Reintroduced animals have a hard time coping with life in the wild after long periods away. It gets even worse for the animal if the trainer is impatient, the poor beast will have to endure beatings over commands they dont understand. Big cats, such as lions and tigers, used in circuses are forced to live in tiny cages that are transported across the country. They are contained in small spaces, often made docile through drugs and other medications, and slowly strip away all autonomy and freedom from all animals. For privacy policy and ad & cookie policy information, visit our Privacy Policy pages. The lawsuit asserts the agency must be able to remove animals if the USDA has deemed the facility unable to provide minimum standards of care set out by the Animal Welfare Act. [WATCH], Armored Dinosaur Magnificently Preserved After Face, Skin, Spikes Survived Fossilization. Reasons Why Animals Should not Be Kept in Zoos - GradesFixer Early in the pandemic, the Neumunster Zoo in northern Germany coolly announced an emergency plan to cope with lost revenue by feeding some animals to other animals, compressing the food chain at the zoo like an accordion, until in the worst-case scenario, only Vitus, a polar bear, would be left standing. How Does Saving Water Help Climate Change? What people can do: Justin Gillis and Hal Harvey describe the types of local activismthat might be needed, while Saul Griffith points to how Australia shows the way on rooftop solar. An example of this is a snake that will bite whatever is threatening them since they are not as good at running away as other animals. Animal Legal Defense Fund,National Headquarters The Animal Welfare Act: The Animal Welfare Act, or AWA, is the primary piece of federal legislation regulating captive wild animals. A species protected in captivity provides a reservoir population against a population crash or extinction in the wild. The real question is, how can we change things? That's how animals living in captivity feel. Reasons why people think keeping animals in zoos is bad for their welfare: the animal is deprived of its natural habitat; the animal may not have enough room; the animal is deprived of its natural . Help inform others by writing letters to your local newspapers and posting to social media. They argue that no animal should be forced to spend their life in an unnatural environment and perform. Older menageries existed as far back as 2500 BCE, in Mesopotamia. The other argument zoos commonly make is that they educate the public about animals and develop in people a conservation ethic. All of these animals are well studied and have a plethora of documentaries and video footage of them in the wild. However, the truth is that no enclosure can come close to matching the vastness of an animals natural environment. Watching these is a much healthier and more educational way to learn about wild animals than visiting a local zoo. With their apes, elephants, big cats, and other large and smart species gone, they could expand enclosures for the rest of the animals, concentrating on keeping them lavishly happy until their natural deaths. Animals need physical stimulation and a level of interaction with nature that we, as humans, cannot understand, let alone interpret and recreate. This paper is going to discuss why animals should not be kept in captivity. Mr. Fisher is a photographer based in New York. In contrast, those nesting animals or cornered ones will try to defend themselves if being approached to protect their young. Do not reproduce without permission. Animals are forced to live in artificial habitats that arent anywhere close to their former homes (the wild). As a result, many animals at zoos may die prematurely from stress or illness. There are a number of reasons why animals should not be kept in captivity. Trading in Wild Animals: Every year, thousands of animals enter the captive wild animal trade. Id like to think these kids, now in their early 20s, are working for a conservation organization somewhere. When in their natural environments, wild animals are not used to being confronted by humans. There is an undeniable thrill, seeing animals in zoos, circuses, movies, television shows, and amusement parks. However, through education and informative motions for change, we can make change the way zoos are run. Once the ground has been left with no coverage, soil erosion will be the next step. According toAnimal Behavior: Resources for Applied Ethology, fleeing or running away is the most popular reaction of animals towards humans. There are a great many negative effects of zoos on animals.When we visit zoos, we can see they often go to great lengths in order to recreate the animals natural habitats. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/11/opinion/zoos-animal-cruelty.html, Photographs by Peter Fisher for The New York Times. Captive animals need better laws, and better enforcement of those laws. Should Animals Be Kept in Zoos? | The Minimalist Vegan A largely unregulated trend is the hybrid breeding of wild cats with house cats, with predictably disastrous consequences. In states without tight enough regulation, local jurisdictions oftentimes adopt ordinances that ban or restrict the display of captive wild animals. People are always attracted to exotic animals such as grizzlies, lions, wolves, tigers, and alligators among others. Sadly, once the small animals outgrow their cute phase, the zoo has to get rid of them since feeding and housing them all can get expensive. They are removed from their natural habitats and confined to small limited spaces and often forced to perform tricks or entertain visitors. Why the world needs zoos | Dr Dave Hone | The Guardian Should animals be kept in captivity? - The Current The Animal Legal Defense Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. WHY ANIMALS SHOULD NOT BE KEPT IN CAPTIVITY By "Phillip" Hungry, depressed, and unable to connect. Such a transformation might free up some space. Regardless of the merits or ethics of zoos, one thing's for certain: they're going to be around for some years yet. There is more to natural environments than just looks. Mr. Hribal documented many stories of elephants making a run for it in one case repairing to a nearby woods with a pond for a mud bath. Profits are also gained through the selling of animals to other zoos or circuses. "Animals in zoos suffer tremendously, both physically and mentally. Infringing the rights of individuals because it benefits the species is wrong because a species is not an. Now, Alex writes full-time, and when hes not working on an article, hes knee-deep in writing fiction. Animals in captivity can struggle to adapt to their new environment. This is particularly true if the animal is there for entertainment. The practice of killing surplus animals is kept quiet by zoos, but it happens, especially in Europe. See Related: Importance of Wildlife Conservation. Many zoos conduct such studies, and also run captive breeding programmes for endangered species. Articles on why animals should not be kept in zoos. Why Animals PETA isn't alone. WorldAnimalFoundation.org, Today's Deal: $300 Discount on Halo 2+ GPS Dog Collar. In 2014, the director of the E.A.Z.A. Four of the zoos and the aquarium in New York City, for instance, are managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society, which is involved in conservation efforts around the world. Increasingly, animals were presented with the distasteful fact of their imprisonment visually elided. A Brief History of Zoos . That doesnt mean there havent been criticisms. However, it does not change the fundamental fact that as the world changes, we must also become more aware of the darker side of such animal sanctuaries. Existing animal protection laws do not actually consider the true ramifications of captivity. This goes to the detriment of the animals in zoos and puts them at risk of receiving inadequate care. They are used to collect exotic pets from owners who are looking to get rid of them. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram. Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage! Why Are Puppy Mills Bad: The Numerous Reasons Why They Must Be Stopped And How You, yes you, Can Help! Copyright 2023 The Science Times. Zoo owners go to great lengths to build enclosures that have a wild aesthetic and give paying visitors a taste of the wild world. For example, the law does not restrict the display or private ownership of captive wild animals or prohibit the use of controversial bullhooks, whips, electrical shock or other devices commonly used in circuses. Personally speaking, Ive been to zoos in Sydney, Australia, and all over the UK. Learn More. People assume that because an animal can move great distances that they would choose to do that. If they have everything they need nearby, he argued, they would be happy with smaller territories. Opinion | Zoos Are Bad for Animals - The New York Times Zoos can be productive when it comes to reviving an animal species on the brink of extinction. Look out for the GFAS seal of approval. An animals worth is only equal to the attraction it offers to visitors. The Los Angeles Zoo has used Celexa, an antidepressant, to control aggression in one of its chimps. In fact, while animals will have almost unlimited space in the wild, they are often caged in rather confined areas in zoos. Severe arthritis and foot infections are common in captive elephants due to standing on hard, unnatural surfaces all day without room to roam. This isnt always guaranteed since the breeding practices could be insufficient or even produce animals that are not suitable for survival in the wild. Cleaners and feeders spend a lot of time with the animals, and understanding the situation one is getting into can be very helpful. This alone increases the risk of disease, as animals are exposed to viruses they have never encountered before. Some of the captive-born animals are not capable of sustaining themselves in the wild and they could pass on these genes dooming the whole species in that region. The AWA establishes only baseline standards of care for licensing exhibitors. The same applies to elephants. Your email address will not be published. CITES does not directly address living conditions for captive animals. Lack of Sufficient Space No matter how dedicated a zoo is, it can't meet the space requirements for most of its animals. However, few people stop and actively consider why zoos are bad. Animals live in cruel conditions, confined to small cages without the enrichment they need to lead full, happy lives. One of the best examples of this advantage is the Przewalski's horse. Local laws are often most effective in governing the private possession of exotic animals. The fewer than two dozen non-participants include North Korea, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Turkmenistan. Why zoos are good | Zoology | The Guardian Thousands of animals are captured and put in zoos and aquariums for tourist attractions every year. Many suffer from