Help inform others by writing letters to your local newspapers and posting to social media. A day may come, he said, when we need to breed elephants or tigers or polar bears in captivity to save them from extinction. 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. They could either bite, peck, scratch, kick, or flap their wings. The real question is, how can we change things? CITES does not directly address living conditions for captive animals. In the age of social media, high profile culls have sparked heated debates. Not investing enough when designing a habitat for your animals to save money. That's how animals living in captivity feel. Animals in zoos can sense this, and over time their confinement can lead to worrying behavioral changes. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com. Those who reported a sense of connection to the animals at the zoo also correlated positively with general environmental concern. Zoos are built as a source of income for some. Watching these is a much healthier and more educational way to learn about wild animals than visiting a local zoo. Ive been to zoos and aquariums in Winnipeg, Vancouver, and Vancouver Island, not to mention those in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. Understanding the optimal requirements for the reproduction of certain animals can be difficult. Its zookeepers who arent fond of animals that go around hurting animals even when they havent been provoked. They often display neurotic behaviour, like repetitive pacing, swaying, and bar biting. "Only 15% of the thousands of species held in zoos are considered 'threatened'," says Will Travers OBE, president of Born Free. Wild animals have certain behaviors that are uniquely influenced by their environments. Early in the pandemic, the Neumunster Zoo in northern Germany coolly announced an emergency plan to cope with lost revenue by feeding some animals to other animals, compressing the food chain at the zoo like an accordion, until in the worst-case scenario, only Vitus, a polar bear, would be left standing. Tigers, lions, elephants, bears and nonhuman primates are all included in this law. Thats true, he said. Some animals are quite intelligent so keeping them in captivity should never be an option. This paper is going to discuss why animals should not be kept in captivity. This support of the exotic pet trade also results in a lot of preventable animal deaths. They found that only 27 percent of people bothered to read the signs at exhibits. The researchers divided the odd behaviors of captive animals into two categories: impulsive/compulsive behaviors, including coprophagy (eating feces), regurgitation, self-biting and mutilation, exaggerated aggressiveness and infanticide, and stereotypies, which are endlessly repeated movements. When it comes to lethal force and animal welfare, at least, public opinion swiftly sides against zoos. Animals such as lions, elephants, and tigers dont get even close to one percent of the area they roam in the wild. The truth is there is a vast difference between genuine conservation efforts and endangered species protection and running a zoo. You can see exotic animals without the need for traveling. Thousands of animals are captured and put in zoos and aquariums for tourist attractions every year. Read on to find out why animals should not be kept in zoos. In most cases, animals in zoos lead very unhappy lives. Fighting is a sign that they are threatened, especially when an animal has no way of getting away quickly. "We engage huge audiences with wildlife, inspiring the conservationists of tomorrow," argues zoological director of ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos, Professor David Field. However, when the animals being culled arent in demand, they might find themselves facing death. Cons of zoos Animal cruelty in zoos continues to be extremely common. The AWA establishes only baseline standards of care for licensing exhibitors. Read more: Should I worry about chemtrails? The owners of such zoos are focused on maximizing profits even at the animals expense. Most people arent always comfortable seeing animals that are kept in zoos. Even if the animals are being fed well, the lack of freedom can cause them to be stressed. Tell lawmakers you support animal-friendly legislation and local bans on using animals in entertainment. First and foremost, captivity can be extremely detrimental to an animal's physical and mental well-being. See Related: What Is The Hunters Role in Wildlife Conservation? Sanctuaries promise to take in and care for any animals that have been abused, neglected, or abandoned and to keep them for life. Healthy animals in zoos are killed because they are not needed. With increased awareness about the cruelty involved with keeping wild animals in captivity, more and more jurisdictions are enacting legal protections. Profits are also gained through the selling of animals to other zoos or circuses. The state and local laws protecting wild animals in captivity are spreading. This can have huge negative effects on the environment in many adverse ways. Animals in zoos are easier to get various kinds of diseases because there are thousands of people around the animal every day. (707) 795-2533 |info@aldf.org Zoos are expensive to run, often have a very tight budget, and cannot afford to maintain and support animals that do not pull their weight in terms of attraction. Alex shares his life with his wife (to-be), children and stepchildren, a herd of guinea pigs, and numerous tropical fish, frogs and snails. When the caretakers are not well informed about the animals they are to be taking care of, it can be problematic. 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. All things considered, animals should not be kept in zoos or aquariums. These experiences are often harmful to wildlife and dangerous for you. Visiting a zoo is a chance for many people to see exotic animals they would otherwise be unable to see. There is an undeniable thrill, seeing animals in zoos, circuses, movies, television shows, and amusement parks. Visitors will hammer on the glass or clamor around an animal enclosure, calling and shouting for the creature to perform for their pleasure. Why Are Puppy Mills Bad: The Numerous Reasons Why They Must Be Stopped And How You, yes you, Can Help! There is no end to the risk of cross-contamination and disease spread, especially when considering the fact that lots of zoos fail to provide the correct standard of care. They bought tickets, and the wild creatures should behave accordingly. Some are in aquariums, circuses, theme parks and zoos, others live caged at private homes. Taking your family for a day out at the zoo has been a sort of tradition for a very long time and given recent statics the number of visitors is growing. Private Possession: Many wild animals may be kept captive in private homes as pets. Capturing animals even smart ones like apes, for amusement shouldnt be going on anywhere. Copyright OurEndangedWorld | All Rights Reserved, Environmental Organizations in The Philippines, Environmental Organizations in North America, Environmental Organizations in South America, Best Energy-Efficient Electric Fireplaces. at the time estimated that between 3,000 and 5,000 animals are euthanized in European zoos each year. Likewise, consuming sustainable seafood provides a valuable source of food for people and helps promote sustainable jobs. They are just some of the millions of wild animals living in captivity across the United States. The Enigmatic Wombats: Surprising Facts and Myths Debunked. Many zoo animals are forcefully removed from their natural habitat. 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. Some zoo animals try to escape. Declawing is extremely painful and causes permanent disability. The educational day out model of zoos endured until the late 20th century, when zoos began actively rebranding themselves as serious contributors to conservation. There are 39 animal species currently listed by the IUCN as Extinct in the Wild. Zoos are a part of culture across the world. But then theres the pacing, the rocking. Ive heard and read some of their stories. Not surprising, perhaps, considering the typical polar bear enclosure is one million times smaller than the area they would naturally roam.". There are currently 421 zoological gardens and aquariums and a 2.9% business growth this year despite the pandemic. The allure of baby animals and the crowds they pull can lead a zoological garden director to increase them to keep attracting customers. This treaty is credited with helping foster international cooperation to protect some endangered and vulnerable species. The California condor breeding program, which almost certainly saved the species from extinction, includes five zoos as active partners. These tours often pretend to talk about their animals natural habitat and inclinations. 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? The first modern one was opened in Paris, France in 1793. If you go on holiday to any major destination, the chances are high that there will be at least one zoo and/or one aquarium nearby. They go to get out of the house, to get their children some fresh air, to see interesting animals. But relatively early in their evolution, a German exotic animal importer named Carl Hagenbeck changed the way wild animals were exhibited. What if they sent all the animals that need really large areas or lots of freedom and socialization to refuges? Animal Legal Defense Fund,National Headquarters Meanwhile, small changes at the officemight be one good way to cut significant emissions, writes Carlos Gamarra. worldanimalfoundation.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and Other Programs, an affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the Partners. See Related: Endangered Species in Oklahoma. NASA's Hubble Space Telescope Captures Dramatic Hour-by-Hour Changes of Dart Mission Slamming on an Asteroid, Can Humanity Deflect Potentially Hazardous Asteroids? Instead, they will hire generalists with a degree of knowledge specificity and run with that. This gives the poor pets a home and creates a revenue stream for the zoos. Some 5,800 species of animals are covered by the treaty (along with 30,000 species of plants). It is impossible to read these stories without concluding that these animals wanted out. Wrong! The process of training an animal is a long and brutal one. Animals are not able to bear living in small, unsuited environments. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/11/opinion/zoos-animal-cruelty.html, Photographs by Peter Fisher for The New York Times. But the law excludes protection for birds, rats and mice, farmed animals and "cold-blooded" animals such as reptiles, amphibians and fish. Some populations in the wild are weakened by endogamy too. Why? These refuge-zoos could become places where animals live. Zoo elephants tend to die young. This type of behaviour is almost unheard of in their wild counterparts. This is the image of the zoo I grew up with: the unambiguously good civic institution that lovingly cared for animals both on its grounds and, somehow, vaguely, in their wild habitats. In 2014, the director of the E.A.Z.A. (This law does not affect zoos or circuses.). Their lives in captivity can be harsh especially when the animal has been completely removed from its social structures. Some sad facts about zoos are that at times, the people hired to take care of and protect these animals arent very qualified. For some animals in zoos, the shock of their relocation alone can be fatal. Our EIN number is 94-2681680. According toAnimal Behavior: Resources for Applied Ethology, fleeing or running away is the most popular reaction of animals towards humans. When a female gorilla named Johari kept fighting off the male she was placed with, the zoo dosed her with Prozac until she allowed him to mate with her. Going to the zoo is sort of a short vacation for many people. This goes to the detriment of the animals in zoos and puts them at risk of receiving inadequate care. In the end, he said, we live with our own constraints. He added, We are all captive in some regards to social and ethical and religious and other constraints on our life and our activities.. The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) operates an accreditation system for sanctuaries, rescue centres and rehabilitation centres. The common negative effects of zoos on animals are listed below. This can lead to an appreciation of animals, which in return will see them being treated much better. Fish and Wildlife Service, suggested that learning how to breed animals contributes to conservation in the long term, even if very few animals are being released now. 