Elephants, lions, tigers, rhinos, and such. The law, adopted by Congress in 1966, protects so-called warm-blooded animals who are bred for commercial sale, used in research, transported commercially or publicly exhibited, like in a zoo or circus. 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. Polar bears have one million times less space. The sale of excess animals to traveling roadside zoos is another big problem. 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. Zoos accredited by the A.Z.A. 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? In this way, they could lead the predator away from their nest. 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. Sadly, most of these associations end up protecting the interests of their members, and not the animals they should be protecting. A gorilla named Togo at the Toledo Zoo used his incredible strength to bend the bars of his cage. See Related: Different Animals That Cant Jump. These experiences are often harmful to wildlife and dangerous for you. Most states have no laws governing captive wild animals. And it is true that the territory size of an animal like a wolf depends greatly on the density of resources and other wolves. Some zoo animals try to escape. That change prompted the shift in zoo narrative from entertainment to the protection of animals. 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. This is only one of the Act's limitations. Anyone can read what you share. Zookeepers also often may neglect their healthcare needs. Zoos also say that they save the endangered animals, but all they really care about is how much crowd the animal draws. We do know that common animals kept as pets include lions, tigers, cougars, ocelots, servals, wolves, bears, alligators, snakes and nonhuman primates like chimpanzees. Terrifying, Pre-Historic-Looking Fish Captured in the Ocean's Twilight Zone; What Is It? When it comes to lethal force and animal welfare, at least, public opinion swiftly sides against zoos. Few federal laws protect the millions of wild animals who live in captivity in aquariums, circuses, theme parks and zoos in the U.S. As a late Gen-Xer-cum-early-Millenial, my childhood was rich with trips to visit zoos. But it's clear, say welfare specialists, that captivity can compromise orcas' health. Some of these animals are surplus from roadside zoos. Animals held captive in zoos are in very small environments such as cages, and they have no freedom. Captive tigers pace back and forth, and in a 2014 study, researchers found that the time devoted to pacing by a species in captivity is best predicted by the daily distances traveled in nature by the wild specimens. It is almost as if they feel driven to patrol their territory, to hunt, to move, to walk a certain number of steps, as if they have a Fitbit in their brains. The Link Between Fasting And Mental Health: Can It Improve Mood And Cognition? NASA's Hubble Space Telescope Captures Dramatic Hour-by-Hour Changes of Dart Mission Slamming on an Asteroid, Can Humanity Deflect Potentially Hazardous Asteroids? Zoos have been around for thousands of yearsas far back as 3500 BC in Egypt. The AWA only applies to some captive wild animals. Some surplus animals or injured animals are even fed to predators as a means of life-cycle maintenance. There are a great many negative effects of zoos on animals.When we visit zoos, we can see they often go to great lengths in order to recreate the animals natural habitats. "Animals in zoos suffer tremendously, both physically and mentally. (This law does not affect zoos or circuses.). Slow animals with minimal to zero predators such as elephants have brief life spans in captivity. 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. The surpluses are then sold off to zoos, aquariums, or even circuses. Gus, a polar bear at the Central Park Zoo, was given Prozac as part of an attempt to stop him from swimming endless figure-eight laps in his tiny pool. This is seen as a cheaper option as opposed to moving them back into the wild. The AWA establishes only baseline standards of care for licensing exhibitors. These are wild animals, who are dangerous by nature and cannot be domesticated. Sanctuaries occupy a "gray area," says Tanya Espinosa, a . While researching my book on the ethics of human interactions with wild species, Wild Souls, I examined how, exactly, zoos contribute to the conservation of wild animals. A zoological park is defined as an establishment designed for conservation, study, and public display. For intellectual property information and terms of use, visit our Intellectual Property Terms of Usepage. However, it does not change the fundamental fact that as the world changes, we must also become more aware of the darker side of such animal sanctuaries. Climate change around the world: In Postcards From a World on Fire, 193 stories from individual countries show how climate change is reshaping reality everywhere, from dying coral reefs in Fiji to disappearing oases in Morocco and far, far beyond. 