While there are many advantages to zoos, there are also many problems related to those facilities. Unlike their natural habitats where they can freely roam, these establishments keep them confined. 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. 4. Zoos save endangered species by bringing them into a safe environment, where they are protected from poachers, habitat loss, starvation, and predators. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. By 2018, breeding programs at zoos increased the number to 2,400 horses, and 800 were reintroduced to the wild. 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. We are having trouble saving your comment. 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. Animals in zoos are often kept in small cages where they cannot roam freely or express natural behaviors. After the famous wildlife conservationist Geral Durrell opened a zoo in Jersey in 1959, zoos all over the world have embraced the mission of. 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. Animals receive care from specialized trainers in zoos. 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. The Chester and Whipsnade zoological parks where the first two non-urban zoos without cages and larger enclosures. 3. Opponents say wild animals should never be kept captive. This can not only save you plenty of money but also significant amounts of time. [30], Animal behaviorists often see zoo animals suffering from problems not seen in the wild, such as clinical depression in clouded leopards and gibbons, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in brown bears, and anxiety in giraffes. Vote to see result and collect 1 XP. A Critical Evaluation of the American Zoo and Aquarium Study, animalstudiesrepoistory.org, 2010, John H. Falk, et al., Why Zoos and Aquariums Matter: Assessing the Impact of a Visit to a Zoo or Aquarium, docplayer.net, 2007, Romesh Ranganathan, Zoos Are Prisons for Animals No One Needs to See a Depressed Penguin in the Flesh, theguardian.com, Mar. Zoos can do an excellent job at conservation if they make the effort, but far too often profit is the primary motivation. 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. 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. 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. [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. In fact, many people who live in big cities often lost their connection to nature. Zoos Do Not Offer Sufficient Space A tiger locked in its cage However, while those zoos may help to make some money for people in those regions, the conditions in those zoos are often rather poor since the goal is profit maximization and not to offer animals the best living conditions possible. In turn, chances are that those zoo animals are much unhappier compared to animals of the same species who live in the wild. When dealing with a predator species in particular, any children born in captivity cannot be released into the wild because they have no hunting or survival instincts. Please try again. However, through poaching, many animals have become endangered and may even become extinct in the near future. What Is Sustainable Development and Why Is It Necessary? When that possibility is no longer a choice, then this option might be the next best thing. Here are the proper bibliographic citations for this page according to four style manuals (in alphabetical order): [Editor's Note: The APA citation style requires double spacing within entries. Thus, zoos are also often not able to increase the populations of animals in the wild. Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. 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. However, I will not take any responsibility for incorrect information and will not be liable for any negative consequences that might occur due to the reliance on this information. These roadside zoos are consistently reported for neglect and severe animal mistreatment. In fact, those people often work in demanding office jobs for long hours and dont spend time in nature anymore. 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. One strong argument for why zoos should be banned is it is intrinsically wrong to place animals in captivity. Evidence of the existence of zoos and menageries can be traced back to ancient Egypt, circa 3500 BC. A zoo cannot provide the perfect environment for every type of animal. Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. Last modified on August 13, 2021. WebThe question whether animals should be kept in captivity or not is debated on many platforms and forums. 21 Pros and Cons of Zoos People wont protect what they dont love, and they cant love what they dont know. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. 3. A zoo cannot provide the perfect environment for every type of animal. 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. 2019, Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Visitor Demographics, aza.org (accessed May 7, 2019), Maury Brown, Why MLB Attendance Dropped below 70 Million for the First Time in 15 Years, forbes.com, Oct. 3, 2018, NHL, NHL Attendance (1975-76 through 2018-2019), records.nhl.com (accessed May. You will not receive any promotional materials from third parties. Environmental Conscience aims to provide unique high-quality content that is helpful to the reader. Let's take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of zoos before we make up our minds. 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. The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. What people do not know is animals don't have the best interest in being in a zoo. A zoo can provide a protected environment for rare and endangered species. When that possibility is no longer a choice, then this option might be the next best thing. 5. When the first modern zoo was established in London in the 19th century, the purpose was purely scientific. 21 Pros and Cons of Zoos 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. Where Do Mosquitoes Go in Winter and Why? No matter how closely programs like Planet Earth depict animals, nothing will match the bond of seeing them in real life. Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers. Among others, articles have been cited by NPOs, Wikipedia, Medium.com as well as on several college websites and lifestyle blogs. CON Zoos don't educate the public enough to justify keeping animals captive. As unbelievable as this sounds, it is happening, and something should be done to stop such actions in the future. From time to time, wild animals have to be caught and sent to zoos in order to sustain the populations of animals in zoos. ProCon/Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. Yes, there are several reasons why zoos are bad. There are times when wild animals should stay that way. Wanna make a contribution to save our environment? However, constraints like limited space and funds hinder this process. If it contains abusive or inappropriate language its author will be penalized. Let's take a look at the pros and cons and whether zoos should be allowed to stay in business. Author Bio Natalie Regoli is a child of God, devoted wife, and mother of two boys. If we want to save those species from extinction, we have to let them breed in safe environments like in zoos in order to protect them from other predator species. 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. Over 181 million people visit zoos and aquariums every year in the United States,and 25 million in the United Kingdom. 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. Zoos can be construed as a. Web1030 Words5 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. 20, 2017, US Fish & Wildlife Service, California Condor Population Information, fws.gov, May 7, 2018, Jan Flemr, Long Way Home as Przewalskis Horses Fly to Mongolia, phys.org, July 19, 2018, Jane Palmer, The Worlds Last Truly Wild Horse, bbc.com, Nov. 11, 2015, Lori Marino, et al., Do Zoos and Aquariums Promote Attitude Change in Visitors? Your comment is being posted. However, especially for those wild animals that know how life in the wild feels like, it can be quite hard to get trapped in zoos and those animals will likely never get happy. This advantage comes at the expense of the animals which are forced to spend their lives in an enclosure. Consider how you felt about the issue before reading this article. Zoos also pose a risk to animal health. 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. The contemporary zoo evolved from 19th century European zoos. Another pro of zoos is their role in animal reproduction. Many of them are reported every week in the media, however, the large majority are kept secret and those responsible are never held accountable or punished. This is due to the fact that many zoos are subsidized by the government in order to give as many people access to zoos as possible. The overall goal always remains the same; to ensure the best possible care for every animal in care. [24] [25], A review published in Animal Studies Repository concluded, to date there is no compelling or even particularly suggestive evidence for the claim that zoos and aquariums promote attitude change, education, and interest in conservation in visitors. Even a study widely cited to justify the argument that zoos educate the public stated, there was no overall statistically significant change in understanding [of ecological concepts] seen because visitors know a lot about ecology before going to the zoo. At the time, these institutions accommodated nearly 800,000 animals and 6,000 species, with around 1,000 on the endangered species list. Ever since there has been an increasing public concern about animal welfare in zoos. If you have four kids that you want to take there for the day, then you could be out $300 before you take your first step onto the grounds. Consequently, zoos can also be an important income source for many people in poor parts of our planet. 2. This is not only true for children, but also for many adults. There are continuous cases of animals abused by visitors and zoo workers. At least 37 countries have banned or restricted the sale of cosmetics with ingredients tested on animals, including nations in the European Union. WebThey dont have to worry about safety in zoos as they are well taken care of. Create your account for free. It places enormous pressure on the mental health of many species, causing them to live much shorter lives than they would in the wild. Zoos receive regular inspections on multiple levels to ensure they are in compliance with care and safety regulations. Specific programs at the zoological grounds encourage visitors to interact with the animals in unique ways. They also lack the everyday social interactions they would experience in the wild. This can lead to boredom, frustration, and mental health problems. 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. In fact, every animal is different and needs individual treatment. 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. procon@eb.com, 2022 Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Congrats you just reached a new level on Netivist. 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. Accessed February 21, 2023. https://www.procon.org/headlines/zoos-top-3-pros-and-cons/, Eight Reasons Zoos Are Good for Conservation, National Geographic, Zoo, nationalgeographic.org (accessed May 8, 2019), Schnbrunn Palace, Zoo, schoenbrunn.at (accessed Apr. For example, the veterinary staff at the Bronx Zoo in New York alerted health officials of the presence of West Nile Virus. The oldest still operating zoo in the world, Tiergarten Schnbrunn in Vienna, opened in 1752. Zoos also pose a risk to animal health. Push for the position and policies you support by writing US national senators and representatives. Let's take a look at the pros and cons and whether zoos should be allowed to stay in business. Zoos can also be a great destination for field trips. Live feeding, often touted as positive since it encourages normal predatory behaviors, has a notable downside. 