Pros and cons What other conservation efforts are important to saving wildlife? Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. Instead of keeping them in small cages, there is an effort to replicate the natural habitat to accommodate the natural instincts of each animal. The article, "Zoos: The Historical Debate" from Globalanimal.org discusses some pros (positive sides) and cons (negative sides) of zoos. Although there are some around the world which continue to place their primary emphasis on teaching, research, and saving endangered species, more facilities are focused on the entertainment experience instead. Some establishments have worked hard to adapt their enclosures to better suit the needs of the animals they hold. Just look at a childs eyes at the zoo when he or she encounters a tiger or similarly majestic animal. [12], 228 accredited zoos published 5,175 peer-reviewed manuscripts between 1993 and 2013. Although the initial methods of retrieval were brutal, sometimes killing the parents to take the young one back for study, the overall goal was to extend human knowledge. Zoos can also play a crucial role when it comes to research opportunities. Peter De Vries, Novelistif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'environmental_conscience_com-box-2','ezslot_4',613,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-box-2-0'); if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'environmental_conscience_com-box-3','ezslot_3',614,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-box-3-0');Zoos are quite popular in many countries all over the world. 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. WebIn conclusion, zoos should be abolished because they are unethical, cause animal suffering, and are unnecessary in today's society. Animals in zoos are often kept in small cages where they cannot roam freely or express natural behaviors. 3. As we can see from the previous discussion, zoos are a rather controversial topic. Zoos Did you know that one of the first zoological gardens in the Western Hemisphere featured humans instead of animals? Only a dozen individuals were left in one facility by the 1940s, but their numbers are now in the thousands today because of the conservation programs that were initiated to save them. We can protect some of the rarest animals in the world in zoos. Reasons Why Zoos Are Bad and Should Be Banned This article was published on August 13, 2021, at Britannicas ProCon.org, a nonpartisan issue-information source. WebWhy Zoos Should Be Banned Zoos should be banned because they are cruel to animals. 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. By having these animals in zoos, there is another layer of protection given to these hunted species so that their survival chances are greater. When that possibility is no longer a choice, then this option might be the next best thing. Should zoos be banned facts. 21 Pros and Cons of Zoos 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. If we have to live under unnatural conditions, we also develop mental issues and the same is true for animals of many sorts. the initial reaction of most people is rejection. zoos should be banned In the US, California More Animal Pros and Cons; Should zoos exist? What Is Sustainable Development and Why Is It Necessary? Deem, Zoos and Public Health: A Partnership on the One Health Frontier,One Health, Nov. 23, 2016, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, 10 Endangered Species Saved from Extinction by Zoos, medium.com, May 18, 2017, Association of Zoos & Aquariums, AZA and Animal Program Conservation Initiatives, aza.org (accessed Apr. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. Your vote is anonymous. ProCon/Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. In fact, in many countries of our planet, zoo animals dont have sufficient space to move and cannot satisfy their basic needs, which can indeed be considered as rather cruel. WebThe question whether animals should be kept in captivity or not is debated on many platforms and forums. 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. Most of us referred to these parks as a zoo. The best natural habitat enclosures are a poor substitute for the real thing. the Reasons Why Zoos Should Be Banned Zoos are also quite popular in many countries all over the world. 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. 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. Even those prices are not enough to keep the zoo financially solid. Should Zoos be Banned There are many problems that come with keeping animals in zoos. 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. A zoo cannot provide the perfect environment for every type of animal. WebWhy Zoos Should Be Banned Zoos should be banned because they are cruel to animals. Zoos pose several risks that particularly affect animals. WebThey dont have to worry about safety in zoos as they are well taken care of. WebCons of zoos Animal cruelty in zoos continues to be extremely common. Whenever visitors like animals and birds and pay more to visit them, they get luxurious food and habitat. WebIn conclusion, zoos should be abolished because they are unethical, cause animal suffering, and are unnecessary in today's society. See also how much gasoline is in a barrel of oil Are zoos good or bad for animals pros and cons? CON Zoos don't educate the public enough to justify keeping animals captive. This is quite logical since every living organism needs suitable living conditions to feel good and to increase its population in the long run. If you visit the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans, then you can see a rare white alligator. After reading the pros and cons on this topic, has your thinking changed? Zoos also collect exotic pets from people who want to get rid of them, which gives the pets home while generating revenue for the zoos. The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. This might take a few seconds, please wait. Should zoos be banned They are simply, From an ethical point of view zoos are also questionable. Zoos have more visitors than the combined attendance of the four major sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL). By Scott Woodsidecategories: Environment & Nature October 28, 2022, 12:00 PM. 4. WebThe question whether animals should be kept in captivity or not is debated on many platforms and forums. When that possibility is no longer a choice, then this option might be the next best thing. As unbelievable as this sounds, it is happening, and something should be done to stop such actions in the future. Another issue with zoos is that there is often also only insufficient regulation of zoos in many countries of our planet. The oldest still operating zoo in the world, Tiergarten Schnbrunn in Vienna, opened in 1752. Web1030 Words5 Pages. 