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. Animals are often bored and, as a result, some become aggressive and can lash out at other animals or zookeepers. For many wild animals, this is a vital part of their life, and they can struggle to redefine their footing. I remember well the awe and joy on their faces, 15 years later. They could either bite, peck, scratch, kick, or flap their wings. But the law excludes protection for birds, rats and mice, farmed animals and cold-blooded animals such as reptiles, amphibians and fish. Top 50 Most Good-looking Nationalities: AI Shows Beautiful People From Different Countries; How Does Science Measure Beauty, Attractiveness? Most zoos dont focus on the educational aspect of zoos; the animals are mainly kept for amusement. Ostensibly places for genteel amusement and edification, zoos expanded beyond big and fearsome animals to include reptile houses, aviaries and insectariums. In contrast, those nesting animals or cornered ones will try to defend themselves if being approached to protect their young. And Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo has an on-site Wildlife Hospital to save sick and injured native species. What if they sent all the animals that need really large areas or lots of freedom and socialization to refuges? Writing at the end of 2020, Al Gore, the 45th vice president of the United States. In 1982, only 22 condors existed in the wild. Wild dolphins swim up to 40 miles day with the other members of their pod, while captive dolphins are forced to swim in tiny pools with unfamiliar dolphins day after day. [WATCH]. Things to Know. Why Animals Should Not be Kept in Zoos These animals oftentimes live in inhumane conditions, and pose a serious threat to public safety. She could then climb the wire without being shocked. Zoo animals, this new narrative went, function as backup populations for wild animals under threat, as well as ambassadors for their species, teaching humans and motivating them to care about wildlife. Wild animals have certain behaviors that are uniquely influenced by their environments. See Related: Animals That Have Become Extinct in the Last 100 Years. Animals live in cruel conditions, confined to small cages without the enrichment they need to lead full, happy lives. 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. These are highly intelligent animals with complex social constructs that scientists have studied for . The owners of such zoos are focused on maximizing profits even at the animals expense. Display would be incidental. CITES does not directly address living conditions for captive animals. But whether recent events have triggered a profound shift in public consciousness is harder to . However, through education and informative motions for change, we can make change the way zoos are run. In zoos vets and biologist help to prevent inbreeding. An estimated 20 red wolves are all that remain in the wild. As we snap a selfie by the sea lions for the first time in so long, it seems worth asking, after our collective ordeal, whether our pleasure in seeing wild animals up close is worth the price of their captivity. In 1898, the reason was cited by the New York Zoological Society when it resolved to inform the public of the continued decline in animal populations, to stimulate sentiment in favor of animal protection, and to cooperate with scientific organizations to ensure the preservation of species. The common negative effects of zoos on animals are listed below. 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. Eventually, the only animals on display would be a few ancient holdovers from the old menageries, animals in active conservation breeding programs and perhaps a few rescues. Unfortunately, this is done under the guise of conservation and to protect endangered species. When zoos find themselves with surplus animals, they need to find ways to reduce their numbers. There is always that element of choice that gets removed from them in a captive environment. The Animal Legal Defense Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. See Related: Best Wildlife Conservation Jobs. Due to the low density of the population of some animals in their natural ecosystems they struggle to find partners. An animal lover, Alexs family, have all been involved in various animal welfare charities. Don't be suckered into supporting companies that offer experiences like hugging a tiger, swimming with dolphins, riding elephants, or kissing sharks. Non-native animals are held in conditions that vary greatly from what they are used to living in. Animals are forced to live in artificial habitats that arent anywhere close to their former homes (the wild). Apes are excellent at escaping. An orangutan at the Omaha Zoo kept wire for lock-picking hidden in his mouth. They bought tickets, and the wild creatures should behave accordingly. People are always attracted to exotic animals such as grizzlies, lions, wolves, tigers, and alligators among others. We use cookies to help ensure the best experience on our website. For example, if the number of lions is drastically reduced in an area, their prey will thrive. Once the ground has been left with no coverage, soil erosion will be the next step. This alone increases the risk of disease, as animals are exposed to viruses they have never encountered before. Below are a dozen reasons why zoos can be bad for animals: 1. Bears, lions, and other animals languish in roadside zoos across the country. Fighting is a sign that they are threatened, especially when an animal has no way of getting away quickly. In a 2011 study, researchers quizzed visitors at the Cleveland, Bronx, Prospect Park and Central Park zoos about their level of environmental concern and what they thought about the animals. 