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. Even without a consciousness (that we know of) animals are alive and should be treated as such. ALSO READ: Man in Uganda Beats Lion With Bare Hands In Bloody Battle Before Feasting on the Beast for Dinner. Animals Should Not Be Kept in Captivity Persuasive Essay Zoos are home to many animals. "An even smaller proportion are part of captive breeding programmes and, of those, a tiny fraction have been released back into the wild. What could these zoos do with it, besides enlarging enclosures? Wildlife experts remind people that these animals do not know people's intentions, so they will try to protect themselves no matter what. [WATCH], Armored Dinosaur Magnificently Preserved After Face, Skin, Spikes Survived Fossilization. Four of the zoos and the aquarium in New York City, for instance, are managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society, which is involved in conservation efforts around the world. Elephants, lions, tigers, rhinos, and such. Investigators found sticks and pine cones inside the exhibit, most likely thrown by the boys. But this is not the norm. The Link Between Fasting And Mental Health: Can It Improve Mood And Cognition? Public zoos sprang up across Europe, many modeled on the London Zoo in Regents Park. It's the first travel company to publicly make such a move. 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. There have also been reported cases of zoos not properly disposing of dead bodies when animals die on their premises. Bears and cats pace. Why Animals Should not be Kept in Zoos? Essay PETA isn't alone. A Brief History of Zoos . Theyre generally small menageries where wild and exotic animals like lions, tigers, monkeys, wolves, and others are kept in captivity, and often suffer badly. Depressed monkey Animals are not able to bear living in small, unsuited environments. They are used to collect exotic pets from owners who are looking to get rid of them. Sanctuaries promise to take in and care for any animals that have been abused, neglected, or abandoned and to keep them for life. There are a few exceptions. WorldAnimalFoundation.org is reader-supported. An orangutan at the Omaha Zoo kept wire for lock-picking hidden in his mouth. 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. What if zoos stopped breeding all their animals, with the possible exception of any endangered species with a real chance of being released back into the wild? Many zoos use Prozac and other psychoactive drugs on at least some of their animals to deal with the mental effects of captivity. Such a transformation might free up some space. The Endangered Species Act: The Endangered Species Act, the ESA, is a federal law that protects fish, mammals, birds and plants listed as threatened or endangered in the U.S. and beyond. But many animals clearly show us that they do not enjoy captivity. First and foremost, captivity can be extremely detrimental to an animal's physical and mental well-being. Alex shares his life with his wife (to-be), children and stepchildren, a herd of guinea pigs, and numerous tropical fish, frogs and snails. These standards set a low bar and are widely considered to be sub-par in protecting animals. In most cases, animals in zoos lead very unhappy lives. This gives the poor pets a home and creates a revenue stream for the zoos. After all, more than 700 million people visit zoos and aquariums worldwide every year, and biodiversity is still in decline. Zoos also have the power to euthanize their animals when they themselves deem it permissible. A peer-reviewed 2017 study in the . This is seen as a cheaper option as opposed to moving them back into the wild. "We engage huge audiences with wildlife, inspiring the conservationists of tomorrow," argues zoological director of ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos, Professor David Field. The better alternatives to zoos are the options that dont result in animals being held in conditions that are unsuitable and forced to live in natural environments. In the age of social media, high profile culls have sparked heated debates. 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. Captive animals need better laws, and better enforcement of those laws. Earlier this month, footage of a dolphin attacking its trainer in Miami Seaquarium went viral. ", PETA's Bekhechi adds, the aim of breeding programmes is just "to produce baby animals to attract visitors.". Sanctuaries occupy a "gray area," says Tanya Espinosa, a . Apes are known for picking locks and keeping a beady eye on their captors, waiting for the day someone forgets to lock the door. The educational day out model of zoos endured until the late 20th century, when zoos began actively rebranding themselves as serious contributors to conservation. See Related: What Is The Hunters Role in Wildlife Conservation? Throughout history, men have accumulated large and fierce animals to advertise their might and prestige. Zookeepers are not mustache-twirling villains. All rights reserved. This is evident in killer whales' most vital body part: their teeth. Theres also the Zoological Association of America that operates in the United States. An animals worth is only equal to the attraction it offers to visitors. And it is true that the territory size of an animal like a wolf depends greatly on the density of resources and other wolves. 