arthritis and other joint problems from standing on hard surfaces; elephants kept alone become desperately lonely; and all zoo elephants suffer mentally from being cooped up in tiny yards while their free-ranging cousins walk up to 50 miles a day. In normalizing captivity zoos, and teaching animals to perform tricks for human entertainment, zoos and animal sanctuaries are spreading the message that animal captivity to normal, healthy, and fully acceptable. Students and the general public get a chance to learn about different species of animals. However, the truth remains that zoos often have insufficient knowledge of the animals they are housing. As we snap a selfie by the sea lions for the first time in so long, it seems worth asking, after our collective ordeal, whether our pleasure in seeing wild animals up close is worth the price of their captivity. The ongoing extinction crises shows that zoos are needed - even for common species. The surpluses are then sold off to zoos, aquariums, or even circuses. The role of our leaders: Writing at the end of 2020, Al Gore, the 45th vice president of the United States, found reasons for optimismin the Biden presidency, a feeling perhaps borne out by the passing of major climate legislation. Theyre generally small menageries where wild and exotic animals like lions, tigers, monkeys, wolves, and others are kept in captivity, and often suffer badly. Cons of zoos Animal cruelty in zoos continues to be extremely common. Elephants, lions, tigers, rhinos, and such. [WATCH]. This becomes a major blow to the biodiversity of the affected region. An orangutan at the Omaha Zoo kept wire for lock-picking hidden in his mouth. Lack of learning valuable animal life skills such as hunting and social structures eventually leads to the alteration of the said animals behavior. says that its members host more than 50 reintroduction programs for species listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Nevertheless, a vast majority of zoo animals (there are 800,000 animals of 6,000 species in the A.Z.A.s zoos alone) will spend their whole lives in captivity, either dying of old age after a lifetime of display or by being culled as surplus.. Some roadside zoos declaw tiger and lion cubs a serious surgical procedure in which a cats toes are amputated at the last joint. Animals are often bored and, as a result, some become aggressive and can lash out at other animals or zookeepers. Unfortunately using real animals for these purposes involves tremendous cruelty. Animals in the wild are naturally shy to humans. Declawing is extremely painful and causes permanent disability. We use cookies to help ensure the best experience on our website. But this is not the norm. At the Los Angeles Zoo, a gorilla named Evelyn escaped seven times in 20 years. The educational day out model of zoos endured until the late 20th century, when zoos began actively rebranding themselves as serious contributors to conservation. The worst climate risks, mapped: In this feature, select a country, and we'll break down the climate hazards it faces. Copyrights 2023. The forerunners of the modern zoo, open to the public and grounded in science, took shape in the 19th century. In 2018, the Eighth Circuit issued a unanimous decision in Cricket Hollows appeal of that case, that it can be a violation of the Endangered Species Act when captive animals arent given proper care. Even though they might be getting enough food, if your animals are not okay mentally they might still not live to their full potential. See Related: Most Comfortable Animals in The World. The AWA only applies to some captive wild animals. However, looking back as an adult with a world-savvy eye, there is far more to animal captivity than meets the eye. In zoos, elephants are often given a small outside enclosure and an internal house. This is nowhere near enough space to provide an elephant with a life comparable to that of its wild counterparts. It is impossible to read these stories without concluding that these animals wanted out. zoos is usually not more than 200 animals per year, the organization said.) Deforestation will be the next problem when animals such as moose, elks, and deer start eating everything even young trees. For some animals in zoos, the shock of their relocation alone can be fatal. The sale of excess animals to traveling roadside zoos is another big problem. Our EIN number is 94-2681680. However, when the animals being culled arent in demand, they might find themselves facing death. He also found many examples of zoo elephants hurting or killing their keepers and evidence that zoos routinely downplayed or even lied about those incidents. The polar bears in Winnipeg have disco poo. Living collections were often presented in taxonomic order, with various species of the same family grouped together, for comparative study. (The culling of mammals specifically in E.A.Z.A. Many zoos fail to provide the required minimum standard of care, Zoos dont replicate animals natural habitats, Zoos teach people that animal captivity is acceptable, Animal protection laws are not strong enough, Many visitors disturb and disrespect the animals, Zoo animals are often drugged to be kept calm. Most zoos dont focus on the educational aspect of zoos; the animals are mainly kept for amusement. I have written before about the importance of zoos and the role they have to play in the world for conservation . I once overheard two schoolchildren at the Smithsonians National Zoo in Washington confess to each other that they had assumed that elephants were mythical animals like unicorns before seeing them in the flesh. But many animals clearly show us that they do not enjoy captivity. Today's zoos are extremely important to saving wild animals and their habitats. But it's clear, say welfare specialists, that captivity can compromise orcas' health. 