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? 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. When you keep the animal in a zoo instead, then they might have 1,500 square feet to roam, and sometimes even less. zoos should be banned 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 pose several risks that particularly affect animals. Because there isnt a monetary transaction that occurs, there is no way for the non-profit organization providing supports for the zoo to recoup their losses. Zoos are often used to exploit people, animals, and even communities. In fact, psyche plays a major role for the life expectancy of many animals and if those animals get tired of their lives in zoos, chances are that their overall life expectancy drops as well. 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? Should zoos be banned 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. They attract more than 200 million visitors annually, with special educational programs designed specifically for school groups. Should animals be kept in captivity? Should Zoos Be Banned In many zoos, there are also some animal shows and it may be indeed questionable whether treating animals in these ways can be justifiable. To access extended pro and con arguments, sources, and discussion questions about whether zoos should exist, go to ProCon.org. It changes the lifespan of the animals held in captivity. Other great apes have similar health problems in captivity. My kids are obsessed with dinosaurs that no longer exist, and Skylanders, which have never existed. [28], 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. Consequently, zoos can also be an important income source for many people in poor parts of our planet. Environmental Conscience aims to provide unique high-quality content that is helpful to the reader. According to organizations like the World Society for the Protection of Animals and The Humane Society of the United States, restrictive cages and enclosures affect normal animal behavior and sometimes lead to shorter lifespans. Another disadvantage of zoos is that they often only offer quite poor living conditions for animals. Last modified on August 13, 2021. WebShould Zoos Be Banned Essay. Reasons Why Zoos Are Bad and Should Be Banned 15, 2018, Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Research and Science, aza.org (accessed May 7, 2019), C. Robinette, L. Saffran, A. Ruple, and S.L. Banning zoos could go a long way toward halting this practice or at the very least reducing its impact on the natural world. In fact, the USDA states that allowing visitors to handle animals like baby tigers or lions violates the Animal Welfare Act. 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. The Chester and Whipsnade zoological parks where the first two non-urban zoos without cages and larger enclosures. Here, we dive into what fair trade is,. Some species have been poached to near extinction because of this market. 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. The Smithsonian Zoo is one example of many that works with local institutions to build programs at every post-graduate level to ensure the future safety of animals. Edinburgh was the first British zoo to follow the idea of displaying animals without bars. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_19',188,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');The entrance fee for zoos is often also rather low in many countries of our planet. This advantage comes at the expense of the animals which are forced to spend their lives in an enclosure. Many people also go to the zoo in order to relax and to see something completely different compared to their normal daily life. Most people working in zoos are true animal lovers. Should Zoos Be Banned In my opinion, keeping animals in zoos can be justifiable as long as animals are kept under rather natural conditions and are not caged in pretty confined spaces. Zoos 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. Should zoos be banned When dealing with a predator species in particular, any children born in captivity cannot be released into the wild because they have no hunting or survival instincts. 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. Our whole ecosystem is also the life cycle of every living At least 37 countries have banned or restricted the sale of cosmetics with ingredients tested on animals, including nations in the European Union. [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. The contemporary debate about zoos tends to focus on animal welfare on both sides, whether zoos protect animals or imprison them. However, constraints like limited space and funds hinder this process. [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. the Reasons Why Zoos Should Be Banned Equity, respect and transparency are at the heart of fair trades definition. 4. 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. They also lack the everyday social interactions they would experience in the wild. Unlike their natural habitats where they can freely roam, these establishments keep them confined. [40], Controversy has historically surrounded zoos, from debates over displaying exotic humans in exhibits to zookeepers not knowing what to feed animals. Zoos provide specialized care for the animals that are kept on the grounds. 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. Should Zoos be Banned The animals always look miserable in captivity [T]he idea that kids only get excited about things they can see in the flesh is ridiculous. These efforts have helped to reduce the risks of premature death in many species as well. This article was published on August 13, 2021, at Britannicas ProCon.org, a nonpartisan issue-information source. Przewalskis horse is a success story for zoos because this species was believed to be extinct in the wild. Should zoos be banned That change prompted the shift in zoo narrative from entertainment to the protection of animals. It changes the behavior of the animal. 9 Reasons Not to Visit Zoos Elephants dont do well when they are kept in locations that are cold and snowy. People wont protect what they dont love, and they cant love what they dont know. However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence.