Animal Legal Defense Fund,National Headquarters An estimated 20 red wolves are all that remain in the wild. Animals are forced to live in artificial habitats that arent anywhere close to their former homes (the wild). At the Los Angeles Zoo, a gorilla named Evelyn escaped seven times in 20 years. However, the truth remains that zoos often have insufficient knowledge of the animals they are housing. Keep on reading. Emma Marris is an environmental writer and the author of the forthcoming book Wild Souls: Freedom and Flourishing in the Non-Human World.. Watching these is a much healthier and more educational way to learn about wild animals than visiting a local zoo. Zookeepers are not mustache-twirling villains. In 2014, the director of the E.A.Z.A. 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. People are fascinated by animals. What if they sent all the animals that need really large areas or lots of freedom and socialization to refuges? Check out more news and information on Wild Animalsin Science Times. For privacy policy and ad & cookie policy information, visit our Privacy Policy pages. Captive animals need better laws, and better enforcement of those laws. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. An increase in the populations of herbivorous animals such as deer and buffalos isnt a good thing, especially not for the vegetation and ground cover. That doesnt mean there havent been criticisms. 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. On the other hand, the researchers reported, there were no significant differences in survey responses before entering an exhibit compared with those obtained as visitors were exiting., A 2008 study of 206 zoo visitors by some members of the same team showed that while 42 percent said that the main purpose of the zoo was to teach visitors about animals and conservation, 66 percent said that their primary reason for going was to have an outing with friends or family, and just 12 percent said their intention was to learn about animals., The researchers also spied on hundreds of visitors conversations at the Bronx Zoo, the Brookfield Zoo outside Chicago and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. We say zoos are bad because animals are forced to live in unnatural, stressful, boring environments, leading to a lack of mental and physical stimulation. More tigers live in cages in this country, than exist in all the wild. Regardless of the merits or ethics of zoos, one thing's for certain: they're going to be around for some years yet. It is impossible to read these stories without concluding that these animals wanted out. Important to protect endangered species from extinction. According toAnimal Behavior: Resources for Applied Ethology, fleeing or running away is the most popular reaction of animals towards humans. In many modern zoos, animals are well cared for, healthy and probably, for many species, content. How Does Saving Water Help Climate Change? Understanding the optimal requirements for the reproduction of certain animals can be difficult. However, that does not stop the silent damage that captivity delivers to such roaming animal species. Zoos, aquariums, water parks, and other facilities can help to maintain the viability of endangered species when humanity does not do a good enough job of protecting the animals in the wild. Our EIN number is 94-2681680. For some animals in zoos, the shock of their relocation alone can be fatal. 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. They learned from their parents to be mistrustful because they have no way of knowing whether people could be good or do them harm. We have good models of captive wild animal protection laws outside of this country as well. The fewer than two dozen non-participants include North Korea, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Turkmenistan. 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. Zoological gardens have been working to help ensure that any endangered species are given another chance to thrive again over time. There is an undeniable thrill, seeing animals in zoos, circuses, movies, television shows, and amusement parks. Bears, lions, and other animals languish in roadside zoos across the country. Because so many diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans, such as Ebola, Hantavirus, and the bird flu, zoos frequently conduct disease surveillance research in wildlife populations and their own captive populations that can lead to a direct impact on human health. An example of these associations is the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) which represents over 240 businesses across the globe. Also, removing a certain species from the ecosystem can destroy the whole ecosystem. This relocation alone can come as a large shock and wreak havoc on the animals mental health. Likewise, consuming sustainable seafood provides a valuable source of food for people and helps promote sustainable jobs. Captive animals are forced to spend their lives swimming endlessly and aimlessly instead of traveling up to 100 miles a day at fast speeds in the wild. In this way, they could lead the predator away from their nest. Help inform others by writing letters to your local newspapers and posting to social media. Visitors will hammer on the glass or clamor around an animal enclosure, calling and shouting for the creature to perform for their pleasure. 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. Display would be incidental. 