.png)
Are zoos ethical?
Zoos are public destinations that hold animals in captivity, zoos contain a wide variety of animals for people to view and learn about. Zoos or zoological parks are typically self-described as conservation organizations and educational programs. Many of the species zoos hold are wild animals you would not see in your typical day such as big cats, marine mammals, birds reptiles, giraffes, primates, and all kinds of fish, birds, and insects! Since World War II most zoos have shifted from just commercial accommodations to helping species in danger or on the verge of extinction. Zoos should help the breeding process and in doing so rehabilitate zoo-born animals into the wild. This effort is restorative of these species, in doing this zoos participate in conservation efforts.
What is conservation?
Conservation is the human interest and action to preserve and protect something. The most commonly known efforts are the planned management of natural resources to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect. The movement focuses on protecting species from extinction and restoring flora, fauna, and their environments, most notably managing human interference and impact on the natural world.
Positive effects?
Zoos can have several positive impacts when managed correctly. Zoos that prioritize conservation, animal welfare, and education uphold the humane standards for the animals in their care. Here are the key findings that make a zoo humane!
Rehabilitation:
Zoos often take in sick and injured animals that otherwise would not have survived in the wild. Rehabilitation programs that are accredited by the AZA ( Association of Zoos and Aquariums) are released back into their natural habitats if capable. This aids in reestablishing and stabilizing ecosystems.
Repairing ecosystems:
Outside of reintroducing endangered species into the wild zoos can also aid in repairing their ecosystems. The reintroduction of keystone species as small as butterflies expands and stabilizes communities if done correctly.
Community:
Zoos and aquariums both draw in an estimated 700 million people who visit them each year. Both provide places of education and entertainment. Zoos encourage kids and adults alike to get involved in animal conservation. Not only do the main parks provide a place of wonder but being involved is just as easy for many animal lovers.
Education:
Zoos offer hands-on experiences with unlikely animals, from interactive, feeding, touching, and auditory experiences. They also provide in-park presentations, walkthroughs, and staff. Alongside all the in-park activities, online education is typically offered.
Negative effects:
Although zoos aim to benefit animals and their ecosystems, their success is widely dependent on whether or not they meet ethical operational standards. Zoos are often criticized for concern for lack of space, stimulation, and poor mental health. Critics and advocates argue keeping animals in captivity is strictly exploitative. Below are common topics brought up to question zoos' true value of their animals.
Trapped:
Exotic Animals held in captivity can be subjected to extreme stress due to inadequate enclosures. Although we see these animals some are left to languish in poor conditions with little stimulation. In captivity, animals can only replicate their instinctive behaviors. Many can and have lashed out due to being subjected to stress and bottled frustration. Creating a dangerous environment for the animals, staff, and visitors.
Life spans:
If an animal is given adequate care in an adequate zoo its life expectancy should, in theory, be longer. However, it can discredit the emotional state the animal is in, which in long effects it’s physical wellbeing. Inadequate emotional regulation, staff training, and poor facility standards all contribute to the mistreatment of an animal.
Illnesses:
Illnesses in zoos can arise from a multitude of problems. From stress, poor habitats, exposure viruses, and much more. Common illnesses are respiratory infections, organ, and intestinal issues. Animals can also suffer from zoonotic disease. This is transmitted from humans to animals and vice versa. Zoos are high traffic areas for illnesses such as tuberculosis and salmonella.
Profit:
In the eyes of many, the profit of animals is considered exploitation even in an educational environment. Zoos without conservation focus are contributing to the misunderstanding of protecting wildlife. With a zoo being exploitation based the animals will likely be subdued to stress due to the unnatural behaviors they are subjected to.
How to tell if a zoo is ethical:
So how does one know if a zoo is ethically humane? Assessing a zoo or animal education facility only takes a few steps!
1: Check if the zoo is accredited
The Association of zoos and aquariums is a great and reputable organization!
2: Education
Learn what their principles are!
Go to the company’s/non-profits website and look for an "about" or information page. Learn about their programs, animals, staff and how they educate others on their species and environments.
3: Community
What is the overall opinion on the establishment, do they have a good repertoire, do they help their community?
4: Conservation efforts
Conservation and scientific research is a big part of whether zoos are benefiting humans and animals alike. Without a conservation or restoration focus it’s likely the establishment is focused more on entertainment.
5: Animal health and behavior
Here are good signs to look for on whether the animals conditions meet humane standards: Cleanliness, suitable space, calm and healthy behavior, safety, positive stimulation and interaction, and education on the animals background!
The ethics of zoos has long been a debated topic, yet the ethical standing of zoos ultimately depends on their practices. Zoos that prioritize conservation, rehabilitation, education, and animal well-being, while maintaining high standards of care, are more likely to be viewed as ethical. Ultimately, our interventions and interactions with wild animals matter, and continuously evaluating the impact of our contributions is essential.
“Keystone Species: Ecological Importance & How to Enhance Backyard Biodiversity.” Www.ecofriendlyhomestead.com, www.ecofriendlyhomestead.com/sustainable-garden/learn/keystone-species-a-full-guide-from-the-perspective-of-environmental-science.
AZA. “Reintroduction Programs.” Aza.org, Your site name here, 2019, www.aza.org/reintroduction-programs.
AZA. “Reintroduction Programs.” Aza.org, Your site name here, 2019, www.aza.org/reintroduction-programs.
AZA. “Reintroduction Programs.” Aza.org, Your site name here, 2019, www.aza.org/reintroduction-programs.
“Biodiversity | IUCN.” Iucn.org, iucn.org/our-work/biodiversity.
“Animals in Captivity | Born Free USA Animal Advocacy.” Born Free USA, www.bornfreeusa.org/campaigns/animals-in-captivity/.
“Clinical Care Programs for Zoo Animals - Exotic and Laboratory Animals.” Merck Veterinary Manual, www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/zoo-animals/clinical-care-programs-for-zoo-animals#Drug-Administration_v3311074.
Carpenter, Nancy, et al. GUIDELINES for ZOO and AQUARIUM VETERINARY MEDICAL PROGRAMS and VETERINARY HOSPITALS 6 Th Edition Prepared By: American Association of Zoo Veterinarians 2016. 2016.
Audri Whatley is a current senior at PHS, she enjoys running, art, hiking, road trips, and general outdoor activities. This is her first year with Poudre Press yet she has previous skills in design and editing. Outside of high school she plans on making a career out of photography, specializing in wildlife and nature. Her journalistic focus is on our world and its amazing changes, discoveries, and mysteries!
Comentários