Zoos cannot begin to provide the amount of space animals have in the wild. Some zoo animals try to escape. A fine day out with the family might itself be justification enough for the existence of zoos if the zoo animals are all happy to be there. Another serious problem is that the chronically-understaffed USDA conducts inspections infrequently. Zoos are home to many animals. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram. Apes are known for picking locks and keeping a beady eye on their captors, waiting for the day someone forgets to lock the door. Lack of learning valuable animal life skills such as hunting and social structures eventually leads to the alteration of the said animals behavior. Sanctuaries occupy a "gray area," says Tanya Espinosa, a . "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. In a study done on 40 chimpanzees in six different zoos, all of the chimps exhibited behavior their counterparts in nature did not. And Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo has an on-site Wildlife Hospital to save sick and injured native species. However, suffering doesnt have to be physical; boredom, confinement, and stress can cause an animal a lot of suffering. Throughout history, men have accumulated large and fierce animals to advertise their might and prestige. Young chimpanzees on movie sets are trained through regular beatings and then discarded around age 8 when they become too large to control. Local laws are often most effective in governing the private possession of exotic animals. Animals are removed from their natural habitats. Though some zoos plan on reintroducing the animals into the wild after a while, living in zoos makes it impossible for some animals. They found that only 27 percent of people bothered to read the signs at exhibits. Theres also the Zoological Association of America that operates in the United States. This relocation alone can come as a large shock and wreak havoc on the animals mental health. The A.Z.A. As a late Gen-Xer-cum-early-Millenial, my childhood was rich with trips to visit zoos. In 1898, the reason was cited by the New York Zoological Society when it resolved to inform the public of the continued decline in animal populations, to stimulate sentiment in favor of animal protection, and to cooperate with scientific organizations to ensure the preservation of species. The window to the world of. Tell lawmakers you support animal-friendly legislation and local bans on using animals in entertainment. Students and the general public get a chance to learn about different species of animals. Mr. Fisher is a photographer based in New York. What Is The Hunters Role in Wildlife Conservation? Caring for the said animals, away from their predator will give their species a chance of repopulating. Animal Legal Defense Fund petition for rulemaking spurs reporting improvements: Forms will be revised to ensure AWA licensees maintain complete records of all animal deaths. Taking an animal say a big cat, into an enclosed habitat when she cant hunt for herself can be detrimental to her life skills. The first efforts to keep wild and exotic animals for non-utilitarian uses began about 2500 BCE, when rulers in . 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. Animals are often bored and, as a result, some become aggressive and can lash out at other animals or zookeepers. That's not a record that justifies tens of millions of wild animals kept in zoos. ALSO READ: Man in Uganda Beats Lion With Bare Hands In Bloody Battle Before Feasting on the Beast for Dinner. Most people visit the zoo to see the big draw animals. However, through education and informative motions for change, we can make change the way zoos are run. At the Los Angeles Zoo, a gorilla named Evelyn escaped seven times in 20 years. Whats Causing Their Decline? It took several decades before Alex was able to leave the corporate world behind and embark on a real writing journey. These are species that would have vanished totally were it not for captive populations around the world, many of which reside in zoos (or, for plants, botanic gardens). This is due to the fact that many zoos want to keep as many animals as . That's how animals living in captivity feel. 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. Zoo animals, this new narrative went, function as backup populations for wild animals under threat, as well as ambassadors for their species, teaching humans and motivating them to care about wildlife. In 2020, facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums contributed more than $230 million to conservation efforts. The required standard of care for wild animals, such as those held by zoos, is wide-ranging and nigh on impossible for zoos to provide. 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. Giant Insect From Jurassic Era Found in Walmart Opens Deeper Ecological Questions, 3,500-Year-old Perfectly Preserved, Mummified Bear Might Lead to 'Breakthrough in Ancient Animal Study', Presumed Extinct Funji-eating Fairy Lantern Plant Found Emerging Again in Japan, How Did Missing Argentinian Man's Remains Get Into a Shark's Stomach? Thats true, he said. Properly curated and interpreted, a well-run garden can be a site for a rewarding outing with friends or family, a source of education for the 27 percent of people who read signs and a point of civic pride. This was the first time that the ESA has successfully been used to protect captive wild animals. Your email address will not be published. If one could simply stop urging and encouraging zoos then maybe someday animals get to live in the free wild as they please. Today, nearly every country in the world is a member of CITES. This becomes a major blow to the biodiversity of the affected region. At least 20 zoos in the United States have already ended their elephant exhibits in