Activists are calling to ban zoos, and their voices are getting louder. Your vote is anonymous. 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. Many zoos conduct such studies, and also run captive breeding programmes for endangered species. Would you like to create a debate and share it with the netivist community? 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. 23, 2019), Krista Langlois, Something Mysterious Is Killing Captive Gorillas, theatlantic.com, Mar. (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. If you change your mind, you can change your vote simply by clicking on another option. Want to learn more about sustainability and the environment? 3, 2018, Tse-Lynn Loh, et al., Quantifying the Contribution of Zoos and Aquariums to Peer-Reviewed Scientific Research, facetsjournal.com, Mar. 3. Zoos are an unsuitable environment for wild animals and should be abolished. 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. Well, we have always seen animals inside the jungle with joy and grow as big and furious wild animals most of the time. Some people say zoos are safe to place for animals to live because they do not have to seek for food to survive. In the 1960s The drive-through safari parks became very popular. [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. After the famous wildlife conservationist Geral Durrell opened a zoo in Jersey in 1959, zoos all over the world have embraced the mission of. Some elephant herds in the wild can grow to become 40 members strong. 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. We can protect some of the rarest animals in the world in zoos. In addition, visitors are allowed to get very close to them, which is notpermitted in larger, better-regulated establishments. Should zoos be banned facts. The animals are given special activities and nutrition that works with their instincts as well to give them the most natural existence possible. 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. The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. 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. A zoo cannot provide the perfect environment for every type of animal. WebUltimately, the decision of whether or not to keep animals in zoos comes down to a balancing of the pros and cons. It was only then that a transition was made from royal menageries, designed to entertain the elite, to public zoological gardens aiming to educate the wider population. [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. To ease them into new habitats, an agitated tiger was given Valium, and anxious zebras and wildebeests were given Haldol. Should zoos be banned, or do they serve a positive purpose? This article was published on August 13, 2021, at Britannicas ProCon.org, a nonpartisan issue-information source. To the question "should animals be kept in captivity?" Polar bears, for example, had an infant mortality rate of 65% due to small enclosures. Zoos should be banned worldwide because the animals are living in an unnatural habitat, the zoos kill or sell surplus animals, and zoos are not educational. Just login. The Chester and Whipsnade zoological parks where the first two non-urban zoos without cages and larger enclosures. 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. 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. 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. Of 77 elephants in 13 zoos, 71 were overweight and spent 83% of their time indoors, contributing to early death. What other conservation efforts are important to saving wildlife? Zoos don't educate the public enough to justify keeping animals captive. This image was created for netivist.org. 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. How can we effectively protect the natural world? There are continuous cases of animals abused by visitors and zoo workers. Last modified on August 13, 2021. 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. Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers. Natural Habitat and Animal Rights Ever since there has been an increasing public concern about animal welfare in zoos. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 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. 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? While zoos spend millions on keeping animals confined, natural habitats are destroyed and animals are killed, as theres insufficient funding for their protection. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. There are now wild herds in Europe and Mongolia, closely monitored by scientists, which are thriving. 5. 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. Are you experiencing any technical problem with netivist? They must have staff present at all times who understand what it takes to have a safe experience. Zoos provide specialized care for the animals that are kept on the grounds. No matter how closely programs like Planet Earth depict animals, nothing will match the bond of seeing them in real life. Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers. [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. This issue is indirectly related to environmental problems and is the source of heated debates taking place the world over. The article, "Zoos: The Historical Debate" from Globalanimal.org discusses some pros (positive sides) and cons (negative sides) of zoos. The American Zoo Association even stated that conservation was its number one priority. 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. 17, 2019), Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Marine Mammal Conservation, aza.org (accessed Apr. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. 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. [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. procon@eb.com, 2022 Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. Watch this video with Jane Goodall on the role of zoos in saving animals. Animals receive care from specialized trainers in zoos. If zoos are unable to maintain standards of cleanliness, animal engagement, and habitat structure, then the facility can lose its accreditation and ability to operate. 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. What Is Sustainable Development and Why Is It Necessary? 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. If you visit the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans, then you can see a rare white alligator. Should zoos be banned, or do they serve a positive purpose? The ethical dilemma around keeping wild animals in captivity is significant. 1. If you want to use it you simply need toattribute it bylinkingto this page or tohttps://netivist.org. 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. Polar bears dont do well in tropical locations, even when they receive ice as a coping mechanism for the climate. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. In this article, the pros and cons of zoos are discussed.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_10',132,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-medrectangle-4-0'); One important advantage of zoos is that they enable us to see many different animals in one place. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. These roadside zoos are consistently reported for neglect and severe animal mistreatment. The article, "Zoos: The Historical Debate" from Globalanimal.org discusses some pros (positive sides) and cons (negative sides) of zoos. Keep up the good work. However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence. Consequently, zoos can also be an important income source for many people in poor parts of our planet. In fact, many people only realize how important it really is to behave environmentally-friendly once they see all those fascinating animals. Lets try to understand the pros and cons of zoos through the following arguments. Pros and Cons of Owning an Exotic Animal Animal Adovocacy Organizations to Partner With In fact, many animals in the wild lose their lives every year due to poaching since people want to sell the horns or other valuable parts of those animals for quite high prices. 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. The animals experience these issues due to smaller enclosures, changes in diet and activities, and the introduction of things not seen in the wild, such as medical exams and people with cameras. Create your account for free. Our whole ecosystem is also the life cycle of every living Consider how you felt about the issue before reading this article. Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers. WebReasons Why Zoos Should Be Banned Therefore, zoos should be banned because they are very cruel to animals. The Toledo Zoo ran a psychiatric program in which a gorilla with premenstrual depression was prescribed Prozac. Let's take a look at the pros and cons and whether zoos should be allowed to stay in business. 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. They even expanded and redesigned animal enclosures to improve the lives of captive animals. The best natural habitat enclosures are a poor substitute for the real thing. Explain your answer(s). WebIn conclusion, zoos should be abolished because they are unethical, cause animal suffering, and are unnecessary in today's society. So, some animal activists maintain that a total ban on zoos is the only fix. Thus, going to the zoo can give you a great time and can be a nice way to unplug from your stressful daily life. 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. Thus, it is crucial that we protect those animals from poachers in order to assure a viable future for them. In the US, California More Animal Pros and Cons; Should zoos exist? Zoos are regularly inspected and accredited for the services they provide. If you wanted to visit the San Diego Zoo in 2019, then a one-day pass for an adult will set you back $50. In turn, chances may increase that we can protect many animal species from extinction. 21 Pros and Cons of Zoos Unlike their natural habitats where they can freely roam, these establishments keep them confined. 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. In the late 20th century, the narrative changed again to the conservation of animals to stave off extinction. Animal cruelty or protection? 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. Do you think zoos are necessary? One of them is the confined spaces where the animals are forced to live in. Should zoos be banned, or do they serve a positive purpose? The overall goal always remains the same; to ensure the best possible care for every animal in care. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Their health degrades rapidly when conditions are not favorable to them, sometimes even incapacitating the animal under extreme circumstances. Even the Catholic Church got involved with this effort at displaying people in cages, maintaining facilities deep into the 16th century. Zoos should be banned worldwide because the animals are living in an unnatural habitat, the zoos kill or sell surplus animals, and zoos are not educational. Please note that all the information I provide on this website is to my best knowledge. In general, opponents of zoos also often claim that zoos are also problematic from an ethical perspective. [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.