7 reasons why animals in captivity deserve freedom. 32 Important Pros & Cons Of Zoos - E&C This can have huge negative effects on the environment in many adverse ways. Many animals in zoos are not used to confinement. Whats Causing Their Decline? Forests Under Threat: A Comprehensive Look at the Latest Deforestation Statistics, Puppy Mills vs. What could these zoos do with it, besides enlarging enclosures? I dont see any problem with holding animals for display, Mr. Ashe told me. That's not a record that justifies tens of millions of wild animals kept in zoos. Lawsuit to Force USDA to Recognize Its Authority to Take Possession of Animals Upon License Revocation, Demanding USDA Strengthen and Enforce AWA Licensees Recordkeeping Requirement for All Animal Deaths, Demanding USDA Revoke Animal Welfare Act License from Pennsylvania Roadside Zoo Claws N Paws, Big Cat Public Safety Act Passes the U.S. Senate in Victory for Animals, USDA to Strengthen Tracking of Animal Deaths at Licensed Facilities Following Legal Petition, Lawsuit Seeks to Force USDA to Recognize Its Authority to Take Possession of Animals When Agency Revokes Licenses. Giraffes endlessly flick their tongues. When the caretakers are not well informed about the animals they are to be taking care of, it can be problematic. (707) 795-2533 |info@aldf.org This relocation alone can come as a large shock and wreak havoc on the animals mental health. Ms. Marris is an environmental writer and the author of the forthcoming book Wild Souls: Freedom and Flourishing in the Non-Human World.. See Related: Best Books on Endangered Species. But whether recent events have triggered a profound shift in public consciousness is harder to . Writing at the end of 2020, Al Gore, the 45th vice president of the United States. Here are my eight reasons why zoos are critical to conservation: 1. Bears, lions, and other animals languish in roadside zoos across the country. Fighting is a sign that they are threatened, especially when an animal has no way of getting away quickly. Polar bears have one million times less space. All Rights Reserved. Once again, a change of this magnitude can cause captive animals to exhibit changing behaviors, which include self-destructive acts and unrelenting restlessness. See Related: Endangered Species in Oklahoma. T he video above shows the tragic reality of how animals in captivity are mistreated and never get to experience freedom, or live how they were . Some 5,800 species of animals are covered by the treaty (along with 30,000 species of plants). There is considerable variation from state to state and among cities and counties, as to how much legal protection is offered to captive wild animals. Wild animals have certain behaviors that are uniquely influenced by their environments. The A.Z.A.s policies allow for the euthanasia of animals, but the president of the association, Dan Ashe, told me, its very rarely employed by his member institutions. However, this is often not much more than an illusion for the customer. Mr. Ashe, a former director of the U.S. worldanimalfoundation.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and Other Programs, an affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the Partners. They could either bite, peck, scratch, kick, or flap their wings. Are Zoos Ethical? Arguments for and Against Zoos - Treehugger I remember well the awe and joy on their faces, 15 years later. The Convention On International Trade In Endangered Species Of Wild Fauna And Flora (CITES): CITES is an international treaty that regulates the trade of wildlife for nations that are signatories to the treaty. 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. However, only a certain number of each species are really needed, and so should breeding result in a sharp increase, these numbers are reduced via various methods. Ive heard and read some of their stories. Zoos also have the power to euthanize their animals when they themselves deem it permissible. Your email address will not be published. This support of the exotic pet trade also results in a lot of preventable animal deaths. Animals are stressed when they get separated from their packs or herds, especially when they end up as the only one of their kind in their new homes. Unfortunately, this is done under the guise of conservation and to protect endangered species. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. Most zoos or animal sanctuaries dont have the space or the facilities to truly recreate the wild. Zoos are a part of culture across the world. These standards set a low bar and are widely considered to be sub-par in protecting animals. Tigers and lions have around 18,000 times less space in zoos than they would in the wild. Many zoos create attractive enclosures to attract visitors. We have good models of captive wild animal protection laws outside of this country as well. Their death can be caused by either: lack of space, physical problems, diet, and PTSD. Animals such as lions, elephants, and tigers dont get even close to one percent of the area they roam in the wild. For example, a lion might have a hard time adjusting to hunting for its meals when it has spent years being