Environmental Conscience aims to provide unique high-quality content that is helpful to the reader. Our whole ecosystem is also the life cycle of every living This is due to the fact that many zoos want to keep as many animals as possible to show them to the general public. Thanks. Because poaching activities qualify as criminal conduct, most attempts are thwarted. Animals are not always caged in zoos. Zoos are an unsuitable environment for wild animals and should be abolished. In fact, many zoos are rather free regarding how they want to treat their animals and in some countries, animals are even just considered as property instead of living organisms that need proper regulatory protection. This can lead to boredom, frustration, and mental health problems. Especially if you have children, it can be quite nice to go to the zoo and to see many different animals. 4, 2018, Zoo Atlanta, Representative Research, zooatlanta.org (accessed May 8, 2019), Bronx Zoo, Bridging the Gap, bronxzoo.com (accessed May 8, 2019), Emma Marris, "Modern Zoos Are Not Worth the Moral Cost,: nytimes.com, June 11, 2021, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, "Currently Accredited Zoos and Aquariums," aza.org, Apr. We are having trouble saving your comment. Why the Difference Between Weather and Climate Matters. The size and complexity of the zoo system and the vast range of animals in their care mean this problem cant be solved easily. Vote to see result and collect 1 XP. Our whole ecosystem is also the life cycle of every living Vote and explain your view on whether zoos are necessary or should be banned. Continue with Recommended Cookies. There are now wild herds in Europe and Mongolia, closely monitored by scientists, which are thriving. Since the overall living conditions for animals are often quite poor in zoos, opponents of zoos also often claim that most zoos are cruel and should be closed. If we have to live under unnatural conditions, we also develop mental issues and the same is true for animals of many sorts. Zoos can also be a great destination for field trips. 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. Where Do Mosquitoes Go in Winter and Why? You will also see the staff members from local zoos making presentations at local schools and businesses to raise awareness for what they do. 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. Opponents of zoos often claim that zoos are just in place for human amusement. As unbelievable as this sounds, it is happening, and something should be done to stop such actions in the future. Do the cons of zoos outweight their benefits? 5, 2018, Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Currently Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, aza.org, Apr. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/zoo/, https://oakleesguide.com/10-tips-for-an-awesome-zoo-trip/. Another significant upside of zoos is that they can protect animals from poaching. There are thousands of them around the world, with every continent except Antarctica hosting at least one. Congrats you just reached a new level on Netivist. How can we effectively protect the natural world? Because poaching activities qualify as criminal conduct, most attempts are thwarted. WebThey dont have to worry about safety in zoos as they are well taken care of. WebThey dont have to worry about safety in zoos as they are well taken care of. 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. Zoo advocates maintain that their efforts make a difference in wildlife conservation and will continue to have a positive environmental impact well into the future. In fact, many children love to go to the zoo and it can also be a great location for school excursions since going to the zoo is rather risk-free and teachers may not have to worry too much due to that. 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. [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. While some zoos are quite profitable and make good money, other zoos rely on donations and government subsidies in order to survive. If they dont follow the rules, they essentially go out of business. Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. Web1030 Words5 Pages. 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. 10 Reasons Why Zoos Are Bad and Should Be Banned Also, one of the biggest reasons zoos exist is not for helping animals in danger, but in fact breeding them for human enjoyment. There are times when wild animals should stay that way. However, today on Earth due to population growth and urbanization many animal species are endangered and most people have very few opportunities to observe and learn from animals. This article was published on August 13, 2021, at Britannicas ProCon.org, a nonpartisan issue-information source. Deem, Zoos and Public Health: A Partnership on the One Health Frontier,One Health, Nov. 23, 2016, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, 10 Endangered Species Saved from Extinction by Zoos, medium.com, May 18, 2017, Association of Zoos & Aquariums, AZA and Animal Program Conservation Initiatives, aza.org (accessed Apr. [11], Robin Ganzert, PhD, President and CEO of American Humane, stated, zoos provide people, especially impressionable children, with the opportunity to see these remarkable animals up close. [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. Opponents say wild animals should never be kept captive. 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. Pros and Cons of Owning an Exotic Animal Animal Adovocacy Organizations to Partner With 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. How to Tell and What to Do, The Best Fertilizer for Indoor Plants and When to Use It, 7 Eco-Friendly Resorts for Sustainable Travelers, Where & How to Recycle Laptops and Why Its So Important, Everyday Palm Oil Products and Sustainable Alternatives, 6 Solutions to Deforestation and What You Can Do, The 15 Cutest Exotic Animals in the World. There are additional pros and cons of zoos that are essential to consider as well. Another problem of zoos is that animals often only have rather limited space to move. Only a dozen individuals were left in one facility by the 1940s, but their numbers are now in the thousands today because of the conservation programs that were initiated to save them. In many zoos, there are also some animal shows and it may be indeed questionable whether treating animals in these ways can be justifiable. Heres Why, nationalgeographic.com, Mar. Most of us referred to these parks as a zoo. 