part because of ethical concerns about keeping the species captive. In this way, they could lead the predator away from their nest. But that incident has triggered conversations on the negative impacts of marine parks and aquariums on wild animals. Ive spent many memorable days in botanical gardens, completely swept away by the beauty of the design as well as the unending wonder of evolution and theres no uneasiness or guilt. Here are some of the major ways that these jurisdictions are protecting wild captive animals under the law: Restricting Private Parties From Keeping Wild Animals: Some states ban the keeping of wild and exotic animals. A study by Bristol University found that many British zoos fail to provide animals with the required minimum standard of care. For example, the typical enclosure designed for a polar bear is about a million times smaller than its natural roaming grounds. Keep on reading. Investigators found sticks and pine cones inside the exhibit, most likely thrown by the boys. Healthy animals in zoos are killed because they are not needed. Copyrights 2023. An estimated 20 red wolves are all that remain in the wild. 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. Copyright 2023 The Science Times. See Related: Are Humans Animals? Some, however, argue that children benefit from zoos. [WATCH], Armored Dinosaur Magnificently Preserved After Face, Skin, Spikes Survived Fossilization. A criticism is that protections are less robust for species that are economically valuable, and that CITES is not as transparent in its decision-making or enforcement as would be ideal. Animal Legal Defense Fund v. Claws N Paws, Looking for case and legal resources? 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. For example, Charles Harvey and Kurt House argue that subsidies for climate capture technologywill ultimately be a waste. She could then climb the wire without being shocked. However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence. Id like to think these kids, now in their early 20s, are working for a conservation organization somewhere. 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. The better alternatives to zoos are the options that dont result in animals being held in conditions that are unsuitable and forced to live in natural environments. When factoring in the number of zoos breeding animals and the risk posed to baby animals, the change of disease skyrockets further. For intellectual property information and terms of use, visit our Intellectual Property Terms of Usepage. In contrast, those nesting animals or cornered ones will try to defend themselves if being approached to protect their young. Animals also lose their genetic diversity especially due to inbreeding. There are a few exceptions. Help inform others by writing letters to your local newspapers and posting to social media. Zoos have been around for thousands of yearsas far back as 3500 BC in Egypt. The fewer than two dozen non-participants include North Korea, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Turkmenistan. Earlier this month, footage of a dolphin attacking its trainer in Miami Seaquarium went viral. This alone increases the risk of disease, as animals are exposed to viruses they have never encountered before. Some 5,800 species of animals are covered by the treaty (along with 30,000 species of plants). When she caught up with the boys at the cafe, she mauled them before she was shot to death by the police. Dimming Lights: Are Fireflies Endangered? They bought tickets, and the wild creatures should behave accordingly. However, the vast majority dont do enough to accurately replace an animals natural habitat. 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. Animal rights activists argue that hunting, capturing, and putting animals on display is unethical. We use cookies to help ensure the best experience on our website. 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. Their sleeping quarters can get overcrowded and this can lead to the animals harming each other. Some sad facts about zoos are that at times, the people hired to take care of and protect these animals arent very qualified. Visiting a zoo is a chance for many people to see exotic animals they would otherwise be unable to see. Being placed into a small tank, away from their family units, might not break existing animal protection laws. In 2014, the director of the E.A.Z.A. Animals such as lions, elephants, and tigers don't get even close to one percent of the area they roam in the wild. Elephants figure prominently in his book, in part because they are so big that when they escape it generally makes the news. Zoo animals sustain both physical and psychological scars from harsh zookeepers. Meanwhile, small changes at the officemight be one good way to cut significant emissions, writes Carlos Gamarra. An animal lover, Alexs family, have all been involved in various animal welfare charities. Big cats, such as lions and tigers, used in circuses are forced to live in tiny cages that are transported across the country. The state and local laws protecting wild animals in captivity are spreading. For the unlucky ones that end up in the circuses, they are always in for a wide awakening. This support of the exotic pet trade also results in a lot of preventable animal deaths. 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. See Related: What Is The Hunters Role in Wildlife Conservation? 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. The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. Ive been to zoos and aquariums in Winnipeg, Vancouver, and Vancouver Island, not to mention those in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. Animals kept in an unsuitable environment or fed the wrong diet can suffer, and this can lead to illness or death. 