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. In many cases, animals in captivity do not have the space or resources to roam and live as they would in their natural habitat. A study by Bristol University found that many British zoos fail to provide animals with the required minimum standard of care. It is these boastful collections of animals, these autocratic menageries, from which the modern zoo, with its didactic plaques and $15 hot dogs, springs. All things considered, animals should not be kept in zoos or aquariums. This type of behaviour is almost unheard of in their wild counterparts. This paper is going to discuss why animals should not be kept in captivity. Animals are an important part of nature and should have the right to live in their natural environment. Little Joe, a gorilla, escaped from the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston twice in 2003. If an untrained zookeeper comes across a stubborn animal, they might hurt it if they are impatient. The allure of baby animals and the crowds they pull can lead a zoological garden director to increase them to keep attracting customers. We use cookies to help ensure the best experience on our website. This is how animals get physical and psychological scars from abuse. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. Drugs given to animals include sedatives and antipsychotic drugs. CITES does not directly address living conditions for captive animals. In April, ethical tour operator Responsible Travel after consultation with wildlife charity Born Free Foundation axed trips that include zoo visits. See Related: What Is The Hunters Role in Wildlife Conservation? Most people arent always comfortable seeing animals that are kept in zoos. This is seen as a cheaper option as opposed to moving them back into the wild. facilities report spending approximately $231 million annually on conservation projects. Before anyone starts sprinkling the stuff on their cornflakes, this isn't the hottest new beauty trend nor is it a natural phenomenon: Assiniboine Park Zoo's keepers use coloured glitter in the bears' feed to identify their droppings. Some zoo animals try to escape. 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. Instead, they will hire generalists with a degree of knowledge specificity and run with that. Wildlife experts said that the incident was just another proof that wild animals should not be kept captive because it would not happen had the dolphin was only in the wild. After all, more than 700 million people visit zoos and aquariums worldwide every year, and biodiversity is still in decline. This is only one of the Acts limitations. This can lead to an appreciation of animals, which in return will see them being treated much better. In his Animal Park, which opened in 1907 in Hamburg, he designed cages that didnt look like cages, using moats and artfully arranged rock walls to invisibly pen animals. Some surplus animals or injured animals are even fed to predators as a means of life-cycle maintenance. Zoological gardens have been working to help ensure that any endangered species are given another chance to thrive again over time. Theres also the Zoological Association of America that operates in the United States. But theres no unambiguous evidence that zoos are making visitors care more about conservation or take any action to support it. 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. Look out for the GFAS seal of approval. 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. They are removed from their natural habitats and confined to small limited spaces and often forced to perform tricks or entertain visitors. For example, the typical enclosure designed for a polar bear is about a million times smaller than its natural roaming grounds. Here are some tips. For the unlucky ones that end up in the circuses, they are always in for a wide awakening. In addition, when animals are removed from their natural habitats, they are also removed from their family structure and social hierarchy. Things like ensuring animals arent caged and treated less than they deserve. Zoos and circuses are among those who fall under this act. Giant Insect From Jurassic Era Found in Walmart Opens Deeper Ecological Questions, 3,500-Year-old Perfectly Preserved, Mummified Bear Might Lead to 'Breakthrough in Ancient Animal Study', Presumed Extinct Funji-eating Fairy Lantern Plant Found Emerging Again in Japan, How Did Missing Argentinian Man's Remains Get Into a Shark's Stomach? WorldAnimalFoundation.org is reader-supported. A gorilla named Togo at the Toledo Zoo used his incredible strength to bend the bars of his cage. She somehow got over the 12-foot wall surrounding her 1,000-square-foot enclosure and attacked one of the teenagers, killing him. The fewer than two dozen non-participants include North Korea, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Turkmenistan. 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. All rights reserved. As a late Gen-Xer-cum-early-Millenial, my childhood was rich with trips to visit zoos. Visit animal sanctuaries instead of zoos, marine parks or circuses. Some studies have shown that as many as 80 percent of zoo carnivores, 64 percent of zoo chimps and 85 percent of zoo elephants have displayed compulsive behaviors or stereotypies. zoos is usually not more than 200 animals per year, the organization said.) Chimps pull out their own hair. However, it does not change the fundamental fact that as the world changes, we must also become more aware of the darker side of such animal sanctuaries. 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. One way that is rarely documented is the sale of other animals into the exotic pet trade. For privacy policy and ad & cookie policy information, visit our Privacy Policy pages. When in their natural environments, wild animals are not used to being confronted by humans. Some are in aquariums, circuses, theme parks and zoos, others live caged at private homes. 