2021. There are many problems that come with keeping animals in zoos. Thus, going to the zoo can give you a great time and can be a nice way to unplug from your stressful daily life. 1. Putting aside these opposing views, it remains a sad reality that the welfare of zoo animals varies widely depending on where you are. Most people working in zoos are true animal lovers. The best natural habitat enclosures are a poor substitute for the real thing. Zoos can also play a crucial role when it comes to research opportunities. 1. 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. If your thoughts have not changed, list two to three ways your better understanding of the other side of the issue now helps you better argue your position. Another 23 jobs were supported for every $1 million that zoos spent on construction projects. Most of us referred to these parks as a zoo. This article was published on August 13, 2021, at Britannicas ProCon.org, a nonpartisan issue-information source. 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. (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. Many zoos conduct such studies, and also run captive breeding programmes for endangered species. [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. 12, 2018, Brandon McClung, NFL Attendance Lowest since 10 Despite Chargers Rebound, sportsbusinessdaily.com, Jan. 2, 2019, Andrew Moss, Eric Jensen, and Markus Gusset, Evaluating the Contribution of Zoos and Aquariums to Aichi Biodiversity Target 1,Conservation Biology, Aug. 22, 2014, Robin Ganzert, Zoos Save Species Visit One This World Wildlife Day, thehill.com, Mar. Growing urbanization and industrialization led to heightened demand for new forms of entertainment. Another significant downside of zoos is that animals can often not be returned to the wild after they had been kept in captivity. Additional rare animals which receive protection in U.S. zoos include the Addax, Amur tiger, Borneo elephant, and the Pacific walrus. Please consider making a small donation today. WebZoos may also be problematic from an ethical perspective Lack of regulation of zoos in many countries Often not possible to return animals to the wild Some zoos are quite crowded Opponents claim that zoos are just for human amusement Shorter life expectancy of animals in zoos Some wild animals have to be caught to bring them to the zoo A childs ticket is going to cost you $46. WebCons of zoos Animal cruelty in zoos continues to be extremely common. When that possibility is no longer a choice, then this option might be the next best thing. However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence. In the late 20th century, the narrative changed again to the conservation of animals to stave off extinction. 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. According to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the US had 230 accredited zoos and aquariums as of 2020. About 15 out of the 5 million animals currently alive are believed to have this rare condition that changes the color of their skin. There are many problems that come with keeping animals in zoos. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. Do the cons of zoos outweight their benefits? Many animals in zoos also have a significantly lower life expectancy compared to animals who live in the wild. [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. In fact, due to quite poor living conditions, many animals in zoos develop serious mental issues over time. [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. By keeping populations of animals and conducting wild repopulation, zoos can help preserve species in danger from climate change. Many zoos conduct such studies, and also run captive breeding programmes for endangered species. 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. 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. Proponents say zoos educate the public about animals. Zoos study, Animals in captivity are deprived of many things that are important to them, as a result they become lonely and bored. For some cute marsupial, bear or cat-like faces that you might not get to see in a zoo either, check out our list of the 15 cutest exotic animals in the world! For every $1 million spent by zoos on their operational outlays, there were nearly 30 jobs supported. 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. 1. That means many animals suffer in extreme weather conditions (polar bears in hot regions, for example) they would otherwise never encounter. Thus, it is crucial that we protect those animals from poachers in order to assure a viable future for them. WebThe question whether animals should be kept in captivity or not is debated on many platforms and forums. In fact, many people only realize how important it really is to behave environmentally-friendly once they see all those fascinating 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. Heres Why, nationalgeographic.com, Mar. They are simply, From an ethical point of view zoos are also questionable. Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers. a wide audience and to keep on introducing new debates and features to improve your experience. 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. By having these animals in zoos, there is another layer of protection given to these hunted species so that their survival chances are greater. Zoos provide specialized care for the animals that are kept on the grounds. Some animals travel more than 50 miles per day as they wander about their wild habitat. In fact, the USDA states that allowing visitors to handle animals like baby tigers or lions violates the Animal Welfare Act. Orcas can live for more than a century on their own, but when you keep them in captivity, the average lifespan for a male is less than 20 years. Przewalskis horse is a success story for zoos because this species was believed to be extinct in the wild. WebShould Zoos Be Banned Essay. Some elephant herds in the wild can grow to become 40 members strong. These facilities can provide an educational resource to their community. Please let us know! One of them is the confined spaces where the animals are forced to live in. Although there are efforts to replicate a wild habitat, a small display area is hardly the same as being free to roam. The contemporary debate about zoos tends to focus on animal welfare on both sides, whether zoos protect animals or imprison them.