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. Another time, one of the orangutans, Kumang, learned how to use sticks to ground the current in the electrical wire around her enclosure. 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. A.Z.A. 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. When theres a surplus, you can just have a plant sale. Persuasive Speech: Why Animals Should Not be kept in Zoos. What began as a way to pass time soon became a compulsion. When confined they rock, pull their hair and engage in other tics. Boycott businesses that profit from cruelty to animals. Mr. Ashe, a former director of the U.S. The U.S. became a signatory to CITES in 1975. Increasingly, animals were presented with the distasteful fact of their imprisonment visually elided. The Animal Welfare Act: The Animal Welfare Act, or AWA, is the primary piece of federal legislation regulating captive wild animals. See Related: Are Humans Animals? An estimated 20 red wolves are all that remain in 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. According to an article inPlant Based News, marine parks and aquariums are a billion-dollar industry that exists to entertain the public by catching fish and sea mammals from the wild and using them as live exhibits. Deforestation will be the next problem when animals such as moose, elks, and deer start eating everything even young trees. A peer-reviewed 2017 study in the . In addition, baby animals that are deemed excess to requirements find their way into black market sales. Some, however, argue that children benefit from zoos. Another serious problem is that the chronically-understaffed USDA conducts inspections infrequently. [WATCH]. Kings would keep hippos, baboons and large cats. State And Local Laws: Strong state laws and even local laws have historically been a useful way to protect exotic and wild animals. 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. On top of that, the animals dont have much freedom even in these tiny spaces that they are forced to live in. The ongoing extinction crises shows that zoos are needed - even for common species. In fact, while animals will have almost unlimited space in the wild, they are often caged in rather confined areas in zoos. We have good models of captive wild animal protection laws outside of this country as well. However, looking back as an adult with a world-savvy eye, there is far more to animal captivity than meets the eye. ", 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. Privacy Policy. There is always that element of choice that gets removed from them in a captive environment. That doesnt mean there havent been criticisms. However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence. The trainer was immediately sent to the hospital and has since recovered from physical injuries, and so does the dolphin. Little Joe, a gorilla, escaped from the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston twice in 2003. Ostensibly places for genteel amusement and edification, zoos expanded beyond big and fearsome animals to include reptile houses, aviaries and insectariums. Its protections are minimal as well. A gorilla named Togo at the Toledo Zoo used his incredible strength to bend the bars of his cage. Local laws are often most effective in governing the private possession of exotic animals. 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. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram. 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.. Thats undeniable. His justification was philosophical. More tigers live in cages in this country, than exist in all the wild. Earlier this month, footage of a dolphin attacking its trainer in Miami Seaquarium went viral. The surpluses are then sold off to zoos, aquariums, or even circuses. Theres also the Zoological Association of America that operates in the United States. When it rains, the topsoil gets washed away leaving the land more exposed. They are removed from their natural habitats and confined to small limited spaces and often forced to perform tricks or entertain visitors. 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? There are dozens of other countries around the world with similar prohibitions, including Austria, Greece, Israel, Mexico, Peru and Singapore. A few zoos are famous for their conservation work. Zoos are held to their word of conserving animals and releasing them back into the wild when they are ready. Below are a dozen reasons why zoos can be bad for animals: 1. Their sleeping quarters can get overcrowded and this can lead to the animals harming each other. These are highly intelligent animals with complex social constructs that scientists have studied for . Even though they might be getting enough food, if your animals are not okay mentally they might still not live to their full potential. It took several decades before Alex was able to leave the corporate world behind and embark on a real writing journey. Mr. Hribal documented many stories of elephants making a run for it in one case repairing to a nearby woods with a pond for a mud bath. However, through education and informative motions for change, we can make change the way zoos are run. This relocation alone can come as a large shock and wreak havoc on the animals mental health. The Animal Legal Defense Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This was the first time that the ESA has successfully been used to protect captive wild animals. Crustacean Chronicles: A Deep Dive into the Fascinating World of the Crab, Pet Food Manufacturers and Who Rules the Roost in a Growing Market. Today's zoos are extremely important to saving wild animals and their habitats. That's not a record that justifies tens of millions of wild animals kept in zoos. The most recent addition to the family, Willow, a cockapoo puppy, has settled straight into family life and now controls who sits where on the sofa. Trading in Wild Animals: Every year, thousands of animals enter the captive wild animal trade. Private individuals with the financial means use their money to procure rare or exotic animals from zoos to add to their own private collections. Some surplus animals or injured animals are even fed to predators as a means of life-cycle maintenance.
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