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". They are kind people, bonded to their charges and immersed in the culture of the zoo, in which they are the good guys. One way that is rarely documented is the sale of other animals into the exotic pet trade. Living collections were often presented in taxonomic order, with various species of the same family grouped together, for comparative study. 525 East Cotati Avenue,Cotati, CA 94931 WHY ANIMALS SHOULD NOT BE KEPT IN CAPTIVITY By "Phillip" Hungry, depressed, and unable to connect. facilities report spending approximately $231 million annually on conservation projects. Others are captured from their native habitats, or come from backyard breeders or the black market. worldanimalfoundation.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and Other Programs, an affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the Partners. However, suffering doesnt have to be physical; boredom, confinement, and stress can cause an animal a lot of suffering. However, this is often not much more than an illusion for the customer. Animal Legal Defense Fund,National Headquarters A largely unregulated trend is the hybrid breeding of wild cats with house cats, with predictably disastrous consequences. 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. T he video above shows the tragic reality of how animals in captivity are mistreated and never get to experience freedom, or live how they were . Why Are Puppy Mills Bad: The Numerous Reasons Why They Must Be Stopped And How You, yes you, Can Help! See Related: How Similar is Human DNA to Other Animals. The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) operates an accreditation system for sanctuaries, rescue centres and rehabilitation centres. For comparison, in 2018, they spent $4.9 billion on operations and construction. Dimming Lights: Are Fireflies Endangered? Once again, a change of this magnitude can cause captive animals to exhibit changing behaviors, which include self-destructive acts and unrelenting restlessness. I once overheard two schoolchildren at the Smithsonians National Zoo in Washington confess to each other that they had assumed that elephants were mythical animals like unicorns before seeing them in the flesh. These are species that would have vanished totally were it not for captive populations around the world, many of which reside in zoos (or, for plants, botanic gardens). 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. Why? Private individuals with the financial means use their money to procure rare or exotic animals from zoos to add to their own private collections. BBC - Ethics - Animal ethics: Animals for entertainment Animals kept in an unsuitable environment or fed the wrong diet can suffer, and this can lead to illness or death. Help inform others by writing letters to your local newspapers and posting to social media. The surpluses are then sold off to zoos, aquariums, or even circuses. Students and the general public get a chance to learn about different species of animals. See Related: Endangered Species in California. 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. This paper is going to discuss why animals should not be kept in captivity. What Cause Extinction What Can We Do To Stop It? 7 reasons why animals in captivity deserve freedom. You can surely help these animals by refusing to visit zoos and instead supporting sanctuaries where animals live in natural habitats. In the 1980s, a group of orangutans escaped several times at the San Diego Zoo. Alex started writing from the moment he could hold a pen. The ESA outlines procedures for federal agencies to follow regarding listed species, as well as criminal and civil penalties for violations. See Related: Best Wildlife Conservation Jobs. Should Animals Be Kept In Zoos However, there are various reasons that explain why zoos are unethical. Learn More. Capturing animals even smart ones like apes, for amusement shouldnt be going on anywhere. Should We Keep Animals in Zoos? - Scholastic Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram. Zoos can be productive when it comes to reviving an animal species on the brink of extinction. Private Possession: Many wild animals may be kept captive in private homes as pets. The ongoing extinction crises shows that zoos are needed - even for common species. Some surplus animals or injured animals are even fed to predators as a means of life-cycle maintenance. 2. 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. To many people, a trip to the zoo is a fun day out for the family. 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. Top 50 Most Good-looking Nationalities: AI Shows Beautiful People From Different Countries; How Does Science Measure Beauty, Attractiveness? No, most likely not. 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. Should zoos be banned? | National Geographic Orcas don't do well in captivity. Here's why. - Animals The incident in Miami Seaquarium is proof that animals do not belong in captivity. Read on to find out why animals should not be kept in zoos. In states without tight enough regulation, local jurisdictions oftentimes adopt ordinances that ban or restrict the display of captive wild animals. When it comes to lethal force and animal welfare, at least, public opinion swiftly sides against zoos. When it comes to lethal force and animal welfare, at least, public opinion swiftly sides against zoos. Animals live in cruel conditions, confined to small cages without the enrichment they need to lead full, happy lives. Animals also lose their genetic diversity especially due to inbreeding. 