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. The California condor shows what zoos can accomplish. Especially animals like lions that are used to roaming vast distances in the wild in search of food. WHY ANIMALS SHOULD NOT BE KEPT IN CAPTIVITY By "Phillip" Hungry, depressed, and unable to connect. For example, smaller and faster animals with a lot of predators in the wild tend to thrive in zoos. Animals are an important part of nature and should have the right to live in their natural environment. Most animals are taught to perform tricks and go against the grain of nature purely for human entertainment. The trade in wild animals involves tremendous suffering at every stage of the process. This can make the animals neurotic, causing them to start biting bars, pacing repetitively, and swaying. 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. William Randolph Hearst created his own private zoo with lions, tigers, leopards and more at Hearst Castle. Severe arthritis and foot infections are common in captive elephants due to standing on hard, unnatural surfaces all day without room to roam. Your voice is needed, so that captive wild animals in the United States, and elsewhere, are better protected. When big predators are brought up on dead meat and never have to hunt for themselves, mingle with the prey they cant hunt, and entertain humans with tricks, they get further from their natural behaviors. Life expectancy for animals in captivity depends on a couple of things, such as their way of life, among other factors. Their sleeping quarters can get overcrowded and this can lead to the animals harming each other. Step away from the selfie stick. Wed like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Many zoos conduct such studies, and also run captive breeding programmes for endangered species. Chimps pull out their own hair. WorldAnimalFoundation.org is reader-supported. Animals also lose their genetic diversity especially due to inbreeding. That's how animals living in captivity feel. Ive heard and read some of their stories. A species protected in captivity provides a reservoir population against a population crash or extinction in the wild. See Related: What Is The Hunters Role in Wildlife Conservation? Exotic animals have become very popular, but they are also dangerous in so many ways. Zoos are built as a source of income for some. Yes And Someone is Paying Attention, Swimming with The Seahorse: Discover Their Mystical Charisma. "Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. When it comes to lethal force and animal welfare, at least, public opinion swiftly sides against zoos. The animals too have rights and they shouldnt be subjected to half the things they undergo. We have good models of captive wild animal protection laws outside of this country as well. It is these boastful collections of animals, these autocratic menageries, from which the modern zoo, with its didactic plaques and $15 hot dogs, springs. Even without a consciousness (that we know of) animals are alive and should be treated as such. Mr. Ashe, a former director of the U.S. Older menageries existed as far back as 2500 BCE, in Mesopotamia. Our EIN number is 94-2681680. When wild animals shouldn't be in captivity. Here are some tips. In addition, a costlier but more educational option is to make arrangements to view animals in the wild. See Related: Animals With the Best Sense of Smell. People are fascinated by animals. A.Z.A. Zoos also have the power to euthanize their animals when they themselves deem it permissible. The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) operates an accreditation system for sanctuaries, rescue centres and rehabilitation centres. 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. The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. This is only one of the Acts limitations. Not investing enough when designing a habitat for your animals to save money. These tours often pretend to talk about their animals natural habitat and inclinations. (The culling of mammals specifically in E.A.Z.A. RELATED ARTICLE: Dolphin Attacks Trainer in Front of Horrified Families in Miami Seaquarium: How Often Do These Sea Creatures Attack Humans? 