should zoos be banned pros and consweymouth club instructors

[40], Controversy has historically surrounded zoos, from debates over displaying exotic humans in exhibits to zookeepers not knowing what to feed animals. Among others, articles have been cited by NPOs, Wikipedia, Medium.com as well as on several college websites and lifestyle blogs. Now some would argue we do the same thing with animals or try to hold communities hostage because of the potential financial gains that a well-run zoo can provide. By Scott Woodsidecategories: Environment & Nature October 28, 2022, 12:00 PM. Activists are calling to ban zoos, and their voices are getting louder. Zoos have more visitors than the combined attendance of the four major sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL). Evidence of the existence of zoos and menageries can be traced back to ancient Egypt, circa 3500 BC. 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. Zoos Do Not Offer Sufficient Space A tiger locked in its cage In turn, chances may increase that we can protect many animal species from extinction. 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. The behavior of animals will change when they encounter long periods of captivity. At least 37 countries have banned or restricted the sale of cosmetics with ingredients tested on animals, including nations in the European Union. In fact, many people who live in big cities often lost their connection to nature. Pros and Cons of Owning an Exotic Animal Animal Adovocacy Organizations to Partner With From this time on, I wanted to make a contribution to ensure a livable future for the next generations in every part of our beautiful planet. ], ProCon.org, "Zoos Top 3 Pros and Cons,", ProCon.org, "Zoos Top 3 Pros and Cons. The oldest still operating zoo in the world, Tiergarten Schnbrunn in Vienna, opened in 1752. When the first modern zoo was established in London in the 19th century, the purpose was purely scientific. Should zoos be banned, or do they serve a positive purpose? That problem will not go away no matter how many generations remain in captivity. WebUltimately, the decision of whether or not to keep animals in zoos comes down to a balancing of the pros and cons. Some people say zoos are safe to place for animals to live because they do not have to seek for food to survive. The animals experience these issues due to smaller enclosures, changes in diet and activities, and the introduction of things not seen in the wild, such as medical exams and people with cameras. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. From time to time, wild animals have to be caught and sent to zoos in order to sustain the populations of animals in zoos. 21 Pros and Cons of Zoos ProCon.org. 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. Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. Even when these facilities began to open to the general public, the purpose was still to provide an educational resource to the community. 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. ], [Editors Note: The MLA citation style requires double spacing within entries. Even the Catholic Church got involved with this effort at displaying people in cages, maintaining facilities deep into the 16th century. However, many people claim that taxpayers money that is spent on zoos could be much better spent on other important infrastructure projects. In fact, many animals are kept in an unnatural manner and also dont get sufficient other animals from their species. After finishing university, I traveled around the world. WebZoos have been around for 4,000 years, for many years people have gone to zoos to see wild animals up close. 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). 3, 2018, Tse-Lynn Loh, et al., Quantifying the Contribution of Zoos and Aquariums to Peer-Reviewed Scientific Research, facetsjournal.com, Mar. Another issue with zoos is that there is often also only insufficient regulation of zoos in many countries of our planet. This is due to the unnatural living conditions in zoos and also due to the fact that animals often get tired of their lives in zoos. Should zoos be banned facts. 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. Sometimes the captive animals were studied; however, they were mostly used for entertainment in the arena, invariably ending in a cruel death. [17] [18] [19] [20], 23% of birds and 47% of small mammals (weighing less than about 2.2 pounds) are negatively impacted by climate change. Ten Days That Vanished: The Switch to the Gregorian Calendar, https://www.britannica.com/story/pro-and-con-zoos. Many people also go to the zoo in order to relax and to see something completely different compared to their normal daily life. In fact, many people only realize how important it really is to behave environmentally-friendly once they see all those fascinating animals. Managing Editor The contemporary debate about zoos tends to focus on animal welfare on both sides, whether zoos protect animals or imprison them. Zoos are often used to exploit people, animals, and even communities. Polar bears dont do well in tropical locations, even when they receive ice as a coping mechanism for the climate. 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! Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. A report out of George Mason University found that zoos associated with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums employed almost 40,000 people. One of them is the confined spaces where the animals are forced to live in. Yes, there are several reasons why zoos are bad. Przewalskis horse is a success story for zoos because this species was believed to be extinct in the wild. In fact, animals often unlearn how to take care of themselves in zoos since they learn to rely on zookeepers to provide them with food and with all other things they need. Animals in zoos are often kept in small cages where they cannot roam freely or express natural behaviors. 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. There are now wild herds in Europe and Mongolia, closely monitored by scientists, which are thriving. Should zoos be banned facts. Your comment is being posted. The contemporary zoo evolved from 19th century European zoos. Join with confidence, netivist is completely advertisement free. WebIn conclusion, zoos should be abolished because they are unethical, cause animal suffering, and are unnecessary in today's society. Especially if you have children, going to the zoo can also be a quite nice family activity. chose to work in zoos because they like animals, and wanted to work closely with them and help them thrive. Elephants dont do well when they are kept in locations that are cold and snowy. Pros and Cons of Owning an Exotic Animal Animal Adovocacy Organizations to Partner With Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. In fact, due to habitat destruction and many other environmental problems, many species have become endangered over the past decades. Because poaching activities qualify as criminal conduct, most attempts are thwarted. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. What Does Afforestation Mean and Why Is It Important? A childs ticket is going to cost you $46. 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. At the time, these institutions accommodated nearly 800,000 animals and 6,000 species, with around 1,000 on the endangered species list. CON Zoos don't educate the public enough to justify keeping animals captive. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. Web1030 Words5 Pages. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Do the cons of zoos outweight their benefits? Because poaching activities qualify as criminal conduct, most attempts are thwarted. 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. One strong argument for why zoos should be banned is it is intrinsically wrong to place animals in captivity. [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. There are additional pros and cons of zoos that are essential to consider as well. Natural Habitat and Animal Rights Would you like to create a debate and share it with the netivist community? 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. WebWhy Zoos Should Be Banned Zoos should be banned because they are cruel to animals. 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. Only a dozen individuals were left in one facility by the 1940s, but their numbers are now in the thousands today because of the conservation programs that were initiated to save them. Yes, there are several reasons why zoos are bad. You can find animal treatment teams including specialists, pathologies, and trainers to ensure that every care plan is followed to the letter. Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. 3. 5. 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. Banning zoos could go a long way toward halting this practice or at the very least reducing its impact on the natural world. Banning smaller, less established zoos with little funding could be a practical first step to reducing harm to wildlife. 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. What people do not know is animals don't have the best interest in being in a zoo. Just look at a childs eyes at the zoo when he or she encounters a tiger or similarly majestic animal. [12], 228 accredited zoos published 5,175 peer-reviewed manuscripts between 1993 and 2013. These efforts have created a significant reduction in the number of attacks and accidents that occur. For example, the veterinary staff at the Bronx Zoo in New York alerted health officials of the presence of West Nile Virus. The modern zoo as we know it emerged in the United Kingdom in the 19th century. One of them is the confined spaces where the animals are forced to live in. That change prompted the shift in zoo narrative from entertainment to the protection of animals. Most of us referred to these parks as a zoo. Our whole ecosystem is also the life cycle of every living Some people say zoos are safe to place for animals to live because they do not have to seek for food to survive. Zoos pose several risks that particularly affect animals. Each person in a caretaker role is highly educated, trained to know the mannerisms, health needs, and characteristics of the animal to ensure the highest levels of safety. ProCon/Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. That said, a more uniform, robust, and compassionate regulatory system based on the humane care and conservation of wildlife would be a step in the right direction. As we can see from the previous discussion, zoos are a rather controversial topic. WebReasons Why Zoos Should Be Banned Therefore, zoos should be banned because they are very cruel to animals. There were only nine California condors in the wild in 1985. Putting aside these opposing views, it remains a sad reality that the welfare of zoo animals varies widely depending on where you are. 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. While zoos spend millions on keeping animals confined, natural habitats are destroyed and animals are killed, as theres insufficient funding for their protection. However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence. Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. Kids 12 and up qualify for the adult rate. When that possibility is no longer a choice, then this option might be the next best thing. Opponents of zoos often claim that zoos are just in place for human amusement. There are times when wild animals should stay that way. Hence, also if you currently try to figure out what to do for your next field trip, going to the zoo may also be quite nice in this regard. [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. Should zoos be banned, or do they serve a positive purpose? WebCons of zoos Animal cruelty in zoos continues to be extremely common. WebThey dont have to worry about safety in zoos as they are well taken care of. As such, reptile houses, aviaries, and insectariums were added with animals grouped taxonomically, to move zoos beyond the spectacle of big, scary animals. 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. WebIn conclusion, zoos should be abolished because they are unethical, cause animal suffering, and are unnecessary in today's society. Additional rare animals which receive protection in U.S. zoos include the Addax, Amur tiger, Borneo elephant, and the Pacific walrus. [1] [2], The contemporary zoo evolved from 19th century European zoos. How to Tell and What to Do, The Best Fertilizer for Indoor Plants and When to Use It, 7 Eco-Friendly Resorts for Sustainable Travelers, Where & How to Recycle Laptops and Why Its So Important, Everyday Palm Oil Products and Sustainable Alternatives, 6 Solutions to Deforestation and What You Can Do, The 15 Cutest Exotic Animals in the World. Create your account for free. That is typically a consequence of employing workers with little to no animal welfare or safety training. In turn, chances are that those zoo animals are much unhappier compared to animals of the same species who live in the wild. The ethical dilemma around keeping wild animals in captivity is significant. There are times when wild animals should stay that way. People working at zoos paid little attention to the concept of wildlife conservation or expanding our scientific understanding of the animal kingdom. You will also see the staff members from local zoos making presentations at local schools and businesses to raise awareness for what they do. Lets try to understand the pros and cons of zoos through the following arguments. Even the best zoos can have animals develop severe health problems. 