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. Gus, a polar bear at the Central Park Zoo, was given Prozac as part of an attempt to stop him from swimming endless figure-eight laps in his tiny pool. 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. Zookeepers are not mustache-twirling villains. See Related: Endangered Species in California. What Mr. Ashe wants visitors to experience when they look at the animals is a sense of empathy for the individual animal, as well as the wild populations of that animal.. This paper is going to discuss why animals should not be kept in captivity. Severe arthritis and foot infections are common in captive elephants due to standing on hard, unnatural surfaces all day without room to roam. Drugs given to animals include sedatives and antipsychotic drugs. See Related: Most Comfortable Animals in The World. In addition, baby animals that are deemed excess to requirements find their way into black market sales. Running a successful zoo is about drawing in visitors as much as it is caring for animals. 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. In his Animal Park, which opened in 1907 in Hamburg, he designed cages that didnt look like cages, using moats and artfully arranged rock walls to invisibly pen animals. Non-native animals are held in conditions that vary greatly from what they are used to living in. WHY ANIMALS SHOULD NOT BE KEPT IN CAPTIVITY By "Phillip" Hungry, depressed, and unable to connect. Why Animals Should Not be Kept in Zoos These animals oftentimes live in inhumane conditions, and pose a serious threat to public safety. Animal Legal Defense Fund,National Headquarters I find one statistic particularly telling about their priorities: A 2018 analysis of the scientific papers produced by association members between 1993 and 2013 showed that just about 7 percent of them annually were classified as being about biodiversity conservation.. Giraffes endlessly flick their tongues. They often display neurotic behaviour, like repetitive pacing, swaying, and bar biting. PETA isn't alone. 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. So when they. All rights reserved. Should Animals Be Kept In Zoos However, there are various reasons that explain why zoos are unethical. Not surprising, perhaps, considering the typical polar bear enclosure is one million times smaller than the area they would naturally roam.". The California condor breeding program, which almost certainly saved the species from extinction, includes five zoos as active partners. Things to Know. But that day of release never quite seems to come. They are removed from their natural habitats and confined to small limited spaces and often forced to perform tricks or entertain visitors. 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. To many people, a trip to the zoo is a fun day out for the family. These wild animals are sold at auctions, pet stores or over the internet. Animal Behavior: Resources for Applied Ethology, Man in Uganda Beats Lion With Bare Hands In Bloody Battle Before Feasting on the Beast for Dinner, Dolphin Attacks Trainer in Front of Horrified Families in Miami Seaquarium: How Often Do These Sea Creatures Attack Humans? Required fields are marked *. The Animal Legal Defense Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Zoos often do more harm than good, creating unnatural environments that look realistic enough to make any potential return to the wild all but impossible. A 2014 study by the Society for Conservation Biology found that of over 2,800 children surveyed following visits to London Zoo, 62% showed no positive learning outcomes. These refuge-zoos could become places where animals live. Regardless of the merits or ethics of zoos, one thing's for certain: they're going to be around for some years yet. Its zookeepers who arent fond of animals that go around hurting animals even when they havent been provoked. zoos is usually not more than 200 animals per year, the organization said.) Going to the zoo is sort of a short vacation for many people. Zoo elephants tend to die young. I have written before about the importance of zoos and the role they have to play in the world for conservation . Such zoos might even be merged with sanctuaries, places that take wild animals that because of injury or a lifetime of captivity cannot live in the wild. It is always best to stay away from wild animals to prevent disastrous interactions. The trade in wild animals involves tremendous suffering at every stage of the process. Animals in the wild are naturally shy to humans. 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. Even though they might be getting enough food, if your animals are not okay mentally they might still not live to their full potential. Tatiana the tiger, kept in the San Francisco Zoo, snapped one day in 2007 after three teenage boys had been taunting her. Public zoos sprang up across Europe, many modeled on the London Zoo in Regents Park. ", PETA's Bekhechi adds, the aim of breeding programmes is just "to produce baby animals to attract visitors.". Zoo owners go to great lengths to build enclosures that have a wild aesthetic and give paying visitors a taste of the wild world. If an animal cannot be given sufficient space or is suffering from stress and not behaving as expected, the zoo is within its right to kill the animal(s). All things considered, animals should not be kept in zoos or aquariums. Unlike in the wild where these endangered species have to worry about staying safe, in these breeding programs they get taken care of. The idea of conserving animals that are at risk of going extinct is a great one; the problem is that not most zoos live up to it. All of these animals are well studied and have a plethora of documentaries and video footage of them in the wild.

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