should zoos be banned pros and cons should zoos be banned pros and cons

Zoos Do Not Offer Sufficient Space A tiger locked in its cage [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. Equity, respect and transparency are at the heart of fair trades definition. To push conservation issues, many large zoos stopped having animals perform tricks for visitors. 6. Edinburgh was the first British zoo to follow the idea of displaying animals without bars. In fact, especially people who work in demanding jobs for quite long hours every day often need time for themselves in order to reload their batteries. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. 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. Do the cons of zoos outweight their benefits? As we can see from the previous discussion, zoos are a rather controversial topic. Banning zoos could go a long way toward halting this practice or at the very least reducing its impact on the natural world. Another significant downside of zoos is that animals can often not be returned to the wild after they had been kept in captivity. Well, we have always seen animals inside the jungle with joy and grow as big and furious wild animals most of the time. The oldest still operating zoo in the world, Tiergarten Schnbrunn in Vienna, opened in 1752. Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. 916 Words4 Pages. There are now wild herds in Europe and Mongolia, closely monitored by scientists, which are thriving. In turn, those animals will lose part of their natural instincts and will no longer be able to survive in the wild due to that. 2. Zoos provide specialized care for the animals that are kept on the grounds. This advantage comes at the expense of the animals which are forced to spend their lives in an enclosure. So, some animal activists maintain that a total ban on zoos is the only fix. Moreover, those animals may often feel trapped since they have to stay in their cages and cannot navigate as they would do in the wild. Animals are not always caged in zoos. The oldest still operating zoo in the world, Tiergarten Schnbrunn in Vienna, opened in 1752. Thus, zoos can also be quite important to raise awareness of our global environmental problems in order to protect our animals as best as possible. At the time, these institutions accommodated nearly 800,000 animals and 6,000 species, with around 1,000 on the endangered species list. Zoos can excel when they have the proper funding to meet the needs of their animal population. This is quite logical since every living organism needs suitable living conditions to feel good and to increase its population in the long run. Lets try to understand the pros and cons of zoos through the following arguments. 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. In fact, those people often work in demanding office jobs for long hours and dont spend time in nature anymore. Ten Days That Vanished: The Switch to the Gregorian Calendar, https://www.britannica.com/story/pro-and-con-zoos. The contemporary debate about zoos tends to focus on animal welfare on both sides, whether zoos protect animals or imprison them. In fact, every animal is different and needs individual treatment. 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. Author Bio Natalie Regoli is a child of God, devoted wife, and mother of two boys. Quarantine procedures are part of the zoos overall structure as well. Learn about the pros and cons of zoos and join our debate and poll: Should there be zoos? The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Every year, farm animal rescue takes place all across the United States. Here, we dive into what fair trade is,. If you feel this user's conduct is unappropriate, please report this comment and our moderaters will review its content and deal with this matter as soon as possible. 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. The Roman Empire was founded in 27 BC, and many Roman emperors kept private zoo collections. At least 37 countries have banned or restricted the sale of cosmetics with ingredients tested on animals, including nations in the European Union. The San Diego Zoo offers an annual Gala fundraiser were tickets begin at $450 each, while preferred seating options are priced at $900. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Opponents say wild animals should never be kept captive. Let's take a look at the pros and cons and whether zoos should be allowed to stay in business. 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. While some zoos are quite profitable and make good money, other zoos rely on donations and government subsidies in order to survive. We might be talking about animals who may not have the same level of conscious thought as humans, but how we treat other species says more about who we are than it does about the animals we keep. This is not only due to the entrance fees for zoos, but also due to the fact that tourists will sleep in hotels and eat out in restaurants, which further generates significant income for the local population. There are times when a zoo is absolutely necessary to the survival of the animal. 1. In general, opponents of zoos also often claim that zoos are also problematic from an ethical perspective. [26][27], TV shows such as Planet Earth bring wild animals into living rooms, allowing people to see the animals in their natural habitats without causing harm to animals such as the endangered snow leopard. Should we boycott or ban zoos? Often animals in such zoos are trained to perform tricks. The overall goal always remains the same; to ensure the best possible care for every animal in care. If you believe they should, consider whether they should remain the same or change. The contemporary zoo evolved from 19th century European zoos. Last modified on August 13, 2021. They must have staff present at all times who understand what it takes to have a safe experience. There are many problems that come with keeping animals in zoos. Sometimes the captive animals were studied; however, they were mostly used for entertainment in the arena, invariably ending in a cruel death. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. Another 23 jobs were supported for every $1 million that zoos spent on construction projects. CON Zoos don't educate the public enough to justify keeping animals captive. 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. Our whole ecosystem is also the life cycle of every living Zoos also pose a risk to animal health. 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. Ever since there has been an increasing public concern about animal welfare in zoos. How can we effectively protect the natural world? If you want to use it you simply need toattribute it bylinkingto this page or tohttps://netivist.org. Some people say zoos are safe to place for animals to live because they do not have to seek for food to survive. All rights reserved. In fact, due to quite poor living conditions, many animals in zoos develop serious mental issues over time. 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. The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. Zoos are often used to exploit people, animals, and even communities. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. NOTE: Your account might be penalized should we not find any wrongdoing by this user. 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. Additional rare animals which receive protection in U.S. zoos include the Addax, Amur tiger, Borneo elephant, and the Pacific walrus. Even the Greater Vancouver Zoo, which seeks to replicate the natural environment for their animals, cannot supply a large enough space to accommodate these natural behaviors. As I went to university and got my Masters degree in Economics, I did plenty of research in the field of Development Economics. Of 77 elephants in 13 zoos, 71 were overweight and spent 83% of their time indoors, contributing to early death. Because poaching activities qualify as criminal conduct, most attempts are thwarted. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. There are continuous cases of animals abused by visitors and zoo workers. (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. No matter how closely programs like Planet Earth depict animals, nothing will match the bond of seeing them in real life. Zoos have a significant financial benefit for their communities. If you want to use it you simply need to, Vote and tell us why you find zoos good or bad. 17, 2019), Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Climate Change and Wildlife, aza.org (accessed Apr. WebThey dont have to worry about safety in zoos as they are well taken care of. As unbelievable as this sounds, it is happening, and something should be done to stop such actions in the future. WebThe question whether animals should be kept in captivity or not is debated on many platforms and forums. Your vote is anonymous. 5. By keeping populations of animals and conducting wild repopulation, zoos can help preserve species in danger from climate change. As a result of the 2013 documentary Blackfish, which exposed the psychological damage done to orcas by SeaWorld, California outlawed captive orca breeding. However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence. 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. [17] [18] [19] [20], 23% of birds and 47% of small mammals (weighing less than about 2.2 pounds) are negatively impacted by climate change. Kids 12 and up qualify for the adult rate. Well, we have always seen animals inside the jungle with joy and grow as big and furious wild animals most of the time. Zoos pose several risks that particularly affect animals. 325 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 200 chose to work in zoos because they like animals, and wanted to work closely with them and help them thrive. If you believe they should not, consider how else to accomplish zoos conservation efforts. If we have to live under unnatural conditions, we also develop mental issues and the same is true for animals of many sorts. Zoos are an unsuitable environment for wild animals and should be abolished. WebThey dont have to worry about safety in zoos as they are well taken care of. Careful supervision of policies and procedures allows for trainers, visitors, and the animals to maintain a higher level of safety in every facet of care. This could mean that they ship animals from one zoo to another in case it makes sense. If so, how? Most zoos struggle to survive, which means the animals kept in those facilities are also at risk. That created a total economic output in the United States of more than $17 billion per year, with $2.4 billion in spending and $5.4 billion in personal earnings on top of that figure. 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. In fact, the USDA states that allowing visitors to handle animals like baby tigers or lions violates the Animal Welfare Act. 916 Words4 Pages. Some establishments have worked hard to adapt their enclosures to better suit the needs of the animals they hold. Should zoos be banned facts. 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. Romesh Ranganathan, a British comedian, stated, It still slightly surprises me that anybody thinks that we should have zoos at all. Their health degrades rapidly when conditions are not favorable to them, sometimes even incapacitating the animal under extreme circumstances. In fact, especially in regions with weak economies, people often rely on income from zoos to make a living. 