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. This can lead to boredom, frustration, and mental health problems. 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 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. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. 15, 2018, Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Research and Science, aza.org (accessed May 7, 2019), C. Robinette, L. Saffran, A. Ruple, and S.L. 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. 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. WebUltimately, the decision of whether or not to keep animals in zoos comes down to a balancing of the pros and cons. 17, 2019), Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Climate Change and Wildlife, aza.org (accessed Apr. If so, how? 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. Another disadvantage of zoos is that they often only offer quite poor living conditions for animals. Explore conservationist Damian Aspinalls opinion that zoos are outdated and cruel.. To push conservation issues, many large zoos stopped having animals perform tricks for visitors. Zoos also give us a unique opportunity to see many different exotic animals without the need to travel to many exotic countries. Do you think that zoos are an effective way to increase awareness about animal life? There are continuous cases of animals abused by visitors and zoo workers. The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. ", ProCon.org. Zoos also pose a risk to animal health. Many zoos conduct such studies, and also run captive breeding programmes for endangered species. They are simply, From an ethical point of view zoos are also questionable. 6. These facilities can provide an educational resource to their community. 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. 7, 2019), NBA, NBA Breaks All-Time Attendance Record for Fourth Straight Year, nba.com, Apr. They also lack the everyday social interactions they would experience in the wild. Extend the debate to other human-made animal habitats, such as safari parks and animal sanctuaries. They also aim toteach visitors the importance of animal conservation and mindfulness of the ecosystem as a whole. Zoos are losing their influence on the educational industry. 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. Even those prices are not enough to keep the zoo financially solid. The overall goal always remains the same; to ensure the best possible care for every animal in care. Animals need to be kept in temperate zones which are similar to their natural habitat if they have any hope of being successful in the zoo. There are many problems that come with keeping animals in zoos. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-leader-2','ezslot_21',190,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-leader-2-0');In fact, some zoos offer a home for some quite exotic species that are barely existent in the wild anymore. Please consider making a small donation today. There are more humane and effective ways to conserve and educate about animals, and it is our responsibility to consider the welfare of all beings on this planet. If zoos are unable to maintain standards of cleanliness, animal engagement, and habitat structure, then the facility can lose its accreditation and ability to operate. In the late 20th century, the narrative changed again to the conservation of animals to stave off extinction. 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. If it contains abusive or inappropriate language its author will be penalized. After reading the pros and cons on this topic, has your thinking changed? As unbelievable as this sounds, it is happening, and something should be done to stop such actions in the future. This advantage comes at the expense of the animals which are forced to spend their lives in an enclosure. What people do not know is animals don't have the best interest in being in a zoo. Lets try to understand the pros and cons of zoos through the following arguments. The best natural habitat enclosures are a poor substitute for the real thing. It changes the lifespan of the animals held in captivity. This disadvantage occurs because there is no longer a need to hunt for their survival. However, this also implies that each animal will only have a rather limited space to live.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-leader-3','ezslot_22',199,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-leader-3-0'); While many zoos aim to protect our endangered animal species from extinction, some zoos just exist for the sole purpose of profit maximization. The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. 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. In fact, those people often work in demanding office jobs for long hours and dont spend time in nature anymore. Quarantine procedures are part of the zoos overall structure as well. What Is Sustainable Development and Why Is It Necessary? There are more humane and effective ways to conserve and educate about animals, and it is our responsibility to consider the welfare of all beings on this planet. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. The difference can be as much as 50% when comparing the lifespan of a wild species compared to one kept in a zoo. 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. Many animals in zoos also have a significantly lower life expectancy compared to animals who live in the wild. procon@eb.com, 2022 Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. Although not everyone can afford a visit to their local zoo, there are still plenty of ways to learn more about the various animals who share this planet with us. They opened in 1931. Proponents say zoos educate the public about animals. In fact, many animals in the wild lose their lives every year due to poaching since people want to sell the horns or other valuable parts of those animals for quite high prices. [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. Pros and cons of zoos: Should animals be kept in zoos? 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. WebReasons Why Zoos Should Be Banned Therefore, zoos should be banned because they are very cruel to animals. (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. 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 can be construed as a. WebThe question whether animals should be kept in captivity or not is debated on many platforms and forums. Explain your answer(s). In the late 20th century, the narrative changed again to the conservation of animals to stave off extinction. Hence, zoos can also encourage global cooperation, which can benefit all parties in the long run. 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.

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