Stephen Kellert reported that “zoo-goers are much less knowledgeable about animals than backpackers, hunters, fishermen, and others who claim an interest in animals at all, and are only slightly more knowledgeable than those who claim no interest in animals at all” (Jamieson, 169). Scientific research is supported by zoos in three ways, funding, hiring scientists as staff, and making rarer animals more available for study. However, these ideals are seldom effectuated because “nothing can be learned by studying animals that are kept in these unnatural conditions,” few scientific
To begin with, many animals enclosed in zoos benefit their species with the many resources they need to survive. Especially with endangered or close-to-extinction species, zoos have made it a reason to keep it as such. According to an article by James Steinberg in 2001, Alan Dixson claims that ‘“There wouldn’t be a baby panda if it weren’t for science”’ (Doc. A). Endangered species have been a big problem on Earth considering their safety.
People come to zoos to see animals in person. Visitors want to see animals that are not just in photographs. There isn’t necessarily a scientific purpose for people visiting zoos. In the article “Zoos: Animal Prisons” it concludes, “Study after study has shown that most zoo visitors only spend a few minutes—sometimes just seconds—at each display and walk away having learned little or nothing about the animals” (1). Animals in zoos are used to satisfy and entertain visitors.
Animal captivity costs outweigh the benefits, and the violation of the rights of the individual animals is unjustifiable. Animals everywhere are being taken into captivity on a daily basis for the sole purpose of entertainment and education. Societies opinions of how zoos treat animals and their opinions of whether or not animals should be held in captivity is a common topic in today’s media but yet; hundreds of animals are still dying every year as zoos are still one of the top tourist attractions in the United States. Zoo captivity physically and mentally harms the well-being of animals in more ways than people derive. Solely, there are thousands of pieces of textual evidence and statistics that explain the prime reasons zoos should be abolished entirely.
Throughout time, Zoos have become a more popular thing. Whether for entertainment, or amusement, many people often visit zoos. What they fail to realize is that zoos are far more harmful than they appear to be. Although zoos do a great job at slightly imitating the animals habitat, it is very different in many aspects. The breeding programs zoos offer are less successful than what is expected.
This exposure and education motivate people to protect the animals and provide entertainment. Zoos save endangered species by bringing them into a safe environment, where they are protected from poachers, habitat loss, starvation, and predators. “The Arabian Oryx was hunted to extinction in the wild. However, from just a handful of animals in captivity the species was brought back from the brink thanks the conservation efforts of Phoenix Zoo and others.
The Saint Louis Zoo reports in “Why Zoos Matter” states, “21% of the world’s mammal species and about 33% of all amphibian species are threatened by extinction”(Saint). According to conservation biologist, Andre Mader, a zoo is, “a unique opportunity to communicate an appreciation of nature to their visitors”(What). That collection is filled with a plethora of species ranging from tigers to elephants. Zoos are places that not only save animal but also teach the community ways to protect, nurture, and exhibit these animals. Zoos are appropriate for animals because they provide a safe place for animals to inhabit and reproduce fertile offspring while accommodating their talents.
The Importance of Zoos and Education Corrected by Cody Akerson There is a misconception about zoos and there ideals but zoos conservation programs not only save specific animals from extinction, they also are a great tool to educate people and preserver animal welfare. Let’s get started with some definitions. A zoo is an establishment that maintains a collection of wild animals for study and conservation. Conservation is the act of conserving something, or to protect and restore something. (Issitt, 2017)
This argument is split into three main viewpoints, the opinion that zoos harm animals, the opinion that zoos save endangered species, and a mix between the two. Viewpoint number three is more of a critique how zoos are good places where bad things happen and should be reformed. Each option has its own individual pros and cons but a reform of zoos and their standards would be the most economical for zoos and aquariums and this method would also be the least harmful and less stressful for the animals involved. The care and wellbeing of the animals involved should be the number one priority of all groups and by cutting back on over breeding, the phasing out of lager animals that naturally roam large distances, and creating environments that’s sole purpose is to educate people, zoos can become a better place for people and animals
To sum up, both articles provide evidence that zoos are improving over the years to serve their purpose more effectively. Constant development helps them to save more animals and at the same time show the results to the public which is crucial for inspiring people's participation in conservation programs. So, the two articles on the necessity of zoos are mostly similar as they express the same ideas. Both Cohn and Borrell provide arguments for the significance of zoos which contribute to animal conservation by conducting research, protecting endangered species, encouraging people to participate in conservation programs and forming their connection with the natural
As Zoos demonstrate best practices in operating sustainable, enhancing exhibits to create acceptable homes for the animals in its care, showing important and impactful improvement to the overall zoological garden expertise, the zoo around the world serve to secure a future for each life and wild places. Thus, zoos are a productive and successful strategy for protecting endangered species
Zoos were historically regarded as sites for entertainment (Carr and Cohen, 2011). Zoos have now evolved from cages and maltreatment of captive animals to professional scientific institutions with a primary goal of conservation and education (Wickins-Dražilová, 2006; Catibog-Sinha, 2008) whilst striving to maintain highest standards of animal welfare (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, 2014). Animal welfare is defined by Sejian, Lakritz, Ezeji and Lal (2011) as the ability of an animal to cope physiologically, behaviourally, cognitively and emotionally with its physiochemical and social life environment. Carenzi and Verga (2007) state that a scientific definition of animal welfare must include biological functioning, health
This leads to many concerns from the public on the physical and mental impacts of captivity on the wild animals. This essay examines the advantages and disadvantages of zoos to lead us to a possible conclusion whether it is ethical to place animals in captivity. We will also examine if zoos have the best possible facilities to keep animals in captivity. Body One of the advantages of having zoos, is to provide protection to some animals that are endangered.
People say that zoos are important for education and are a great way for people to learn about exotic animals (Agnew n.p). Researchers cannot learn as much when animals are captive, you can learn just as much or even more while they are in their natural habitat. While some believe that zoos are important for education, they also believe that zoos are necessary for the survival of species (Zoos n.p). Most zoos claim that they take in extinct and needy animals, most animals at zoos aren’t orphaned, extinct, or injured at all (Zoos n.p). Lastly, one big claim is that zoos help conservation of animals (Borrel n.p).
Zoos play a role in educating people about animals and play an important part in animal conservation. While much information on animals is available through printed materials and the Internet, it's way much better being near them seeing what they actually are. Many people lack the means to travel to the native habitats of most animals, however, zoos bring animals from many different climates and locations together in one place. For many people as well, the experience of being close to these animals has more impact than simply reading about them. This experience often gives them sympathy for animals that they may