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. Photographs by Peter Fisher. This is only one of the Acts limitations. When it comes to lethal force and animal welfare, at least, public opinion swiftly sides against zoos. All rights reserved. See Related: How Similar is Human DNA to Other Animals. Some are in aquariums, circuses, theme parks and zoos, others live caged at private homes. This treaty is credited with helping foster international cooperation to protect some endangered and vulnerable species. Some 5,800 species of animals are covered by the treaty (along with 30,000 species of plants). Zoo owners go to great lengths to build enclosures that have a wild aesthetic and give paying visitors a taste of the wild world. When theres a surplus, you can just have a plant sale. The worst climate risks, mapped: In this feature, select a country, and we'll break down the climate hazards it faces. This could cause problems for the animal. But whether recent events have triggered a profound shift in public consciousness is harder to quantify. Should Animals Be Kept In Zoos However, there are various reasons that explain why zoos are unethical. I pointed out that we cant ask animals whether they are happy with their enclosure size. RELATED ARTICLE: Dolphin Attacks Trainer in Front of Horrified Families in Miami Seaquarium: How Often Do These Sea Creatures Attack Humans? See Related: What Is The Hunters Role in Wildlife Conservation? Its said that Texas has the worlds second-largest tiger population, due to private citizens propensity for keeping these big cats as pets. Privacy Policy. Zoos are a part of culture across the world. This is due to the fact that many zoos want to keep as many animals as . But then theres the pacing, the rocking. Zoos can be productive when it comes to reviving an animal species on the brink of extinction. Most zoos or animal sanctuaries dont have the space or the facilities to truly recreate the wild. How Similar is Human DNA to Other Animals, Animals That Have Become Extinct in the Last 100 Years, 9 Best Solar-Powered Computers to Buy Today, 10 Impactful Ways to Conserve Coral Reefs. Running a successful zoo is about drawing in visitors as much as it is caring for animals. 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. Declawing is extremely painful and causes permanent disability. An animals worth is only equal to the attraction it offers to visitors. There are currently 421 zoological gardens and aquariums and a 2.9% business growth this year despite the pandemic. It is expensive and difficult to keep wild animals in captivity. But few federal laws protect these animals, who may be forced to perform or kept confined in small cages with little to keep their minds occupied and bodies well. The common negative effects of zoos on animals are listed below. The Humane Society of the United States believes that animals in bare tanks do not present a realistic image of natural behaviors or natural habitats. 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. Some studies have shown that as many as 80 percent of zoo carnivores, 64 percent of zoo chimps and 85 percent of zoo elephants have displayed compulsive behaviors or stereotypies. Mr. Hagenbecks model was widely influential. Why Animals Should Not be Kept in Zoos These animals oftentimes live in inhumane conditions, and pose a serious threat to public safety. Nature reserves, bird watching, going on a safari. The Enigmatic Wombats: Surprising Facts and Myths Debunked. Roadside zoos dot the American landscape. Protect animals by boycotting roadside zoos. It is not possible to have zookeepers versed in a detailed understanding of every single species. The Toledo Zoo has dosed zebras and wildebeest with the antipsychotic haloperidol to keep them calm and has put an orangutan on Prozac. These are wild animals, who are dangerous by nature and cannot be domesticated. The ESA outlines procedures for federal agencies to follow regarding listed species, as well as criminal and civil penalties for violations. I have written before about the importance of zoos and the role they have to play in the world for conservation . And it is true that the territory size of an animal like a wolf depends greatly on the density of resources and other wolves. Ostensibly places for genteel amusement and edification, zoos expanded beyond big and fearsome animals to include reptile houses, aviaries and insectariums. As humans, we have no right to hunt and lock up animals for our enjoyment. It's the first travel company to publicly make such a move. These associations ensure that members are treating their animals with a high standard of care and following any guidelines they provide. Cons of zoos Animal cruelty in zoos continues to be extremely common. 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. The ongoing extinction crises shows that zoos are needed - even for common species. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. Though some zoos plan on reintroducing the animals into the wild after a while, living in zoos makes it impossible for some animals. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram. The Dark Truth behind Bear Bile Uses: Hidden Costs of Traditional Medicine, The Untold Story of Factory-farmed Cows the Consequences for Animal and Human Health, Are Giraffes Endangered? Most people visit the zoo to see the big draw animals. The process of training an animal is a long and brutal one. Visiting a zoo is a chance for many people to see exotic animals they would otherwise be unable to see. They could either bite, peck, scratch, kick, or flap their wings. Alex started writing from the moment he could hold a pen. Some sad facts about zoos are that at times, the people hired to take care of and protect these animals arent very qualified. Sadly, most of these associations end up protecting the interests of their members, and not the animals they should be protecting. 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. Look out for the GFAS seal of approval. We use cookies to help ensure the best experience on our website. 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? This gives the poor pets a home and creates a revenue stream for the zoos. Especially not for the broad spectrum of species they have in their park. Tell lawmakers you support animal-friendly legislation and local bans on using animals in entertainment. 