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. This could mean that they ship animals from one zoo to another in case it makes sense. 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. 7. As I went to university and got my Masters degree in Economics, I did plenty of research in the field of Development Economics. 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. Unlike their natural habitats where they can freely roam, these establishments keep them confined. 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. (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. Furthermore, zoos often harbor non-native species unacclimatized to the local environment. 916 Words4 Pages. Zoos have more visitors than the combined attendance of the four major sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL). Follow us on Instagram or Twitter! Live feeding, often touted as positive since it encourages normal predatory behaviors, has a notable downside. The ethical dilemma around keeping wild animals in captivity is significant. Chicago, Illinois 60654 USA, Natalie Leppard Some species have been poached to near extinction because of this market. 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. What we see is a process that eventually leads towards domestication, which is why it is a struggle for injured or wild animals to finish out their lives in a zoo. These facilities can provide an educational resource to their community. Zoos also pose a risk to animal health. 7. People working at zoos paid little attention to the concept of wildlife conservation or expanding our scientific understanding of the animal kingdom. When that possibility is no longer a choice, then this option might be the next best thing. 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. In fact, psyche plays a major role for the life expectancy of many animals and if those animals get tired of their lives in zoos, chances are that their overall life expectancy drops as well. In fact, those people often work in demanding office jobs for long hours and dont spend time in nature anymore. However, despite good intentions and considerable financial effort, the concept of zoos is nonetheless seriously problematic. Zoos also pose a risk to animal health. 23, 2019), Krista Langlois, Something Mysterious Is Killing Captive Gorillas, theatlantic.com, Mar. There are residency programs, veterinarian internships, and a variety of other educational opportunities which allow for a high level of treatment for the conditions which may development. 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. Should animals be kept in captivity? As an associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon or other programs. Ever since there has been an increasing public concern about animal welfare in zoos. 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. These are the most common arguments in favor and against zoos. That means many animals suffer in extreme weather conditions (polar bears in hot regions, for example) they would otherwise never encounter. Of 77 elephants in 13 zoos, 71 were overweight and spent 83% of their time indoors, contributing to early death. Proponents say zoos educate the public about animals. 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. [37] [38] [39], Corroboree frogs, eastern bongos, regent honeyeaters, Panamanian golden frogs, Bellinger River snapping turtles, golden lion tamarins, and Amur leopards, among others, have been saved from extinction by zoos. When the first modern zoo was established in London in the 19th century, the purpose was purely scientific. 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. Do you think zoos are necessary? Human-Environment Interaction: Definition & Examples, 30 Team-Building Activities for Kids (Indoor & Outdoor), 25 Outdoor Team Building Activities for Group Bonding, 3 Homemade Heating Pad DIYs to Warm Up Your Winter, How to Make a Bird Box With Easy Customizations, DIY Baking Soda Vinegar Foot Soak For Tired Feet. Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers. 2. Elephants become more aggressive when they are unable to travel and explore, which is caused zookeepers to euthanize almost 100 individuals in the past decade because of the danger they caused to others. 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. This article was published on August 13, 2021, at Britannicas ProCon.org, a nonpartisan issue-information source. Only use this feature if you are certain this user has infringed netivist's Terms of Service. Zoos also give us a unique opportunity to see many different exotic animals without the need to travel to many exotic countries. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. WebZoos have been around for 4,000 years, for many years people have gone to zoos to see wild animals up close. 3. 9. Zoos pose several risks that particularly affect animals. Polar bears, for example, had an infant mortality rate of 65% due to small enclosures. 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. The oldest still operating zoo in the world, Tiergarten Schnbrunn in Vienna, opened in 1752. Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers. The overall goal always remains the same; to ensure the best possible care for every animal in care. Ten Days That Vanished: The Switch to the Gregorian Calendar, https://www.britannica.com/story/pro-and-con-zoos. They also lack the everyday social interactions they would experience in the wild. In fact, similar to circuses, animals are often treated quite poorly in zoos and have to comply with the rules of zookeepers. [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. Many animals in zoos also have a significantly lower life expectancy compared to animals who live in the wild. As of Apr. Zoos receive regular inspections on multiple levels to ensure they are in compliance with care and safety regulations. Source: This image was created for netivist.org. These roadside zoos are consistently reported for neglect and severe animal mistreatment. What people do not know is animals don't have the best interest in being in a zoo. The animals would then be transferred to zoos where the proper care would be given to them. 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. 10 Reasons Why Zoos Are Bad and Should Be Banned Also, one of the biggest reasons zoos exist is not for helping animals in danger, but in fact breeding them for human enjoyment. Should zoos be banned facts. Polar bears dont do well in tropical locations, even when they receive ice as a coping mechanism for the climate. Another issue with zoos is that there is often also only insufficient regulation of zoos in many countries of our planet. 4. Exotic pet cats may seem like a good idea, but these. This can not only save you plenty of money but also significant amounts of time. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. [1] [2], The contemporary zoo evolved from 19th century European zoos. Analyze Eight Reasons Zoos Are Good for Conservation from conservation scientist James Borrell. See also how much gasoline is in a barrel of oil Are zoos good or bad for animals pros and cons? As unbelievable as this sounds, it is happening, and something should be done to stop such actions in the future. WebReasons Why Zoos Should Be Banned Therefore, zoos should be banned because they are very cruel to animals. Many people also go to the zoo in order to relax and to see something completely different compared to their normal daily life. Is keeping animals in captivity a good way to ensure their future? As a result of the 2013 documentary Blackfish, which exposed the psychological damage done to orcas by SeaWorld, California outlawed captive orca breeding. (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. 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. While there are many advantages of zoos, opponents of zoos often claim that zoos only offer unnatural environments for animals. WebZoos have been around for 4,000 years, for many years people have gone to zoos to see wild animals up close. Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. Controversy has historically surrounded zoos, from debates over displaying exotic humans in exhibits to zookeepers not knowing what to feed animals. According to organizations like the World Society for the Protection of Animals and The Humane Society of the United States, restrictive cages and enclosures affect normal animal behavior and sometimes lead to shorter lifespans. Consider how you felt about the issue before reading this article. WebIn conclusion, zoos should be abolished because they are unethical, cause animal suffering, and are unnecessary in today's society. For example, the veterinary staff at the Bronx Zoo in New York alerted health officials of the presence of West Nile Virus. Consequently, zoos may not protect our animal species from extinction at all, especially if those animals are kept under rather poor conditions and are therefore not willing to reproduce in a sufficient manner. 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. This issue is indirectly related to environmental problems and is the source of heated debates taking place the world over. In general, if animals are kept under unnatural living conditions, their behavior will change in the long run. In the US, California More Animal Pros and Cons; Should zoos exist? 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. In fact, the overall setting and also the visual appearance greatly differs across zoos and in case you get bored by your favorite zoo, you may just try another zoo. 10 Reasons Why Zoos Are Bad and Should Be Banned Also, one of the biggest reasons zoos exist is not for helping animals in danger, but in fact breeding them for human enjoyment. Although the initial methods of retrieval were brutal, sometimes killing the parents to take the young one back for study, the overall goal was to extend human knowledge. Zoos have a significant financial benefit for their communities. 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. Join with confidence, netivist is completely advertisement free. You can find animal treatment teams including specialists, pathologies, and trainers to ensure that every care plan is followed to the letter. As such, reptile houses, aviaries, and insectariums were added with animals grouped taxonomically, to move zoos beyond the spectacle of big, scary animals. 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. 3. Are you experiencing any technical problem with netivist? While zoos spend millions on keeping animals confined, natural habitats are destroyed and animals are killed, as theres insufficient funding for their protection. 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. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. To access extended pro and con arguments, sources, and discussion questions about whether zoos should exist, go to ProCon.org. WebShould Zoos Be Banned Essay. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_20',189,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Another benefit of zoos is that people may also behave eco-friendlier after they went to the zoo. Let's take a look at the pros and cons and whether zoos should be allowed to stay in business. Natural Habitat and Animal Rights They attract more than 200 million visitors annually, with special educational programs designed specifically for school groups. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. The animals always look miserable in captivity [T]he idea that kids only get excited about things they can see in the flesh is ridiculous.