For every $1 million spent by zoos on their operational outlays, there were nearly 30 jobs supported. These efforts have created a significant reduction in the number of attacks and accidents that occur. The contemporary zoo evolved from 19th century European zoos. 3. 25, 2019, Shelby Isaacson, Mote Ranked No. In many zoos, there are also some animal shows and it may be indeed questionable whether treating animals in these ways can be justifiable. 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. The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. 9. 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. (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 pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. Although there are efforts to replicate a wild habitat, a small display area is hardly the same as being free to roam. 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. To access extended pro and con arguments, sources, and discussion questions about whether zoos should exist, go to ProCon.org. 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. Are you experiencing any technical problem with netivist? 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. Furthermore, zoos often harbor non-native species unacclimatized to the local environment. 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. Many zoos conduct such studies, and also run captive breeding programmes for endangered species. That problem will not go away no matter how many generations remain in captivity. 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. Whenever visitors like animals and birds and pay more to visit them, they get luxurious food and habitat. Another significant downside of zoos is that animals can often not be returned to the wild after they had been kept in captivity. 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. Banning smaller, less established zoos with little funding could be a practical first step to reducing harm to wildlife. Zoos pose several risks that particularly affect animals. Zoos are regularly inspected and accredited for the services they provide. 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. 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. Hence, it is quite likely that animals in zoos will develop changes in behavior over time and some of those animals may also become quite unpredictable and dangerous for animal attendants in zoos. [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. Pros and cons of zoos: Should animals be kept in zoos? There are thousands of them around the world, with every continent except Antarctica hosting at least one. They also lack the everyday social interactions they would experience in 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 receive regular inspections on multiple levels to ensure they are in compliance with care and safety regulations. Being stuck in the same enclosure every day also disrupts the natural migratory patterns of the species, which can have a dramatic impact on their mental health. While some zoos are quite profitable and make good money, other zoos rely on donations and government subsidies in order to survive. Should zoos exist? 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. Another issue with zoos is that there is often also only insufficient regulation of zoos in many countries of our planet. How can we effectively protect the natural world? Hence, especially for rare species, zoos can be quite important for researchers since they are often the only place where scientists can explore those rare species. Over 181 million people visit zoos and aquariums every year in the United States,and 25 million in the United Kingdom. This long history of exploitation is a big reason many activists call for zoos to be banned. You will also see the staff members from local zoos making presentations at local schools and businesses to raise awareness for what they do. 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. Web1030 Words5 Pages. Activists are calling to ban zoos, and their voices are getting louder. The contemporary debate about zoos tends to focus on animal welfare on both sides, whether zoos protect animals or imprison them. Zoos don't educate the public enough to justify keeping animals captive. 4. In the late 20th century, the narrative changed again to the conservation of animals to stave off extinction. These efforts have helped to reduce the risks of premature death in many species as well. At least 37 countries have banned or restricted the sale of cosmetics with ingredients tested on animals, including nations in the European Union. After finishing university, I traveled around the world. Some establishments have worked hard to adapt their enclosures to better suit the needs of the animals they hold. Yes, there are several reasons why zoos are bad. When you keep the animal in a zoo instead, then they might have 1,500 square feet to roam, and sometimes even less. When that possibility is no longer a choice, then this option might be the next best thing. WebShould Zoos Be Banned Essay. Jane Goodall, the famous British primatologist and one of the most important experts in chimpanzees in the world, has defended the role of zoos in helping us understand and preservethe life of wild animals (see video below). Lets try to understand the pros and cons of zoos through the following arguments. This issue is indirectly related to environmental problems and is the source of heated debates taking place the world over. Some zoos are unable to care for their animals. 3. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. One of them is the confined spaces where the animals are forced to live in. The best natural habitat enclosures are a poor substitute for the real thing. Whenever visitors like animals and birds and pay more to visit them, they get luxurious food and habitat. 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. WebUltimately, the decision of whether or not to keep animals in zoos comes down to a balancing of the pros and cons. Source: This image was created for netivist.org. We are having trouble saving your comment. Some species have been poached to near extinction because of this market. the initial reaction of most people is rejection. 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. 