why animals should not be kept in zoos articles

Nature reserves, bird watching, going on a safari. Our EIN number is 94-2681680. The trade in wild animals involves tremendous suffering at every stage of the process. With their apes, elephants, big cats, and other large and smart species gone, they could expand enclosures for the rest of the animals, concentrating on keeping them lavishly happy until their natural deaths. Increasingly, animals were presented with the distasteful fact of their imprisonment visually elided. 525 East Cotati Avenue,Cotati, CA 94931 Privacy Policy. After being captives of the pandemic for more than a year, we have begun experiencing the pleasures of simple outings: dining al fresco, shopping with a friend, taking a stroll through the zoo. To update your payment information, visit our Member Center. The AWA only applies to some captive wild animals. Captive animals need better laws, and better enforcement of those laws. According toAnimal Behavior: Resources for Applied Ethology, fleeing or running away is the most popular reaction of animals towards humans. When it works out, breeding endangered animals has positive results that can be felt even in the human kingdom. Bears, lions, and other animals languish in roadside zoos across the country. WorldAnimalFoundation.org, Today's Deal: $300 Discount on Halo 2+ GPS Dog Collar. Few federal laws protect the millions of wild animals who live in captivity in aquariums, circuses, theme parks and zoos in the U.S. When wild animals shouldn't be in captivity. This isnt always guaranteed since the breeding practices could be insufficient or even produce animals that are not suitable for survival in the wild. Below are a dozen reasons why zoos can be bad for animals: 1. When the caretakers are not well informed about the animals they are to be taking care of, it can be problematic. Many animals in zoos are not used to confinement. Wildlife experts remind people that these animals do not know people's intentions, so they will try to protect themselves no matter what. Existing animal protection laws do not actually consider the true ramifications of captivity. Many zoos conduct such studies, and also run captive breeding programmes for endangered species. And Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo has an on-site Wildlife Hospital to save sick and injured native species. There are currently 421 zoological gardens and aquariums and a 2.9% business growth this year despite the pandemic. The others ran, and she pursued them, ignoring all other humans in her path. See Related: Animals With the Best Sense of Smell. I remember well the awe and joy on their faces, 15 years later. Private Possession: Many wild animals may be kept captive in private homes as pets. India bans the keeping of elephants in circuses and zoos. Zoos also say that they save the endangered animals, but all they really care about is how much crowd the animal draws. But then theres the pacing, the rocking. This is due to the fact that many zoos want to keep as many animals as . There are dozens of other countries around the world with similar prohibitions, including Austria, Greece, Israel, Mexico, Peru and Singapore. 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 are forced to live in artificial habitats that arent anywhere close to their former homes (the wild). These experiences are often harmful to wildlife and dangerous for you. The lack of enough vegetation will then lead to global warming due to less carbon in the atmosphere. It is not possible to have zookeepers versed in a detailed understanding of every single species. Not surprising, perhaps, considering the typical polar bear enclosure is one million times smaller than the area they would naturally roam.". 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. Yes, it is time consuming and it is expensive, but if it is possible, we have to try, simply because is the right thing to do.". Zoos protect against a species going extinct. There are 39 animal species currently listed by the IUCN as Extinct in the Wild. Ive been to zoos and aquariums in Winnipeg, Vancouver, and Vancouver Island, not to mention those in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. There are zoological park associations that were formed to keep zoo owners on their toes. "Animals in zoos suffer tremendously, both physically and mentally. They are removed from their natural habitats and confined to small limited spaces and often forced to perform tricks or entertain visitors. Animals in captivity can struggle to adapt to their new environment. Apes are known for picking locks and keeping a beady eye on their captors, waiting for the day someone forgets to lock the door. 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. The statistics on the number of big cats alone that have died in captivity between 1990 and 2021 is 126. 