fed and lazing around. In addition, when animals are removed from their natural habitats, they are also removed from their family structure and social hierarchy. Wildlife experts said that the incident was just another proof that wild animals should not be kept captive because it would not happen had the dolphin was only in the wild. A study by Bristol University found that many British zoos fail to provide animals with the required minimum standard of care. Keeping animals in captivity can prevent their extinction. Running a successful zoo is about drawing in visitors as much as it is caring for animals. The Toledo Zoo has dosed zebras and wildebeest with the antipsychotic haloperidol to keep them calm and has put an orangutan on Prozac. Mr. Hagenbecks model was widely influential. Another time, one of the orangutans, Kumang, learned how to use sticks to ground the current in the electrical wire around her enclosure. Existing refuges often do allow visitors, but their facilities are really arranged for the animals, not for the people. Animals are forced to sleep, eat, and defecate in the same small area. As long as there is demand should zoos exist essay them, zoos will continue to exist. Elephants figure prominently in his book, in part because they are so big that when they escape it generally makes the news. State laws vary considerably, with some states banning the ownership of wild and exotic animals while others have virtually no regulation whatsoever. For animals in zoos, the AWA sets low requirements as to housing, food and sanitation, and, as is commonly noted, no requirements for mental stimulation of animals other than primates. This is due to the fact that many zoos want to keep as many animals as . Though the idea of breeding endangered animals to help increase their numbers back in the wild is great, there are problems that come with it. But then theres the pacing, the rocking. Black-footed ferrets and red wolves in the United States and golden lion tamarins in Brazil all endangered, as well have been bred at zoos for reintroduction into the wild. Exotic animals have become very popular, but they are also dangerous in so many ways. These associations ensure that members are treating their animals with a high standard of care and following any guidelines they provide. Many zoo animals are forcefully removed from their natural habitat. Some zoo animals try to escape. Private Possession: Many wild animals may be kept captive in private homes as pets. Zoos accredited by the A.Z.A. The Enigmatic Wombats: Surprising Facts and Myths Debunked. Here's What Experts Think. All things considered, animals should not be kept in zoos or aquariums. It is not humane to keep large mammals like orcas, dolphins or elephants in zoos or theme parks. ALSO READ: Man in Uganda Beats Lion With Bare Hands In Bloody Battle Before Feasting on the Beast for Dinner. Should Zoos Keep Endangered Species? - Treehugger This type of behaviour is almost unheard of in their wild counterparts. ViewResources. Artificial environments. The shooting of Harambe the gorilla spawned the most-shared meme of 2016 and caused a hounded Cincinnati Zoo to suspend its social media accounts. Many zoos and aquariums offer behind-the-scenes tours and informative talks on animal welfare. These are highly intelligent animals with complex social constructs that scientists have studied for . Why? Before anyone starts sprinkling the stuff on their cornflakes, this isn't the hottest new beauty trend nor is it a natural phenomenon: Assiniboine Park Zoo's keepers use coloured glitter in the bears' feed to identify their droppings. It is not possible to have zookeepers versed in a detailed understanding of every single species. In the age of social media, high profile culls have sparked heated debates. Animals in zoos are easier to get various kinds of diseases because there are thousands of people around the animal every day. The statistics on the number of big cats alone that have died in captivity between 1990 and 2021 is 126. To update your payment information, visit our Member Center. The United Kingdom, for example, has announced a plan to phase out all circuses featuring wild animal performances by 2020. Being placed into a small tank, away from their family units, might not break existing animal protection laws. Copyright OurEndangedWorld | All Rights Reserved, Environmental Organizations in The Philippines, Environmental Organizations in North America, Environmental Organizations in South America, Best Energy-Efficient Electric Fireplaces. These experiences are often harmful to wildlife and dangerous for you. However, suffering doesnt have to be physical; boredom, confinement, and stress can cause an animal a lot of suffering. See Related: Best Wildlife Conservation Jobs. Zoos | Freedom for Animals As humans, we have no right to hunt and lock up animals for our enjoyment. Investigators found sticks and pine cones inside the exhibit, most likely thrown by the boys. Animals in the wild are naturally shy to humans. These tours often pretend to talk about their animals natural habitat and inclinations. "Only 15% of the thousands of species held in zoos are considered 'threatened'," says Will Travers OBE, president of Born Free. Elephants arent the only species that try to flee a zoo life. Since most countries dont have any regulations on how to handle animals in zoos, these business people can do whatever it takes to make the most profits possible.
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