7. WebShould Zoos Be Banned Essay. From time to time, wild animals have to be caught and sent to zoos in order to sustain the populations of animals in zoos. (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. The article, "Zoos: The Historical Debate" from Globalanimal.org discusses some pros (positive sides) and cons (negative sides) of zoos. In fact, many animals are kept in an unnatural manner and also dont get sufficient other animals from their species. Some elephant herds in the wild can grow to become 40 members strong. Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. Some animals travel more than 50 miles per day as they wander about their wild habitat. 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. Zoo is the place where wild animals are collected for tourist attraction, as there are several endanger species animals protected from extinction by zookeepers. 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. WebUltimately, the decision of whether or not to keep animals in zoos comes down to a balancing of the pros and cons. WebZoos have been around for 4,000 years, for many years people have gone to zoos to see wild animals up close. Are you experiencing any technical problem with netivist? Many of them suffer from, In zoos many animals sicken and die because they, Many zoos do little for research or animal protection. Vote and join our debate (see below), Watch this video on "zoochosis" and the living conditions of animals in captivity. While zoos spend millions on keeping animals confined, natural habitats are destroyed and animals are killed, as theres insufficient funding for their protection. The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. Especially in poor developing countries, many regions rely on zoos to make additional income in order to improve the living conditions of the general public. Hence, zoos can also encourage global cooperation, which can benefit all parties in the long run. WebWhy Zoos Should Be Banned Zoos should be banned because they are cruel to animals. Zoos are not only important to protect endangered animals from extinction, they are also important from a financial perspective for many local communities all around the world. Environmental Conscience aims to provide unique high-quality content that is helpful to the reader. The article, "Zoos: The Historical Debate" from Globalanimal.org discusses some pros (positive sides) and cons (negative sides) of zoos. Zoos also pose a risk to animal health. See also how much gasoline is in a barrel of oil Are zoos good or bad for animals pros and cons? 23, 2019), Krista Langlois, Something Mysterious Is Killing Captive Gorillas, theatlantic.com, Mar. Even those prices are not enough to keep the zoo financially solid. Zoos study, Animals in captivity are deprived of many things that are important to them, as a result they become lonely and bored. There are times when wild animals should stay that way. It was only then that a transition was made from royal menageries, designed to entertain the elite, to public zoological gardens aiming to educate the wider population. The most urgent issue is arguably the lack of uniform regulation. This image was created for netivist.org. At least 37 countries have banned or restricted the sale of cosmetics with ingredients tested on animals, including nations in the European Union. These efforts have helped to reduce the risks of premature death in many species as well. There were only nine California condors in the wild in 1985. Proponents say zoos educate the public about animals. 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. 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. 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. Polar bears, for example, had an infant mortality rate of 65% due to small enclosures. One strong argument for why zoos should be banned is it is intrinsically wrong to place animals in captivity. Zoos can do an excellent job at conservation if they make the effort, but far too often profit is the primary motivation. 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. A zoo cannot provide the perfect environment for every type of animal. 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. 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. 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. Wanna make a contribution to save our environment? Source: This image was created for netivist.org. However, if staff members dont have proper qualifications, chances are that some animals are treated quite poorly and many of them may also suffer from serious neglect over time. New to netivist? Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. Zoos also give us a unique opportunity to see many different exotic animals without the need to travel to many exotic countries. 3, 2018, Tse-Lynn Loh, et al., Quantifying the Contribution of Zoos and Aquariums to Peer-Reviewed Scientific Research, facetsjournal.com, Mar. While there are many important advantages of zoos, the presence of zoos also implies some problems. This disadvantage occurs because there is no longer a need to hunt for their survival. Thus, especially in countries with lax regulations related to zoos, animals will often be treated quite poorly and in those countries, governments should introduce stricter regulations in order to protect these animals. For example, the veterinary staff at the Bronx Zoo in New York alerted health officials of the presence of West Nile Virus. Proper citation depends on your preferred or required style manual. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-leader-1','ezslot_18',149,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-leader-1-0');Hence, if you just want to see many animals but dont want to travel to other countries due to various reasons, zoos can also provide you with a great opportunity in this regard. Instead of keeping them in small cages, there is an effort to replicate the natural habitat to accommodate the natural instincts of each animal. 