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? Id like to think these kids, now in their early 20s, are working for a conservation organization somewhere. The idea of conserving animals that are at risk of going extinct is a great one; the problem is that not most zoos live up to it. I do not doubt that some people had their passion for a particular species, or wildlife in general, sparked by zoo experiences. (This law does not affect zoos or circuses.). These are highly intelligent animals with complex social constructs that scientists have studied for . Animals are forced to live in artificial habitats that arent anywhere close to their former homes (the wild). 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. What began as a way to pass time soon became a compulsion. However, not all of them are suitable for captivity and are better left alone in the wild. Anyone can read what you share. It is expensive and difficult to keep wild animals in captivity. Declawing is extremely painful and causes permanent disability. There are currently 421 zoological gardens and aquariums and a 2.9% business growth this year despite the pandemic. Ive heard and read some of their stories. 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. Elephants figure prominently in his book, in part because they are so big that when they escape it generally makes the news. The animals too have rights and they shouldnt be subjected to half the things they undergo. But whether recent events have triggered a profound shift in public consciousness is harder to . Animals in captivity can struggle to adapt to their new environment. Cleaners and feeders spend a lot of time with the animals, and understanding the situation one is getting into can be very helpful. 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. 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 result, many zoos breed animals. 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. Public zoos sprang up across Europe, many modeled on the London Zoo in Regents Park. In some environments, we believe it's best not to keep certain wild animals at all, as their needs simply can't be met. See Related: Are Humans Animals? Here is an example of just how harsh it can get when an animal is being trained to perform tricks. Zoos accredited by the A.Z.A. The educational day out model of zoos endured until the late 20th century, when zoos began actively rebranding themselves as serious contributors to conservation. Visiting a zoo is a chance for many people to see exotic animals they would otherwise be unable to see. 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. Wild animals have certain behaviors that are uniquely influenced by their environments. See Related: Endangered Species in California. Most people visit the zoo to see the big draw animals. 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. 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 . Climate change has become a very real threat for the next and even current generations. The others ran, and she pursued them, ignoring all other humans in her path. However, looking back as an adult with a world-savvy eye, there is far more to animal captivity than meets the eye. Being placed into a small tank, away from their family units, might not break existing animal protection laws. What Is The Hunters Role in Wildlife Conservation? Once again, a change of this magnitude can cause captive animals to exhibit changing behaviors, which include self-destructive acts and unrelenting restlessness. Even if the animals are being fed well, the lack of freedom can cause them to be stressed. Your email address will not be published. For some animals in zoos, the shock of their relocation alone can be fatal. Especially not for the broad spectrum of species they have in their park. Why Are Puppy Mills Bad: The Numerous Reasons Why They Must Be Stopped And How You, yes you, Can Help! The lack of enough vegetation will then lead to global warming due to less carbon in the atmosphere. The A.Z.A. Read on to find out why animals should not be kept in zoos. Sanctuaries occupy a "gray area," says Tanya Espinosa, a . These refuge-zoos could become places where animals live. You can surely help these animals by refusing to visit zoos and instead supporting sanctuaries where animals live in natural habitats. For many wild animals, this is a vital part of their life, and they can struggle to redefine their footing. Jason Hribals 2010 book, Fear of the Animal Planet, chronicles dozens of attempts. According toAnimal Behavior: Resources for Applied Ethology, fleeing or running away is the most popular reaction of animals towards humans. Our EIN number is 94-2681680. 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. Animals in zoos can sense this, and over time their confinement can lead to worrying behavioral changes. However, they are really just teaching children about caring for animals in captivity. First and foremost, captivity can be extremely detrimental to an animal's physical and mental well-being. 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. Some of the captive-born animals are not capable of sustaining themselves in the wild and they could pass on these genes dooming the whole species in that region. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/11/opinion/zoos-animal-cruelty.html, Photographs by Peter Fisher for The New York Times. When it comes to lethal force and animal welfare, at least, public opinion swiftly sides against zoos. YES. There are zoological park associations that were formed to keep zoo owners on their toes. 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. Animals such as lions, elephants, and tigers dont get even close to one percent of the area they roam in the wild. The A.Z.A.s policies allow for the euthanasia of animals, but the president of the association, Dan Ashe, told me, its very rarely employed by his member institutions. (The culling of mammals specifically in E.A.Z.A. Unfortunately using real animals for these purposes involves tremendous cruelty. 