Polar bears, for example, had an infant mortality rate of 65% due to small enclosures. Please let us know! 2021, there are 241 accredited zoos in the United States. What Is Sustainable Development and Why Is It Necessary? Visiting the zoo requires people to have respect for the fences, borders, and safety enclosures that separate the animals from their trainers, keepers, and families. 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. Lets try to understand the pros and cons of zoos through the following arguments. Zoos study, Animals in captivity are deprived of many things that are important to them, as a result they become lonely and bored. That means a cycle of dependency begins that requires ongoing resources to maintain because that animal has no ability to live on its own. Equity, respect and transparency are at the heart of fair trades definition. [13] [14], Because so many diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans, such as Ebola, Hantavirus, and the bird flu, zoos frequently conduct disease surveillance research in wildlife populations and their own captive populations that can lead to a direct impact on human health. WebCons of zoos Animal cruelty in zoos continues to be extremely common. In fact, animals often unlearn how to take care of themselves in zoos since they learn to rely on zookeepers to provide them with food and with all other things they need. Zoos save endangered species by bringing them into a safe environment, where they are protected from poachers, habitat loss, starvation, and predators. Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers. Another problem with zoos is that staff members in zoos often dont have the required knowledge to take care of the different animals in a proper manner. Should zoos be banned, or do they serve a positive purpose? Follow us on Instagram or Twitter! Zoos Do Not Offer Sufficient Space A tiger locked in its cage Opponents say wild animals should never be kept captive. In the late 20th century, the narrative changed again to the conservation of animals to stave off extinction. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_17',146,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');In fact, many small children love going to the zoo and to see the different animals. Although not everyone can afford a visit to their local zoo, there are still plenty of ways to learn more about the various animals who share this planet with us. In many zoos, there are also some animal shows and it may be indeed questionable whether treating animals in these ways can be justifiable. When that possibility is no longer a choice, then this option might be the next best thing. In fact, due to habitat destruction and many other environmental problems, many species have become endangered over the past decades. There are continuous cases of animals abused by visitors and zoo workers. In fact, many people only realize how important it really is to behave environmentally-friendly once they see all those fascinating animals. 916 Words4 Pages. 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. While zoos can provide some benefits for animals and the public, there are also valid concerns about the impact on animal welfare and the effectiveness of conservation efforts. Some elephant herds in the wild can grow to become 40 members strong. Veterinary doctors, zoologist, voluntary staff, etc. Should animals be kept in captivity? 23, 2019), Krista Langlois, Something Mysterious Is Killing Captive Gorillas, theatlantic.com, Mar. Ota Benga was part of an exhibit in the Bronx and in St. Louis, purchased by a Christian missionary who wanted to put African people into an exhibition. 3. That is typically a consequence of employing workers with little to no animal welfare or safety training. This can lead to boredom, frustration, and mental health problems. As a result of the 2013 documentary Blackfish, which exposed the psychological damage done to orcas by SeaWorld, California outlawed captive orca breeding. Zoos are a typical form of family entertainment, but associating leisure and fun with the contemplation of animals in captivity can send the wrong signals to our children. Manage Settings Already have an account on netivist? A complete ban or more vigorous enforcement of standards would also protect these untrained workers from injury or death caused by unpredictable animal behavior. Only use this feature if you are certain this user has infringed netivist's Terms of Service. 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. 916 Words4 Pages. [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. Proper citation depends on your preferred or required style manual. The zoos attract over 181 million visitors annually, which is more than the approximately 131 million yearly spectators of the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB combined. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Lets try to understand the pros and cons of zoos through the following arguments. In turn, chances are that those zoo animals are much unhappier compared to animals of the same species who live in the wild. Even when you take into consideration the educational benefits that come with a zoo, the fact is that most wild animals do not adapt well to confined circumstances. Vote to see result and collect 1 XP. 7, 2019), NBA, NBA Breaks All-Time Attendance Record for Fourth Straight Year, nba.com, Apr. NOTE: Your account might be penalized should we not find any wrongdoing by this user. 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. Animals which are born in captivity can often adapt to their circumstances if given enough time, but they will still encounter the lifespan issues of their parents. However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence. Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. The Roman Empire was founded in 27 BC, and many Roman emperors kept private zoo collections. 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. 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. Join with confidence, netivist is completely advertisement free. 21 Pros and Cons of Zoos Lets try to understand the pros and cons of zoos through the following arguments. [35] [36][36]. 5. CON Zoos don't educate the public enough to justify keeping animals captive. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-leader-4','ezslot_23',198,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-leader-4-0'); In fact, while animals will have almost unlimited space in the wild, they are often caged in rather confined areas in zoos. They also lack the everyday social interactions they would experience in the wild. Activists are calling to ban zoos, and their voices are getting louder. As we can see from the previous discussion, zoos are a rather controversial topic. Why the Difference Between Weather and Climate Matters. WebShould Zoos Be Banned Essay. ], [Editors Note: The MLA citation style requires double spacing within entries. This is due to the fact that many zoos want to keep as many animals as possible to show them to the general public. ProCon.org is the institutional or organization author for all ProCon.org pages. There are continuous cases of animals abused by visitors and zoo workers. Zoos are ultimately a business that needs to make money. This article was published on August 13, 2021, at Britannicas ProCon.org, a nonpartisan issue-information source. In fact, similar to circuses, animals are often treated quite poorly in zoos and have to comply with the rules of zookeepers. 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. Zoos receive regular inspections on multiple levels to ensure they are in compliance with care and safety regulations. While zoos spend millions on keeping animals confined, natural habitats are destroyed and animals are killed, as theres insufficient funding for their protection. Unlike their natural habitats where they can freely roam, these establishments keep them confined. Even the best zoos can have animals develop severe health problems. As unbelievable as this sounds, it is happening, and something should be done to stop such actions in the future. 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. Zoos can do an excellent job at conservation if they make the effort, but far too often profit is the primary motivation. We are having trouble saving your comment. In fact, every animal is different and needs individual treatment. 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. These efforts have created a significant reduction in the number of attacks and accidents that occur. CON Zoos don't educate the public enough to justify keeping animals captive. Let's take a look at the pros and cons and whether zoos should be allowed to stay in business. Vote and explain your view on whether zoos are necessary or should be banned. 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. Zoos are an unsuitable environment for wild animals and should be abolished. Despite their immense popularity, zoos have become increasingly controversial institutions. Most zoos got their start because local scientists wanted to get to know wild and exotic species better. Largely modeled after the London Zoo in Regents Park, these zoos were intended for genteel amusement and edification, according to Emma Marris, environmental writer and Institute Fellow at the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. 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 have existed in some form since at least 2500 BCE in Egypt and Mesopotamia, where records indicate giraffes, bears, dolphins, and other animals were kept by aristocrats. Pros and Cons of Owning an Exotic Animal Animal Adovocacy Organizations to Partner With Zoos also pose a risk to animal health. Zoos pose several risks that particularly affect animals. Growing urbanization and industrialization led to heightened demand for new forms of entertainment. When we look at zoo management, it is not unusual to take calves away from their mothers before they fully mature simply because there is a new marketing opportunity available somewhere else. Not only can we benefit from the experience of learning about new animals and their habitats by visiting a zoo, but it also gives families an opportunity to spend time together while enjoying the outdoors. Another significant downside of zoos is that animals can often not be returned to the wild after they had been kept in captivity. Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers. See also how much gasoline is in a barrel of oil Are zoos good or bad for animals pros and cons? Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. 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. 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. 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. Ten Days That Vanished: The Switch to the Gregorian Calendar, https://www.britannica.com/story/pro-and-con-zoos. Due to the unnatural living conditions of zoos, animals are also less likely to breed in zoos and therefore, the population of those animals may decline rather than increase in the long run. 8. 3. Below are the proper citations for this page according to four style manuals (in alphabetical order): the Modern Language Association Style Manual (MLA), the Chicago Manual of Style (Chicago), the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA), and Kate Turabian's A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (Turabian). 3. All rights reserved. 2. One of them is the confined spaces where the animals are forced to live in. Polar bears dont do well in tropical locations, even when they receive ice as a coping mechanism for the climate. 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. Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. Moreover, these smaller, unregulated organizations sometimes possess animals procured through illegal trafficking channels, a serious global problem. WebZoos have been around for 4,000 years, for many years people have gone to zoos to see wild animals up close. In fact, due to the poor overall living conditions and the unnatural treatment of animals in many zoos around the world, zoos may indeed be rather questionable from an ethical standpoint. Abnormal animal behavior also puts zoo workers at greater risk for injury and death. The overall goal always remains the same; to ensure the best possible care for every animal in care. Smaller zoos dont always have the money to hire well-trained zoological staff or expand their breeding programs and facilities to maintain the ethos of conservation. Consider the pros and cons with a video from Above the Noise. 