[11], Robin Ganzert, PhD, President and CEO of American Humane, stated, zoos provide people, especially impressionable children, with the opportunity to see these remarkable animals up close. By having these animals in zoos, there is another layer of protection given to these hunted species so that their survival chances are greater. Opponents say wild animals should never be kept captive. Consider the pros and cons with a video from Above the Noise. Another problem with zoos is that staff members in zoos often dont have the required knowledge to take care of the different animals in a proper manner. 21 Pros and Cons of Zoos Pro and Con: Zoos One of them is the confined spaces where the animals are forced to live in. The oldest still operating zoo in the world, Tiergarten Schnbrunn in Vienna, opened in 1752. Zoos Should Be Abolished Essay https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/zoo/, https://oakleesguide.com/10-tips-for-an-awesome-zoo-trip/. Zoos provide specialized care for the animals that are kept on the grounds. In fact, similar to circuses, animals are often treated quite poorly in zoos and have to comply with the rules of zookeepers. 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. If so, how? 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. Zoos also pose a risk to animal health. If you are new to netivist, please create your account for free and start collecting your netivist points! Vote and join our debate (see below), Watch this video on "zoochosis" and the living conditions of animals in captivity. Another issue with zoos is that there is often also only insufficient regulation of zoos in many countries of our planet. [29], About 70% of adult male gorillas in North America have heart disease, the leading cause of death among gorillas in captivity, although the condition is almost completely absent in the wild. Should About 15 out of the 5 million animals currently alive are believed to have this rare condition that changes the color of their skin. You will also see the staff members from local zoos making presentations at local schools and businesses to raise awareness for what they do. Because poaching activities qualify as criminal conduct, most attempts are thwarted. Often animals in such zoos are trained to perform tricks. Not only can we benefit from the experience of learning about new animals and their habitats by visiting a zoo, but it also gives families an opportunity to spend time together while enjoying the outdoors. 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. procon@eb.com, 2022 Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. 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. WebShould Zoos Be Banned Essay. Proponents say zoos educate the public about animals. This will allow us to keep netivist alive and available to What Do Wasps Do for the Environment? In fact, the USDA states that allowing visitors to handle animals like baby tigers or lions violates the Animal Welfare Act. 916 Words4 Pages. 3. If you change your mind, you can change your vote simply by clicking on another option. However, despite good intentions and considerable financial effort, the concept of zoos is nonetheless seriously problematic. Although these efforts do not entirely replicate migration or hunting, it does reduce the amount of boredom that occurs during their stay in the zoo. Elephants become more aggressive when they are unable to travel and explore, which is caused zookeepers to euthanize almost 100 individuals in the past decade because of the danger they caused to others. Should zoos be banned pros and cons Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. What people do not know is animals don't have the best interest in being in a zoo. Our moderators will now review this comment and act accordingly. Many zoos conduct such studies, and also run captive breeding programmes for endangered species. This is not only true for children, but also for many adults. Zoo is the place where wild animals are collected for tourist attraction, as there are several endanger species animals protected from extinction by zookeepers. Putting aside these opposing views, it remains a sad reality that the welfare of zoo animals varies widely depending on where you are. Should zoos be banned pros and cons Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. 6. Polar bears dont do well in tropical locations, even when they receive ice as a coping mechanism for the climate. 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. Proponents say zoos educate the public about animals. Why Zoos Should Not Be Banned While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. A zoo cannot provide the perfect environment for every type of animal. NOTE: Your account might be penalized should we not find any wrongdoing by this user. This emphasis is still present today, with many facilities offering educational programs, behind-the-scenes tours, and various activities which encourage visitors to learn more about the animals which live there. 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 Over the past 30 years, many established zoos have endeavored to improve the level of animal care and rehabilitate their image in the public eye. Since this method of feeding large predators generally requires smaller animals to be bred and purchased solely for this purpose, it necessitates the exploitation and frequently painful death of the smaller species. CON Zoos don't educate the public enough to justify keeping animals captive. Due to the unnatural living conditions of zoos, animals are also less likely to breed in zoos and therefore, the population of those animals may decline rather than increase in the long run. Equity, respect and transparency are at the heart of fair trades definition. should zoos Moreover, these smaller, unregulated organizations sometimes possess animals procured through illegal trafficking channels, a serious global problem. However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence. ProCon/Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. This is not only due to the entrance fees for zoos, but also due to the fact that tourists will sleep in hotels and eat out in restaurants, which further generates significant income for the local population. These facilities can provide an educational resource to their community. 