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 . Don't be suckered into supporting companies that offer experiences like hugging a tiger, swimming with dolphins, riding elephants, or kissing sharks. Their lives in captivity can be harsh especially when the animal has been completely removed from its social structures. Read on to find out why animals should not be kept in zoos. ", PETA's Bekhechi adds, the aim of breeding programmes is just "to produce baby animals to attract visitors.". Big cats, such as lions and tigers, used in circuses are forced to live in tiny cages that are transported across the country. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. Even when properly fed and well housed, they can never be fully relaxed in confined spaces. Non-native animals are held in conditions that vary greatly from what they are used to living in. 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. This conservation focus must be a key component for institutions that want to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a nonprofit organization that sets standards and policies for facilities in the United States and 12 other countries. This can lead to an appreciation of animals, which in return will see them being treated much better. People dont go to zoos to learn about the biodiversity crisis or how they can help. Animals in the wild are naturally shy to humans. This is only one of the Act's limitations. 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. The Link Between Fasting And Mental Health: Can It Improve Mood And Cognition? The California condor shows what zoos can accomplish. It is always best to stay away from wild animals to prevent disastrous interactions. There are a few exceptions. With increased awareness about the cruelty involved with keeping wild animals in captivity, more and more jurisdictions are enacting legal protections. Many zoos use Prozac and other psychoactive drugs on at least some of their animals to deal with the mental effects of captivity. In zoos vets and biologist help to prevent inbreeding. In one escape, they worked together: One held a mop handle steady while her sister climbed it to freedom. Slow animals with minimal to zero predators such as elephants have brief life spans in captivity. ", Published in the June 2017 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK), What to do in the Forest of Bowland, Lancashire, How to plan and book an Indian rail odyssey, Four of the best luxury sleeper trains in India, How Miami is re-embracing its modernist architecture, Where to eat in Clitheroe, the Ribble Valley's culinary hotspot, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society. Wrong! So when they face a threat, wild animals believe that they should survive by fleeing, fighting, flirting, or freezing. Zoos often have insufficient knowledge of animals. Drugs given to animals include sedatives and antipsychotic drugs. This is evident in killer whales' most vital body part: their teeth. In the age of social media, high profile culls have sparked heated debates. 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. Wed like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Are Sliding Doors or French Doors More Energy Efficient? They are used to collect exotic pets from owners who are looking to get rid of them. When it works out, breeding endangered animals has positive results that can be felt even in the human kingdom. 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. Unfortunately, this is done under the guise of conservation and to protect endangered species. Fewer and fewer states are allowing residents to keep captive wild animals without a permit. Unfortunately using real animals for these purposes involves tremendous cruelty. However, I feel there are certain species that should never be held in captivity unless they are candidates for breeding programs or rehabilitation. This may be true to some extent; however, many zoos are running breeding programs for their own benefit and have no interest in releasing their animals back into the wild. Alex shares his life with his wife (to-be), children and stepchildren, a herd of guinea pigs, and numerous tropical fish, frogs and snails. Another problem of zoos is that animals often only have rather limited space to move. Well, scat reveals all sorts of things about individual animals; information the keepers share with the scientific community. Dimming Lights: Are Fireflies Endangered? On the other hand, some animals try to flirt their way to protect their nest. Healthy animals in zoos are killed because they are not needed. The monotonous, confined life of animals in captivity is a mere shadow of what life was like for them in the wild. The problem is that these large predators control the population of herbivorous animals in their domain. Animals are forced to sleep, eat, and defecate in the same small area. 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? For example, the typical enclosure designed for a polar bear is about a million times smaller than its natural roaming grounds. It took several decades before Alex was able to leave the corporate world behind and embark on a real writing journey. Many zoos will then resort to drugging animals in order to keep them docile and normal for the pleasure of the viewing public. The educational day out model of zoos endured until the late 20th century, when zoos began actively rebranding themselves as serious contributors to conservation. "We engage huge audiences with wildlife, inspiring the conservationists of tomorrow," argues zoological director of ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos, Professor David Field. Lack of Sufficient Space No matter how dedicated a zoo is, it can't meet the space requirements for most of its animals. The first zoos housed animals behind metal bars