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. There is an undeniable thrill, seeing animals in zoos, circuses, movies, television shows, and amusement parks. Tigers, lions, elephants, bears and nonhuman primates are all included in this law. The worst ones are the malicious keepers who enjoy hurting animals in captivity. A study by Bristol University found that many British zoos fail to provide animals with the required minimum standard of care. The Toledo Zoo has dosed zebras and wildebeest with the antipsychotic haloperidol to keep them calm and has put an orangutan on Prozac. Running a successful zoo is about drawing in visitors as much as it is caring for animals. They argue that no animal should be forced to spend their life in an unnatural environment and perform. On the other hand, the researchers reported, there were no significant differences in survey responses before entering an exhibit compared with those obtained as visitors were exiting., A 2008 study of 206 zoo visitors by some members of the same team showed that while 42 percent said that the main purpose of the zoo was to teach visitors about animals and conservation, 66 percent said that their primary reason for going was to have an outing with friends or family, and just 12 percent said their intention was to learn about animals., The researchers also spied on hundreds of visitors conversations at the Bronx Zoo, the Brookfield Zoo outside Chicago and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Elephants bob their heads over and over. Theres also the Zoological Association of America that operates in the United States. See Related: Endangered Species in California. Their lives in captivity can be harsh especially when the animal has been completely removed from its social structures. No, most likely not. Tigers, lions, elephants, bears and nonhuman primates are all included in this law. In this article, we will take a look at why zoos teach children the wrong lesson about captive animals. Your voice is needed, so that captive wild animals in the United States, and elsewhere, are better protected. Fighting is a sign that they are threatened, especially when an animal has no way of getting away quickly. When zoos find themselves with surplus animals, they need to find ways to reduce their numbers. Top 50 Most Good-looking Nationalities: AI Shows Beautiful People From Different Countries; How Does Science Measure Beauty, Attractiveness? Humans have kept wild animals for thousands of years. Most states have no laws governing captive wild animals. All of these options afford you a close view of nature exactly as it was intended. At the Los Angeles Zoo, a gorilla named Evelyn escaped seven times in 20 years. And this is not a definite number of victims; there is probably a good number that hasnt been documented. Lack of learning valuable animal life skills such as hunting and social structures eventually leads to the alteration of the said animals behavior. In April, ethical tour operator Responsible Travel after consultation with wildlife charity Born Free Foundation axed trips that include zoo visits. Keeping animals in captivity can prevent their extinction. Most zoos or animal sanctuaries dont have the space or the facilities to truly recreate the wild. The U.S. became a signatory to CITES in 1975. There is no wild animal census in the United States, and many states have lax oversight, so any estimates about the population of wild animals in captivity is at best an educated guess. Alex started writing from the moment he could hold a pen. Many zoos will then resort to drugging animals in order to keep them docile and normal for the pleasure of the viewing public. These laws help the animals and also people, since wild animals in captivity present a serious public safety risk. Sanctuaries occupy a "gray area," says Tanya Espinosa, a . Kings would keep hippos, baboons and large cats. 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. Step away from the selfie stick. 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. Caring for animals on a full-time basis requires someone who is both informed and cares about them. Many visitors will disturb and disrespect the animals in a zoo simply because they feel as though they are owed a performance of some sort. Some zoo animals try to escape. The surpluses are then sold off to zoos, aquariums, or even circuses. The polar bears in Winnipeg have disco poo. This is only one of the Acts limitations. Why Are Puppy Mills Bad: The Numerous Reasons Why They Must Be Stopped And How You, yes you, Can Help! 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. Its said that Texas has the worlds second-largest tiger population, due to private citizens propensity for keeping these big cats as pets. However, through education and informative motions for change, we can make change the way zoos are run. Today, nearly every country in the world is a member of CITES. When factoring in the number of zoos breeding animals and the risk posed to baby animals, the change of disease skyrockets further. There is no end to the risk of cross-contamination and disease spread, especially when considering the fact that lots of zoos fail to provide the correct standard of care. Its protections are minimal as well. 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. This can make the animals neurotic, causing them to start biting bars, pacing repetitively, and swaying. Bears and cats pace. In the age of social media, high profile culls have sparked heated debates. Zoo keepers are often trained and specialize in a particular breed or species. An animal lover, Alexs family, have all been involved in various animal welfare charities. I pointed out that we cant ask animals whether they are happy with their enclosure size. What began as a way to pass time soon became a compulsion. at the time estimated that between 3,000 and 5,000 animals are euthanized in European zoos each year. These are wild animals, who are dangerous by nature and cannot be domesticated. 