5. Elephants dont do well when they are kept in locations that are cold and snowy. 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. Why Zoos Should Not Be Banned Pros and Cons of Owning an Exotic Animal Animal Adovocacy Organizations to Partner With This might take a few seconds, please wait. Below are the proper citations for this page according to four style manuals (in alphabetical order): the Modern Language Association Style Manual (MLA), the Chicago Manual of Style (Chicago), the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA), and Kate Turabian's A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (Turabian). It was only then that a transition was made from royal menageries, designed to entertain the elite, to public zoological gardens aiming to educate the wider population. WebShould Zoos Be Banned Essay. Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. 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. WebIn conclusion, zoos should be abolished because they are unethical, cause animal suffering, and are unnecessary in today's society. Zoos also collect exotic pets from people who want to get rid of them, which gives the pets home while generating revenue for the zoos. "Zoos Top 3 Pros and Cons." 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. To push conservation issues, many large zoos stopped having animals perform tricks for visitors. Quarantine procedures are part of the zoos overall structure as well. ", ProCon.org. When you keep the animal in a zoo instead, then they might have 1,500 square feet to roam, and sometimes even less. Should Zoos Be Banned CON Zoos don't educate the public enough to justify keeping animals captive. 11 Biggest Pros and Cons of Zoos 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.. Zoos are also quite popular in many countries all over the world. Controversy has historically surrounded zoos, from debates over displaying exotic humans in exhibits to zookeepers not knowing what to feed animals. WebZoos have been around for 4,000 years, for many years people have gone to zoos to see wild animals up close. You will not receive any promotional materials from third parties. The actual territory of some individuals and packs may be over 300 miles in width. There are many problems that come with keeping animals in zoos. Should zoos be banned Many people also go to the zoo in order to relax and to see something completely different compared to their normal daily life. Please let us know! 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-banner-1','ezslot_16',144,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-banner-1-0');Zoos can also play a crucial role to protect many animals from endangerment or even from extinction. 17, 2019), Michela Pacifici, et al., Species Traits Influenced Their Response to Recent Climate Change, nature.com, 2017, Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Conservation Success Stories in AZA-Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, aza.org, Apr. 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. 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. Lets try to understand the pros and cons of zoos through the following arguments. One strong argument for why zoos should be banned is it is intrinsically wrong to place animals in captivity. Whenever visitors like animals and birds and pay more to visit them, they get luxurious food and habitat. Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. While zoos spend millions on keeping animals confined, natural habitats are destroyed and animals are killed, as theres insufficient funding for their protection. The article, "Zoos: The Historical Debate" from Globalanimal.org discusses some pros (positive sides) and cons (negative sides) of zoos. There were only nine California condors in the wild in 1985. Some elephant herds in the wild can grow to become 40 members strong. If it contains abusive or inappropriate language its author will be penalized. Zoos Another 23 jobs were supported for every $1 million that zoos spent on construction projects. 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. Another significant downside of zoos is that animals can often not be returned to the wild after they had been kept in captivity. Only use this feature if you are certain this user has infringed netivist's Terms of Service. Consider how you felt about the issue before reading this article. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Opponents of zoos often claim that zoos are just in place for human amusement. The Chester and Whipsnade zoological parks where the first two non-urban zoos without cages and larger enclosures. Specific programs at the zoological grounds encourage visitors to interact with the animals in unique ways. Some zoos are unable to care for their animals. Smaller zoos dont always have the money to hire well-trained zoological staff or expand their breeding programs and facilities to maintain the ethos of conservation. 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. 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. Lets try to understand the pros and cons of zoos through the following arguments. ], [Editors Note: The MLA citation style requires double spacing within entries. [21][22] [23], Przewalskis horses, the last wild horses, were declared extinct in the wild in the 1960s when about 12 lived in zoos. Pros and cons of zoos: Should animals be kept in zoos? 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. 