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]. Our EIN number is 94-2681680. For them, the best option is to fight back. A quick google search reveals that a zoo is an establishment that maintains a collection of wild animals, typically in a park or gardens, for study, conservation, or display to the public. ", Published in the June 2017 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK), What to do in the Forest of Bowland, Lancashire, How to plan and book an Indian rail odyssey, Four of the best luxury sleeper trains in India, How Miami is re-embracing its modernist architecture, Where to eat in Clitheroe, the Ribble Valley's culinary hotspot, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society. This could cause problems for the animal. From there, it was an easy leap to protecting animal species. If you go on holiday to any major destination, the chances are high that there will be at least one zoo and/or one aquarium nearby. One of the best examples of this advantage is the Przewalski's horse. Giraffes endlessly flick their tongues. Required fields are marked *. Persuasive Speech: Why Animals Should Not be kept in Zoos. See Related: Animals With the Best Sense of Smell. In many cases, animals in captivity do not have the space or resources to roam and live as they would in their natural habitat. These animals oftentimes live in inhumane conditions, and pose a serious threat to public safety. They are removed from their natural habitats and confined to small limited spaces and often forced to perform tricks or entertain visitors. Their lives in captivity can be harsh especially when the animal has been completely removed from its social structures. A species protected in captivity provides a reservoir population against a population crash or extinction in the wild. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Kings would keep hippos, baboons and large cats. When she caught up with the boys at the cafe, she mauled them before she was shot to death by the police. Increasingly, animals were presented with the distasteful fact of their imprisonment visually elided. [WATCH]. 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. Things to Know. 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. These laws help the animals and also people, since wild animals in captivity present a serious public safety risk. Nature reserves, bird watching, going on a safari. Bears, lions, and other animals languish in roadside zoos across the country. Animals in the wild are naturally shy to humans. Should animals be kept in captivity? - The Current See Related: Endangered Species in Oklahoma. 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. Older menageries existed as far back as 2500 BCE, in Mesopotamia. These refuge-zoos could become places where animals live. 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. So when they. As a result, many animals at zoos may die prematurely from stress or illness. Many zoos conduct such studies, and also run captive breeding programmes for endangered species. They bought tickets, and the wild creatures should behave accordingly. This isnt always guaranteed since the breeding practices could be insufficient or even produce animals that are not suitable for survival in the wild. However, few people stop and actively consider why zoos are bad. Tatiana the tiger, kept in the San Francisco Zoo, snapped one day in 2007 after three teenage boys had been taunting her. According toAnimal Behavior: Resources for Applied Ethology, fleeing or running away is the most popular reaction of animals towards humans. Copyright 2015-2021 National Geographic Partners, LLC. At least 20 zoos in the United States have already ended their elephant exhibits in part because of ethical concerns about keeping the species captive. Wild dolphins swim up to 40 miles day with the other members of their pod, while captive dolphins are forced to swim in tiny pools with unfamiliar dolphins day after day. 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. Your email address will not be published. For privacy policy and ad & cookie policy information, visit our Privacy Policy pages. Animals are an important part of nature and should have the right to live in their natural environment. In this way, they could lead the predator away from their nest. More than 6,000 comments made by the visitors were recorded, nearly half of which were purely descriptive statements that asserted a fact about the exhibit or the animal. The researchers wrote, In all the statements collected, no one volunteered information that would lead us to believe that they had an intention to advocate for protection of the animal or an intention to change their own behavior.. CITES does not directly address living conditions for captive animals. 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. A zoological park is defined as an establishment designed for conservation, study, and public display. Many zoos claim to be helping preserve dwindling populations. All things considered, animals should not be kept in zoos or aquariums. Polar bears have one million times less space. Privacy Policy. Captive Animals - Animal Legal Defense Fund 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. Lack of Sufficient Space No matter how dedicated a zoo is, it can't meet the space requirements for most of its animals. 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.

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