness or guilt. Once the ground has been left with no coverage, soil erosion will be the next step. This is only one of the Acts limitations. They often display neurotic behaviour, like repetitive pacing, swaying, and bar biting. Groundhog More than Just a Weather Prognosticator! See Related: Best Wildlife Conservation Jobs. 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. When confined they rock, pull their hair and engage in other tics. But then theres the pacing, the rocking. Persuasive Speech: Why Animals Should Not be kept in Zoos. Thats undeniable. His justification was philosophical. Alex started writing from the moment he could hold a pen. Mr. Hagenbecks model was widely influential. Lets get into the nitty-gritty details of why keeping animals in zoos is bad: Wild animals often suffer in captivity because they were meant to be free. (The culling of mammals specifically in E.A.Z.A. According toAnimal Behavior: Resources for Applied Ethology, fleeing or running away is the most popular reaction of animals towards humans. This isnt always guaranteed since the breeding practices could be insufficient or even produce animals that are not suitable for survival in the wild. See Related: How Similar is Human DNA to Other Animals. Few federal laws protect the millions of wild animals who live in captivity in aquariums, circuses, theme parks and zoos in the U.S. See Related: What Is The Hunters Role in Wildlife Conservation? This can have huge negative effects on the environment in many adverse ways. Though the idea of breeding endangered animals to help increase their numbers back in the wild is great, there are problems that come with it. Declawing is extremely painful and causes permanent disability. The others ran, and she pursued them, ignoring all other humans in her path. 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. In states without tight enough regulation, local jurisdictions oftentimes adopt ordinances that ban or restrict the display of captive wild animals. YES. But it's clear, say welfare specialists, that captivity can compromise orcas' health. The problem is that these large predators control the population of herbivorous animals in their domain. Not investing enough when designing a habitat for your animals to save money. Unfortunately using real animals for these purposes involves tremendous cruelty. Animals also lose their genetic diversity especially due to inbreeding. "Animals in zoos suffer tremendously, both physically and mentally. There were five such states until 2017, when South Carolina passed a law banning wild and exotic animals to be kept as pets.