21 Pros and Cons of Zoos 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. There is no quick fix for the issues faced by zoos across the country and around the world. Tags: Animals Conservation Guide Must reads, Subscribe to our newsletter Informative, free, inspiring, Environmental Organizations: 8 NGOs and Non-Profits Worth Supporting, Fair Trade vs. Fairtrade: Why Its Not the Same Thing, The 10 Coolest Farm Animal Rescue Sites in the US, 6 Solutions to Deforestation and What You Can Do, Factory Farming: A Look at This Problematic System, How to Geocache: A Beginners 7-Step Guide, Practice Radical Self Acceptance in 4 Steps, 7 Flowers to Plant in March & Other Spring Gardening Ideas, Does Almond Milk Go Bad? Peter De Vries, Novelistif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'environmental_conscience_com-box-2','ezslot_4',613,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-box-2-0'); if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'environmental_conscience_com-box-3','ezslot_3',614,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-box-3-0');Zoos are quite popular in many countries all over the world. What people do not know is animals don't have the best interest in being in a zoo. 7, 2019), NBA, NBA Breaks All-Time Attendance Record for Fourth Straight Year, nba.com, Apr. Humans as part of zoological exhibitions did not fully stop until the early 20th century. Pros 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. 25, 2019, Shelby Isaacson, Mote Ranked No. Even highly trained people miss an open lock or find themselves in dangerous circumstances with predatory animals, so there is always some level of risk involved. In an ideal world that would not be necessary, wild animals would roam freely in their natural habitats and we, humans, would find ways to observe them and learn about them without disrupting their lives. Many zoos conduct such studies, and also run captive breeding programmes for endangered species. While some zoos are quite profitable and make good money, other zoos rely on donations and government subsidies in order to survive. The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. Most of us referred to these parks as a zoo. Are you experiencing any technical problem with netivist? 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. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. Zoo advocates maintain that their efforts make a difference in wildlife conservation and will continue to have a positive environmental impact well into the future. It changes the behavior of the animal. WebCons of zoos Animal cruelty in zoos continues to be extremely common. Why should animals be kept in zoos? [35] [36][36]. [1] [2], The contemporary zoo evolved from 19th century European zoos. 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. the Reasons Why Zoos Should Be Banned 916 Words4 Pages. [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. Thus, going to the zoo can give you a great time and can be a nice way to unplug from your stressful daily life. 20, 2017, US Fish & Wildlife Service, California Condor Population Information, fws.gov, May 7, 2018, Jan Flemr, Long Way Home as Przewalskis Horses Fly to Mongolia, phys.org, July 19, 2018, Jane Palmer, The Worlds Last Truly Wild Horse, bbc.com, Nov. 11, 2015, Lori Marino, et al., Do Zoos and Aquariums Promote Attitude Change in Visitors? The contemporary debate about zoos tends to focus on animal welfare on both sides, whether zoos protect animals or imprison them. Pros and cons See also how much gasoline is in a barrel of oil Are zoos good or bad for animals pros and cons? Should zoos be banned, or do they serve a positive purpose? 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. 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. Because poaching activities qualify as criminal conduct, most attempts are thwarted. 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. In fact, many of us stay children deep inside and we may also remember many nice childhood memories. As an associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon or other programs. The American Zoo Association even stated that conservation was its number one priority. 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. Pro and Con: Zoos At the time, these institutions accommodated nearly 800,000 animals and 6,000 species, with around 1,000 on the endangered species list. Should Zoos be Banned Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. The ethical dilemma around keeping wild animals in captivity is significant. Well, we have always seen animals inside the jungle with joy and grow as big and furious wild animals most of the time. New to netivist? Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. Another disadvantage of zoos is that they often only offer quite poor living conditions for animals. My name is Andreas and my mission is to educate people of all ages about our environmental problems and how everyone can make a contribution to mitigate these issues. That hasnt stopped some poachers from breaking into zoos to harvest what they want, but it is preventing the levels of harm that we have seen in the past. After reading the pros and cons on this topic, has your thinking changed? Should Zoos be Banned The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. 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. Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. Proper citation depends on your preferred or required style manual. They also aim toteach visitors the importance of animal conservation and mindfulness of the ecosystem as a whole. Unlike their natural habitats where they can freely roam, these establishments keep them confined. WebIn conclusion, zoos should be abolished because they are unethical, cause animal suffering, and are unnecessary in today's society. The only effective and sustainable way to save species is to support schemes that target the root cause of the extinction and endangerment of animals habitat destruction. 1. Heres Why, nationalgeographic.com, Mar. 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. When dealing with a predator species in particular, any children born in captivity cannot be released into the wild because they have no hunting or survival instincts.