in spartan cages. Below are a dozen reasons why zoos can be bad for animals: No matter how dedicated a zoo is, it cant meet the space requirements for most of its animals. They are removed from their natural habitats and confined to small limited spaces and often forced to perform tricks or entertain visitors. Outside of providing sufficient space to allow natural behaviors to develop, issues such as climate, diet, and the formation of a social hierarchy where appropriate make running a zoo a difficult task. Your voice is needed, so that captive wild animals in the United States, and elsewhere, are better protected. What if zoos stopped breeding all their animals, with the possible exception of any endangered species with a real chance of being released back into the wild? To many people, a trip to the zoo is a fun day out for the family. Learn More. CITES does not directly address living conditions for captive animals. 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. See Related: Best Wildlife Conservation Jobs. Animals in zoos are easier to get various kinds of diseases because there are thousands of people around the animal every day. Due in part to unnatural enclosures, animals in zoos are under stress. They are just some of the millions of wild animals living in captivity across the United States. This is seen as a cheaper option as opposed to moving them back into the wild. Weve discussed the reasons and can surely all now answer the question of why are zoos bad. Animals also lose their genetic diversity especially due to inbreeding. 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. 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. Here are some tips. Older menageries existed as far back as 2500 BCE, in Mesopotamia. Private Possession: Many wild animals may be kept captive in private homes as pets. See Related: Importance of Wildlife Conservation. When zoos find themselves with surplus animals, they need to find ways to reduce their numbers. A study by Bristol University found that many British zoos fail to provide animals with the required minimum standard of care. Trading in Wild Animals: Every year, thousands of animals enter the captive wild animal trade. In the past five years, the number of zoos has been gradually going up. The statistics on the number of big cats alone that have died in captivity between 1990 and 2021 is 126. Yes, it is time consuming and it is expensive, but if it is possible, we have to try, simply because is the right thing to do.". Once the ground has been left with no coverage, soil erosion will be the next step. Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage! Ms. Marris is an environmental writer and the author of the forthcoming book Wild Souls: Freedom and Flourishing in the Non-Human World.. In 2020, facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums contributed more than $230 million to conservation efforts. The real question is, how can we change things? All Rights Reserved. The Arabian oryx, an antelope native to the Arabian Peninsula, went extinct in the wild in the 1970s and then was reintroduced into the wild from zoo populations. What could these zoos do with it, besides enlarging enclosures? 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 2019 report by World Animal Protection found that captive animals exhibitedabnormal levels of aggression, indicating that the attack in Miami Seaquarium was a direct result of captivity, despite claims that it is an isolated incident and is uncommon. The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. The truth is that zoos are a prison for animals. Mr. Fisher is a photographer based in New York. A 2000 survey of U.S. and Canadian zoos found that nearly half of respondents were giving their gorillas Haldol, Valium or another psychopharmaceutical drug. 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.. 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 . There have also been reported cases of zoos not properly disposing of dead bodies when animals die on their premises. What began as a way to pass time soon became a compulsion. Earlier this month, footage of a dolphin attacking its trainer in Miami Seaquarium went viral. State And Local Laws: Strong state laws and even local laws have historically been a useful way to protect exotic and wild animals. And Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo has an on-site Wildlife Hospital to save sick and injured native species. There is always that element of choice that gets removed from them in a captive environment. Animals in captivity can struggle to adapt to their new environment. A.Z.A. See Related: Best Books on Endangered Species. The environment that these animals are kept in isnt natural to them more so the animals that are taken from the wilderness and kept in zoos. Others are captured from their native habitats, or come from backyard breeders or the black market. "Only 15% of the thousands of species held in zoos are considered 'threatened'," says Will Travers OBE, president of Born Free. However, in a zoo, the boundaries between the wild and captivity are rearranged. Apes are known for picking locks and keeping a beady eye on their captors, waiting for the day someone forgets to lock the door. A quick google search reveals that a zoo is an establishment that maintains a collection of wild animals, typically in a park or gardens, for study, conservation, or display to the public. Sanctuaries occupy a "gray area," says Tanya Espinosa, a . 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. Existing refuges often do allow visitors, but their facilities are really arranged for the animals, not for the people. The Endangered Species Act: The Endangered Species Act, the ESA, is a federal law that protects fish, mammals, birds and plants listed as threatened or endangered in the U.S. and beyond.
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