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. Wrong! Their sleeping quarters can get overcrowded and this can lead to the animals harming each other. It is not possible to have zookeepers versed in a detailed understanding of every single species. 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. Private Possession: Many wild animals may be kept captive in private homes as pets. An example of these associations is the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) which represents over 240 businesses across the globe. That change prompted the shift in zoo narrative from entertainment to the protection of animals. Those who reported a sense of connection to the animals at the zoo also correlated positively with general environmental concern. In the age of social media, high profile culls have sparked heated debates. Animals in the wild are naturally shy to humans. Many animals in zoos are not used to confinement. Slow animals with minimal to zero predators such as elephants have brief life spans in captivity. With increased awareness about the cruelty involved with keeping wild animals in captivity, more and more jurisdictions are enacting legal protections. When it comes from unsustainable sources it is a key cause of deforestation, impacting many species like orangutans and tigers. Wed like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. In many modern zoos, animals are well cared for, healthy and probably, for many species, content. [WATCH], Armored Dinosaur Magnificently Preserved After Face, Skin, Spikes Survived Fossilization. However, when the animals being culled arent in demand, they might find themselves facing death. Severe arthritis and foot infections are common in captive elephants due to standing on hard, unnatural surfaces all day without room to roam. In 2020, facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums contributed more than $230 million to conservation efforts. An orangutan at the Omaha Zoo kept wire for lock-picking hidden in his mouth. One of the best examples of this advantage is the Przewalski's horse. NASA's DART Mission Successfully Changed the Trajectory of Space Rock Dimorphos, Asteroid Ryugu Richly Harbors Building Blocks of Life, Scientists Reveal, SpaceXs Crew-6 Astronauts Aboard Dragon Capsule Endeavor Will Arrive at Space Station Early Friday [WATCH LIVE]. For example, Orcas are migratory animals with a vast range. 2. If you dont have people that know how to care for them, know how to breed them successfully, know how to keep them in environments where their social and psychological needs can be met, then you wont be able to do that, he said. We do know that common animals kept as pets include lions, tigers, cougars, ocelots, servals, wolves, bears, alligators, snakes and nonhuman primates like chimpanzees. This is due to the inhumane conditions that these animals are forced to endure. Mr. Fisher is a photographer based in New York. In the case of America, our maps, developed with experts, show where extreme heat is causing the most deaths. RELATED ARTICLE: Dolphin Attacks Trainer in Front of Horrified Families in Miami Seaquarium: How Often Do These Sea Creatures Attack Humans? Animals begin to display erratic behaviors, self-mutilation, and an inability to settle. Don't be suckered into supporting companies that offer experiences like hugging a tiger, swimming with dolphins, riding elephants, or kissing sharks. Ive been to zoos and aquariums in Winnipeg, Vancouver, and Vancouver Island, not to mention those in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. The AWA only applies to some captive wild animals. A largely unregulated trend is the hybrid breeding of wild cats with house cats, with predictably disastrous consequences. See Related: How Similar is Human DNA to Other Animals. What if they sent all the animals that need really large areas or lots of freedom and socialization to refuges? Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage! Thats undeniable. His justification was philosophical. But whether recent events have triggered a profound shift in public consciousness is harder to quantify. Others are captured from their native habitats, or come from backyard breeders or the black market. The Arabian oryx, an antelope native to the Arabian Peninsula, went extinct in the wild in the 1970s and then was reintroduced into the wild from zoo populations. Elephants bob their heads over and over. By playing dead, they would deceive predators into leaving them alone. Some of these animals are surplus from roadside zoos. Weve discussed the reasons and can surely all now answer the question of why are zoos bad. Elephants, lions, tigers, rhinos, and such. Even when properly fed and well housed, they can never be fully relaxed in confined spaces. When confined they rock, pull their hair and engage in other tics. Nature reserves, bird watching, going on a safari. I remember well the awe and joy on their faces, 15 years later. 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. Many zoos fail to provide the required minimum standard of care, Zoos dont replicate animals natural habitats, Zoos teach people that animal captivity is acceptable, Animal protection laws are not strong enough, Many visitors disturb and disrespect the animals, Zoo animals are often drugged to be kept calm. What Cause Extinction What Can We Do To Stop It? I dont see any problem with holding animals for display, Mr. Ashe told me. Humans have kept wild animals for thousands of years. There were five such states until 2017, when South Carolina passed a law banning wild and exotic animals to be kept as pets. Zoo owners go to great lengths to build enclosures that have a wild aesthetic and give paying visitors a taste of the wild world.