9 Reasons Not to Visit Zoos 2022-11-17 Should zoos be banned facts Rating: 4,9/10 1414 reviews "Sab Din Hot Na Ek Saman" (meaning "Every day is the same" in English) is a common phrase that reflects the monotony and repetitive nature of daily life. 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 fact, many of us stay children deep inside and we may also remember many nice childhood memories. Many of them suffer from, In zoos many animals sicken and die because they, Many zoos do little for research or animal protection. The Chester and Whipsnade zoological parks where the first two non-urban zoos without cages and larger enclosures. Unlike their natural habitats where they can freely roam, these establishments keep them confined. [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. [4], Captive elephants live about half as long as wild elephants: 18.9 years v. 41.7 years for Asian elephants and 16.9 years v. 35.8 years for African elephants. A zoo cannot provide the perfect environment for every type of animal. This first effort displayed people who had different physical traits that were unusual something similar to the freak shows of the traveling circuses in the 19th and early 20th century. Zoos have a significant financial benefit for their communities. WebIn conclusion, zoos should be abolished because they are unethical, cause animal suffering, and are unnecessary in today's society. 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. Many people also go to the zoo in order to relax and to see something completely different compared to their normal daily life. The most urgent issue is arguably the lack of uniform regulation. When animals move from zoo to zoo, trading money or other resources in exchange for another display opportunity to the local population, then it is our welfare we are concerned about instead of theirs. Since this method of feeding large predators generally requires smaller animals to be bred and purchased solely for this purpose, it necessitates the exploitation and frequently painful death of the smaller species. Some animals travel more than 50 miles per day as they wander about their wild habitat. Zoos don't educate the public enough to justify keeping animals captive. You can find animal treatment teams including specialists, pathologies, and trainers to ensure that every care plan is followed to the letter. To ease them into new habitats, an agitated tiger was given Valium, and anxious zebras and wildebeests were given Haldol. If you believe they should not, consider how else to accomplish zoos conservation efforts. Our whole ecosystem is also the life cycle of every living [29], About 70% of adult male gorillas in North America have heart disease, the leading cause of death among gorillas in captivity, although the condition is almost completely absent in the wild. When you keep the animal in a zoo instead, then they might have 1,500 square feet to roam, and sometimes even less. Over 181 million people visit zoos and aquariums every year in the United States,and 25 million in the United Kingdom. [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. What people do not know is animals don't have the best interest in being in a zoo. If it contains abusive or inappropriate language its author will be penalized. (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. One strong argument for why zoos should be banned is it is intrinsically wrong to place animals in captivity. Our whole ecosystem is also the life cycle of every living It changes the lifespan of the animals held in captivity. 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. The indirect spending that zoos provide for their communities are significant as well, adding another 62,000 jobs across the United States to support visitors. Humans as part of zoological exhibitions did not fully stop until the early 20th century. 7. In the US, California More Animal Pros and Cons; Should zoos exist? Well, we have always seen animals inside the jungle with joy and grow as big and furious wild animals most of the time. We can protect some of the rarest animals in the world in zoos. Zooshave existed in some form since at least 2500 BCE in Egypt and Mesopotamia, where records indicate giraffes, bears, dolphins, and other animals were kept by aristocrats. There were only nine California condors in the wild in 1985. Should zoos be banned facts. Proponents say zoos educate the public about animals. The contemporary zoo evolved from 19th century European zoos. The best natural habitat enclosures are a poor substitute for the real thing. If you are new to netivist, please create your account for free and start collecting your netivist points! Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. The ethical dilemma around keeping wild animals in captivity is significant. 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. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. 325 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 200 WebIn conclusion, zoos should be abolished because they are unethical, cause animal suffering, and are unnecessary in today's society. By having these animals in zoos, there is another layer of protection given to these hunted species so that their survival chances are greater. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-leader-2','ezslot_21',190,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-leader-2-0');In fact, some zoos offer a home for some quite exotic species that are barely existent in the wild anymore. Let's take a look at the pros and cons and whether zoos should be allowed to stay in business. [40], Carl Hegenbeck, a German exotic animal importer, introduced the modern model of more natural habitats for animals instead of obvious cages at his Animal Park in Hamburg in 1907. You will also see the staff members from local zoos making presentations at local schools and businesses to raise awareness for what they do. For example, roadside zoos throughout North America make their profit by attracting visitors to adjacent facilities usually on gas station lots. Largely modeled after the London Zoo in Regents Park, these zoos were intended for genteel amusement and edification, according to Emma Marris, environmental writer and Institute Fellow at the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. Many zoos all over the world also work together and have cooperation agreements. Especially if you have children, it can be quite nice to go to the zoo and to see many different animals.