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. CreditPhotographs by Peter Fisher for The New York Times. Anyone can read what you share. A few zoos are famous for their conservation work. And it is true that the territory size of an animal like a wolf depends greatly on the density of resources and other wolves. There have also been reported cases of zoos not properly disposing of dead bodies when animals die on their premises. Copyright OurEndangedWorld | All Rights Reserved, Environmental Organizations in The Philippines, Environmental Organizations in North America, Environmental Organizations in South America, Best Energy-Efficient Electric Fireplaces. Trading in Wild Animals: Every year, thousands of animals enter the captive wild animal trade. Some of these animals are surplus from roadside zoos. But relatively early in their evolution, a German exotic animal importer named Carl Hagenbeck changed the way wild animals were exhibited. 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. A common criticism is that the inspectors are often inadequately trained to look for sign of problems such as abuse and neglect. The window to the world of. 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). Now, Alex writes full-time, and when hes not working on an article, hes knee-deep in writing fiction. Many zoos use Prozac and other psychoactive drugs on at least some of their animals to deal with the mental effects of captivity. In addition, when animals are removed from their natural habitats, they are also removed from their family structure and social hierarchy. In contrast, those nesting animals or cornered ones will try to defend themselves if being approached to protect their young. This alteration of the animals behavior will eventually do more harm than good. People assume that because an animal can move great distances that they would choose to do that. If they have everything they need nearby, he argued, they would be happy with smaller territories. Sadly, once the small animals outgrow their cute phase, the zoo has to get rid of them since feeding and housing them all can get expensive. Once again, a change of this magnitude can cause captive animals to exhibit changing behaviors, which include self-destructive acts and unrelenting restlessness. Especially animals like lions that are used to roaming vast distances in the wild in search of food. The ongoing extinction crises shows that zoos are needed - even for common species. Genes evolved over time to help the animal adjust to a man-made habitat can be a downside to the populations of the species in the wild. The ESA outlines procedures for federal agencies to follow regarding listed species, as well as criminal and civil penalties for violations. Older menageries existed as far back as 2500 BCE, in Mesopotamia. Zoos are home to many animals. 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. 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. Watching these is a much healthier and more educational way to learn about wild animals than visiting a local zoo. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Just as we humans are free to do whatever we want so long as we follow the law, then it shouldn't be different for animals. Animals are stressed when they get separated from their packs or herds, especially when they end up as the only one of their kind in their new homes. Wrong! Boycott businesses that profit from cruelty to animals. For the unlucky ones that end up in the circuses, they are always in for a wide awakening. But that day of release never quite seems to come. Tigers and lions have around 18,000 times less space in zoos than they would in the wild. He also found many examples of zoo elephants hurting or killing their keepers and evidence that zoos routinely downplayed or even lied about those incidents. But this is not the norm. Instead, they will hire generalists with a degree of knowledge specificity and run with that. So when they. Id like to think these kids, now in their early 20s, are working for a conservation organization somewhere. Alex shares his life with his wife (to-be), children and stepchildren, a herd of guinea pigs, and numerous tropical fish, frogs and snails. As a result, many animals at zoos may die prematurely from stress or illness. Mr. Hribal documented many stories of elephants making a run for it in one case repairing to a nearby woods with a pond for a mud bath. She could then climb the wire without being shocked. It is these boastful collections of animals, these autocratic menageries, from which the modern zoo, with its didactic plaques and $15 hot dogs, springs. This is particularly true if the animal is there for entertainment. Here are some tips. 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. Important to protect endangered species from extinction. Help inform others by writing letters to your local newspapers and posting to social media. They go to get out of the house, to get their children some fresh air, to see interesting animals. Exotic animals have become very popular, but they are also dangerous in so many ways. The California condor shows what zoos can accomplish. Profits are also gained through the selling of animals to other zoos or circuses. PETA isn't alone. Animals in the wild are naturally shy to humans. It took several decades before Alex was able to leave the corporate world behind and embark on a real writing journey. 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. Terrifying, Pre-Historic-Looking Fish Captured in the Ocean's Twilight Zone; What Is It? 