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 . However, this is often not much more than an illusion for the customer. Giraffes endlessly flick their tongues. Since most countries dont have any regulations on how to handle animals in zoos, these business people can do whatever it takes to make the most profits possible. The truth is that zoos are a prison for animals. With their apes, elephants, big cats, and other large and smart species gone, they could expand enclosures for the rest of the animals, concentrating on keeping them lavishly happy until their natural deaths. What began as a way to pass time soon became a compulsion. 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. 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. In many modern zoos, animals are well cared for, healthy and probably, for many species, content. 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. 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. The Animal Welfare Act: The Animal Welfare Act, or AWA, is the primary piece of federal legislation regulating captive wild animals. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Big cats, such as lions and tigers, used in circuses are forced to live in tiny cages that are transported across the country. 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. There is considerable variation from state to state and among cities and counties, as to how much legal protection is offered to captive wild animals. Just as we humans are free to do whatever we want so long as we follow the law, then it shouldn't be different for animals. But whether recent events have triggered a profound shift in public consciousness is harder to quantify. This relocation alone can come as a large shock and wreak havoc on the animals mental health. Many zoo animals are forcefully removed from their natural habitat. If an untrained zookeeper comes across a stubborn animal, they might hurt it if they are impatient. Wildlife experts remind people that these animals do not know people's intentions, so they will try to protect themselves no matter what. This type of behaviour is almost unheard of in their wild counterparts. The worst ones are the malicious keepers who enjoy hurting animals in captivity. All Rights are Resvered. It is not possible to have zookeepers versed in a detailed understanding of every single species. In the 1980s, a group of orangutans escaped several times at the San Diego Zoo. A 2014 study by the Society for Conservation Biology found that of over 2,800 children surveyed following visits to London Zoo, 62% showed no positive learning outcomes. Drugs given to animals include sedatives and antipsychotic drugs. Persuasive Speech: Why Animals Should Not be kept in Zoos. Animals are not able to bear living in small, unsuited environments. They go for the same reason people went to zoos in the 19th century: to be entertained. Read more: Should I worry about chemtrails? But the law excludes protection for birds, rats and mice, farmed animals and "cold-blooded" animals such as reptiles, amphibians and fish. Zoos shifted just slightly from overt demonstrations of mastery over beasts to a narrative of benevolent protection of individual animals. These are species that would have vanished totally were it not for captive populations around the world, many of which reside in zoos (or, for plants, botanic gardens). At the end of the day, Zoos are largely unethical places that are built under the pretense of habitat conservation but really are there to earn money and entertain people who want to be able to say they saw real-life wild animals. Should Animals Be Kept In Zoos However, there are various reasons that explain why zoos are unethical. It's the first travel company to publicly make such a move. This becomes a major blow to the biodiversity of the affected region. For example, Charles Harvey and Kurt House argue that subsidies for climate capture technologywill ultimately be a waste. They are just some of the millions of wild animals living in captivity across the United States. Sanctuaries promise to take in and care for any animals that have been abused, neglected, or abandoned and to keep them for life. The United Kingdom, for example, has announced a plan to phase out all circuses featuring wild animal performances by 2020. 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. 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.. 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? Copyrights 2023. Investigators found sticks and pine cones inside the exhibit, most likely thrown by the boys. After all, more than 700 million people visit zoos and aquariums worldwide every year, and biodiversity is still in decline. Today, nearly every country in the world is a member of CITES. Another problem of zoos is that animals often only have rather limited space to move. Trading in Wild Animals: Every year, thousands of animals enter the captive wild animal trade. Lets get into the nitty-gritty details of why keeping animals in zoos is bad: Wild animals often suffer in captivity because they were meant to be free. Many zoos create attractive enclosures to attract visitors. Many zoos fail to provide the required minimum standard of care, Zoos dont replicate animals natural habitats, Zoos teach people that animal captivity is acceptable, Animal protection