3. 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. When that possibility is no longer a choice, then this option might be the next best thing. A zoo cannot provide the perfect environment for every type of animal. Most zoos got their start because local scientists wanted to get to know wild and exotic species better. 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. As such, reptile houses, aviaries, and insectariums were added with animals grouped taxonomically, to move zoos beyond the spectacle of big, scary animals. 3. 5. Should zoos be banned, or do they serve a positive purpose? After reading the pros and cons on this topic, has your thinking changed? Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. Your vote is anonymous. Do the cons of zoos outweight their benefits? 1 Nonprofit in Published Research by Top Zoos and Aquariums, mote.org, Apr. Often animals in such zoos are trained to perform tricks. Zoos also pose a risk to animal health. 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. Web1030 Words5 Pages. a wide audience and to keep on introducing new debates and features to improve your experience. [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. As unbelievable as this sounds, it is happening, and something should be done to stop such actions in the future. This might take a few seconds, please wait. National Geographic notes that elephants can live for up to 70 years when they live in protected areas of the wild in Africa or Asia, while those kept in zoos is just 17 years for African elephants born into captivity. The Smithsonian Zoo is one example of many that works with local institutions to build programs at every post-graduate level to ensure the future safety of animals. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. 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. 8. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. Zoos are an unsuitable environment for wild animals and should be abolished. 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. Proponents say zoos educate the public about animals. 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. WebIn conclusion, zoos should be abolished because they are unethical, cause animal suffering, and are unnecessary in today's society. 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. 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. 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. Zoos save endangered species by bringing them into a safe environment, where they are protected from poachers, habitat loss, starvation, and predators. Vote to see result and collect 1 XP. Sometimes the captive animals were studied; however, they were mostly used for entertainment in the arena, invariably ending in a cruel death. 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. WebZoos have been around for 4,000 years, for many years people have gone to zoos to see wild animals up close. One strong argument for why zoos should be banned is it is intrinsically wrong to place animals in captivity. 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 According to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the US had 230 accredited zoos and aquariums as of 2020. Zoos provide 200,000 jobs with an annual budget of $230 million set aside for wildlife conservation. 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. Abnormal animal behavior also puts zoo workers at greater risk for injury and death. Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers. By 2018, breeding programs at zoos increased the number to 2,400 horses, and 800 were reintroduced to the wild. The oldest still operating zoo in the world, Tiergarten Schnbrunn in Vienna, opened in 1752. 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 Quarantine procedures are part of the zoos overall structure as well. List two to three ways. This rising need and the requirements of scholarly research led to the founding of the first modern zoos. The Roman Empire was founded in 27 BC, and many Roman emperors kept private zoo collections. Thus, it is crucial that we protect those animals from poachers in order to assure a viable future for them. They even expanded and redesigned animal enclosures to improve the lives of captive animals. Bible Commentary Bible Verses Devotionals Faith Prayers Coloring Pages Pros and Cons, 6 Powerful Prayers for Binge Eating Disorder, 50 Biblically Accurate Facts About Angels in the Bible, 50 Most Profitable Youth Group Fundraising Ideas for Your Church, 250 Ice Breaker Questions for Teen Youth Groups, 25 Important Examples of Pride in the Bible, Why Jesus Wept and 11 Lessons from His Tears, 25 Different Ways to Worship God and Praise the Lord. They must have staff present at all times who understand what it takes to have a safe experience. Zoos have more visitors than the combined attendance of the four major sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL). Learn about the pros and cons of zoos and join our debate and poll: Should there be zoos? The contemporary debate about zoos tends to focus on animal welfare on both sides, whether zoos protect animals or imprison them. In my opinion, keeping animals in zoos can be justifiable as long as animals are kept under rather natural conditions and are not caged in pretty confined spaces. In fact, many people who live in big cities often lost their connection to nature. 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. When you visit the Memphis Zoo, then you can see an Okapi. 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. See also how much gasoline is in a barrel of oil Are zoos good or bad for animals pros and cons? Controversy has historically surrounded zoos, from debates over displaying exotic humans in exhibits to zookeepers not knowing what to feed animals. If you already created your netivist account, please log in using the button below. Animal products like elephant tusks or shark fins create a financial market where the health and welfare of a species is secondary to the profits which are possible. There were only nine California condors in the wild in 1985. The Chester and Whipsnade zoological parks where the first two non-urban zoos without cages and larger enclosures. To the question "should animals be kept in captivity?" Zoos pose several risks that particularly affect animals. Manage Settings In addition, visitors are allowed to get very close to them, which is notpermitted in larger, better-regulated establishments. Do you think zoos are necessary? CON Zoos don't educate the public enough to justify keeping animals captive. WebWhy Zoos Should Be Banned Zoos should be banned because they are cruel to animals. Hence, also if you are on a budget and cannot afford to spend too much money on your leisure activities, zoos can provide you a great opportunity to spend your whole day without having to spend excessive amounts of money on it. Only use this feature if you are certain this user has infringed netivist's Terms of Service. 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. 7, 2019), NBA, NBA Breaks All-Time Attendance Record for Fourth Straight Year, nba.com, Apr. They also aim toteach visitors the importance of animal conservation and mindfulness of the ecosystem as a whole. This article was published on August 13, 2021, at Britannicas ProCon.org, a nonpartisan issue-information source. By keeping populations of animals and conducting wild repopulation, zoos can help preserve species in danger from climate change. WebUltimately, the decision of whether or not to keep animals in zoos comes down to a balancing of the pros and cons. 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. Push for the position and policies you support by writing US national senators and representatives. 3. 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. By Scott Woodsidecategories: Environment & Nature October 28, 2022, 12:00 PM. WebZoos have been around for 4,000 years, for many years people have gone to zoos to see wild animals up close. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. Despite their immense popularity, zoos have become increasingly controversial institutions. Our whole ecosystem is also the life cycle of every living 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. WebThe question whether animals should be kept in captivity or not is debated on many platforms and forums. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/zoo/, https://oakleesguide.com/10-tips-for-an-awesome-zoo-trip/. Romesh Ranganathan, a British comedian, stated, It still slightly surprises me that anybody thinks that we should have zoos at all. It changes the behavior of the animal. 2021, there are 241 accredited zoos in the United States. Please note that all the information I provide on this website is to my best knowledge. (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. Proponents say zoos educate the public about animals. Veterinary doctors, zoologist, voluntary staff, etc. Kids 12 and up qualify for the adult rate. In this article, well take a look at. 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. Keep up the good work. 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. Your vote is anonymous. We will help you do it! 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. Zooshave existed in some form since at least 2500 BCE in Egypt and Mesopotamia, where records indicate giraffes, bears, dolphins, and other animals were kept by aristocrats. Consider the pros and cons with a video from Above the Noise. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. In fact, due to habitat destruction and many other environmental problems, many species have become endangered over the past decades. This article was published on August 13, 2021, at Britannicas ProCon.org, a nonpartisan issue-information source. Research on this species is quite important since only if we get to know more about them, we will be able to protect those species from extinction in the long run. If you believe they should not, consider how else to accomplish zoos conservation efforts. As unbelievable as this sounds, it is happening, and something should be done to stop such actions in the future. Some elephant herds in the wild can grow to become 40 members strong. Watch this video with Jane Goodall on the role of zoos in saving animals. 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 be construed as a. 21 Pros and Cons of Zoos This can lead to boredom, frustration, and mental health problems. There are times when wild animals should stay that way. [34], About 24% of captive orcas have major to extreme tooth wear and 60% had tooth fractures as a result of stress-induced teeth grinding. The modern zoo as we know it emerged in the United Kingdom in the 19th century. 2. 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. In the 1960s The drive-through safari parks became very popular. Visiting the zoo requires people to have respect for the fences, borders, and safety enclosures that separate the animals from their trainers, keepers, and families. WebIn conclusion, zoos should be abolished because they are unethical, cause animal suffering, and are unnecessary in today's society. This is not only true for children, but also for many adults. Another problem of zoos is that animals often only have rather limited space to move. Putting aside these opposing views, it remains a sad reality that the welfare of zoo animals varies widely depending on where you are. That means a cycle of dependency begins that requires ongoing resources to maintain because that animal has no ability to live on its own. In fact, many big zoos have hundreds or even thousands of different animal species and even if you search for rather exotic species that would never be present in your local area, chances are that you will find those species in zoos. The indirect spending that zoos provide for their communities are significant as well, adding another 62,000 jobs across the United States to support visitors. 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. Thus, if you are an animal lover and want to see as many animals as possible in a rather short period of time, chances are that zoos will be quite helpful for you. Other great apes have similar health problems in captivity. As unbelievable as this sounds, it is happening, and something should be done to stop such actions in the future. Specific programs at the zoological grounds encourage visitors to interact with the animals in unique ways. 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.