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. A joint conservation effort between the San Diego and Los Angeles Zoos with other organizations resulted in a population of 276 California condors in the wild and another 170 in captivity by 2016. Especially for those people, it can be quite important to go to the zoo and to see all those animals in order to remember how important protecting our environment really is. 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. Only use this feature if you are certain this user has infringed netivist's Terms of Service. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. In the face of sharp criticism and loud calls for zoos to be banned, many modern zoos state that their primary function is to breed endangered species and reintroduce them into the wild. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-box-4','ezslot_15',142,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-box-4-0');Zoos not only give us the opportunity to see many different animals, they are also important from an educational perspective. The animals are given special activities and nutrition that works with their instincts as well to give them the most natural existence possible. [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. Among others, articles have been cited by NPOs, Wikipedia, Medium.com as well as on several college websites and lifestyle blogs. 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. In fact, many animals in the wild lose their lives every year due to poaching since people want to sell the horns or other valuable parts of those animals for quite high prices. Your vote is anonymous. They opened in 1931. It changes the lifespan of the animals held in captivity. Explain your answer(s). Hence, you dont have to worry to go to the zoo from a social perspective since zoos are socially accepted in most countries of our planet. People working at zoos paid little attention to the concept of wildlife conservation or expanding our scientific understanding of the animal kingdom. protect many animals from endangerment or even from extinction, Personal Brand vs. Corporate Brand: 24 Key Pros & Cons, 24 Key Pros & Cons Of Investing In (Retro) Video Games, 34 Major Pros & Cons Of Investing In Comic Books, Gold Bars vs. Gold Coins: 23 Precious Pros & Cons, 31 Cool Pros & Cons Of Owning A Classic Car, 24 Key Pros & Cons Of Unemployment Benefits, 32 Key Pros & Cons Of Investing In Trading Cards, 30 Precious Pros & Cons Of Investing In Art, Zoos can help to protect endangered species, Zoos do not provide natural living conditions, Zoos can raise awareness on global problems, Zoos are problematic from an ethical view, Takes away the need to travel to see animals, Not possible to return animals to the wild. Most of us referred to these parks as a zoo. 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. You will not receive any promotional materials from third parties. WebWhy Zoos Should Be Banned Zoos should be banned because they are cruel to animals. Just login. Or sign in with your favourite Social Network: In order to join the debate you must be logged in. 21 Pros and Cons of Zoos By having these animals in zoos, there is another layer of protection given to these hunted species so that their survival chances are greater. Some people say zoos are safe to place for animals to live because they do not have to seek for food to survive. Is keeping animals in captivity a good way to ensure their future? Natural Habitat and Animal Rights 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. 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. A complete ban or more vigorous enforcement of standards would also protect these untrained workers from injury or death caused by unpredictable animal behavior. Putting aside these opposing views, it remains a sad reality that the welfare of zoo animals varies widely depending on where you are. Why the Difference Between Weather and Climate Matters. In fact, many people who live in big cities often lost their connection to nature. Do they really help preserve endangered species or it is more a business and a cruel source of entertainment? Specific programs at the zoological grounds encourage visitors to interact with the animals in unique ways. Consequently, going to the zoo can be a great way to spend your time in a completely different environment, which can also be helpful if you are currently rather bored with your daily life. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The difference can be as much as 50% when comparing the lifespan of a wild species compared to one kept in a zoo. When an incident causes an individual to fall into the enclosure of a wild animal, the facility will usually save the person by killing the animal. Zoos can also be a great destination for field trips. 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. The shocking evidence of animal abuse in some circuses, dolphinariums and zoos have pushed many environmental and wildlife activist groupsto campaign for the closure of many of the institutions that keep wild animals in captivity. If you visit the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans, then you can see a rare white alligator. 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. Please try again. Many zoos conduct such studies, and also run captive breeding programmes for endangered species. Your comment is being posted. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. ProCon/Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. If you wanted to visit the San Diego Zoo in 2019, then a one-day pass for an adult will set you back $50. If you are new to netivist, please create your account for free and start collecting your netivist points! Thus, by going to the zoo, people may be more eager to take additional efforts in their daily lives to behave as eco-friendly as possible, which is crucial to protect our animal and plant species from extinction and also to solve various other environmental problems.