laws are not strong enough, Many visitors disturb and disrespect the animals, Zoo animals are often drugged to be kept calm. If you dont have people that know how to care for them, know how to breed them successfully, know how to keep them in environments where their social and psychological needs can be met, then you wont be able to do that, he said. The U.S. became a signatory to CITES in 1975. The Los Angeles Zoo has used Celexa, an antidepressant, to control aggression in one of its chimps. The daily stress and lack of stimulation often leads to abnormal and self-destructive behaviour - for example, pacing, walking in tight circles, rocking, swaying, or self-mutilation - a condition known as "zoochosis". Many zoos and aquariums offer behind-the-scenes tours and informative talks on animal welfare. The California condor breeding program, which almost certainly saved the species from extinction, includes five zoos as active partners. But many animals clearly show us that they do not enjoy captivity. Before anyone starts sprinkling the stuff on their cornflakes, this isn't the hottest new beauty trend nor is it a natural phenomenon: Assiniboine Park Zoo's keepers use coloured glitter in the bears' feed to identify their droppings. 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.. How Does Saving Water Help Climate Change? To many people, a trip to the zoo is a fun day out for the family. Thats undeniable. His justification was philosophical. A small exhibit is never going to truly capture the vastness of the open world. All of these options afford you a close view of nature exactly as it was intended. Cleaners and feeders spend a lot of time with the animals, and understanding the situation one is getting into can be very helpful. 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. Taking an animal say a big cat, into an enclosed habitat when she cant hunt for herself can be detrimental to her life skills. 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. Also, removing a certain species from the ecosystem can destroy the whole ecosystem. All of these animals are well studied and have a plethora of documentaries and video footage of them in the wild. First and foremost, captivity can be extremely detrimental to an animal's physical and mental well-being. Though some zoos plan on reintroducing the animals into the wild after a while, living in zoos makes it impossible for some animals. She somehow got over the 12-foot wall surrounding her 1,000-square-foot enclosure and attacked one of the teenagers, killing him. State laws vary considerably, with some states banning the ownership of wild and exotic animals while others have virtually no regulation whatsoever. Why Are Puppy Mills Bad: The Numerous Reasons Why They Must Be Stopped And How You, yes you, Can Help! They learned from their parents to be mistrustful because they have no way of knowing whether people could be good or do them harm. Others allow private parties to keep animals like tigers or primates with a permit. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/11/opinion/zoos-animal-cruelty.html, Photographs by Peter Fisher for The New York Times. Many people consider zoos amoral and cruel while others have the notion . Animals begin to display erratic behaviors, self-mutilation, and an inability to settle. The problem is that these large predators control the population of herbivorous animals in their domain. Children leave most zoos with a misconception about how animals behave in the wild and what it takes to truly care for endangered animals. As a result, many zoos breed animals. As an avid fan of botanical gardens, I humbly suggest that as the captive animals retire and die off without being replaced, these biodiversity-worshiping institutions devote more and more space to the wonderful world of plants. Its protections are minimal as well. Mr. Hagenbecks model was widely influential. Most zoos or animal sanctuaries dont have the space or the facilities to truly recreate the wild. Zoo owners go to great lengths to build enclosures that have a wild aesthetic and give paying visitors a taste of the wild world. An example of this is a snake that will bite whatever is threatening them since they are not as good at running away as other animals. Healthy animals in zoos are killed because they are not needed. Elephants arent the only species that try to flee a zoo life. For privacy policy and ad & cookie policy information, visit our Privacy Policy pages. Existing refuges often do allow visitors, but their facilities are really arranged for the animals, not for the people. Regardless of the merits or ethics of zoos, one thing's for certain: they're going to be around for some years yet. Private Possession: Many wild animals may be kept captive in private homes as pets. Animal Legal Defense Fund v. Claws N Paws, Looking for case and legal resources? And this is not a definite number of victims; there is probably a good number that hasnt been documented. When theres a surplus, you can just have a plant sale. Boycott businesses that profit from cruelty to animals.