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? Read more: Should I worry about chemtrails? Look out for the GFAS seal of approval. But whether recent events have triggered a profound shift in public consciousness is harder to quantify. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. There is more to natural environments than just looks. For some animals in zoos, the shock of their relocation alone can be fatal. There are a few exceptions. This paper is going to discuss why animals should not be kept in captivity. 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? This is evident in killer whales' most vital body part: their teeth. They found that only 27 percent of people bothered to read the signs at exhibits. There are a number of reasons why animals should not be kept in captivity. Elephants figure prominently in his book, in part because they are so big that when they escape it generally makes the news. In the past five years, the number of zoos has been gradually going up. The Animal Legal Defense Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. State And Local Laws: Strong state laws and even local laws have historically been a useful way to protect exotic and wild animals. In fact, while animals will have almost unlimited space in the wild, they are often caged in rather confined areas in zoos. Most animals are taught to perform tricks and go against the grain of nature purely for human entertainment. Some sad facts about zoos are that at times, the people hired to take care of and protect these animals arent very qualified. It is always best to stay away from wild animals to prevent disastrous interactions. The owners of such zoos are focused on maximizing profits even at the animals expense. This is due to the inhumane conditions that these animals are forced to endure. I find one statistic particularly telling about their priorities: A 2018 analysis of the scientific papers produced by association members between 1993 and 2013 showed that just about 7 percent of them annually were classified as being about biodiversity conservation.. When it comes from unsustainable sources it is a key cause of deforestation, impacting many species like orangutans and tigers. However, there are some disadvantages of zoos to the environment ranging from overpopulation of a species to global warming. Public zoos sprang up across Europe, many modeled on the London Zoo in Regents Park. 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. This goes to the detriment of the animals in zoos and puts them at risk of receiving inadequate care. This is how animals get physical and psychological scars from abuse. Roadside zoos dot the American landscape. As humans, we have no right to hunt and lock up animals for our enjoyment. 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. In states without tight enough regulation, local jurisdictions oftentimes adopt ordinances that ban or restrict the display of captive wild animals. They bought tickets, and the wild creatures should behave accordingly. 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. 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. Most people arent always comfortable seeing animals that are kept in zoos. Should Animals Be Kept In Zoos However, there are various reasons that explain why zoos are unethical. However, the vast majority dont do enough to accurately replace an animals natural habitat. In the case of America, our maps, developed with experts, show where extreme heat is causing the most deaths. Some surplus animals or injured animals are even fed to predators as a means of life-cycle maintenance. A.Z.A. Zoos are built as a source of income for some. The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. Why? Zoos and circuses are among those who fall under this act. See Related: Importance of Wildlife Conservation. 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. First and foremost, captivity can be extremely detrimental to an animal's physical and mental well-being. Zoos often have insufficient knowledge of animals. Persuasive Speech: Why Animals Should Not be kept in Zoos. Such zoos might even be merged with sanctuaries, places that take wild animals that because of injury or a lifetime of captivity cannot live in the wild. A fine day out with the family might itself be justification enough for the existence of zoos if the zoo animals are all happy to be there. In 2020, facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums contributed more than $230 million to conservation efforts. Personally speaking, Ive been to zoos in Sydney, Australia, and all over the UK. 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. Sanctuaries promise to take in and care for any animals that have been abused, neglected, or abandoned and to keep them for life. Animals are removed from their natural habitats. You can surely help these animals by refusing to visit zoos and instead supporting sanctuaries where animals live in natural habitats. For them, the best option is to fight back. 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. A species protected in captivity provides a reservoir population against a population crash or extinction in the wild. The monotonous, confined life of animals in captivity is a mere shadow of what life was like for them in the wild. But few federal laws protect these animals, who may be forced to perform or kept confined in small cages with little to keep their minds occupied and bodies well.

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