All over the planet, there are different types of animals, and half of the animal species are endangered. Not only that, but some species are almost extinct. But luckily there are some people that are ready to help these creatures. According to “The Stripes Will Survive” by Jacqueline Adams, “The Zoos Go Wild” from No More Dodos, by Nicholas Nirgiotis and Theodore Nirgiotis, and a video called “Behind the Scenes with the National Zoo's Lion Cubs” zoos are the ones that protect animals. All in all, the sources have different and similar ways in supporting that the zoo's role is to protect animals.
La“Evil rarely comes in the form of monsters, but rather in the form of relatively normal people who, for reasons of careers, idealology, or a desire for society’s approval, are indifferent to the human consequences of their actions”-Hannah Arendt. In both the fictional case of Mayella Ewells and the non-fictional case with Ruby Bates, they revealed their evil natures in the pursuit of careers and society’s approval. It can certainly be seen the influence that society has had on Mayella and Ruby to shape them as victims and accusers. Mayella Ewell and Ruby Bates have both been shaped into victims by society and their families. Mayella and Ruby both grew up in very poor families that lived in black communities and had bad living situations at home.
Dale Jamieson, an environmental studies and philosophy professor, argues that these establishments are supposed to amuse, educate, preserve species, as well as provide opportunities for research. Rarely are these objectives accomplished. Firstly, “providing amusement for people is viewed by the general public as a very important function of zoos, (though) it is hard to see how providing such amusement could possibly justify keeping wild animals in captivity” (Jamieson, 168). Liberty is stolen from animals captured for zoos, they can no longer gather food, form social orders, nor live a normal life for their species. Actually very few captured will live at all, for example “the rule of thumb among trappers is that ten chimpanzees die for every one that is delivered alive to the United States or Europe” (Jamieson, 174).
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.
Zoos, aquariums, and other animal parks are a place where many families go to enjoy time with each other and learn about animals they have never seen before. The parks seem friendly and all of the animals look so happy and healthy, but behind all of the laughter is the sad, unfair, and cruel lives these animals have. All animal captivity parks and zoos should be shut down because its a form of animal cruelty and it's dangerous for the workers, trainers, and the animals. Animal parks and zoos should be shut down because of the cruel way they treat their animals. Although conservation of endangered animals is very important, “Zoochosis’ and premature death due to captivity,” is just one example of the horrible things captivity does to animals(source
“The animals of this world exist for their own reasons. They were not made for humans any more than black people were made for whites” - Alice Walker. Some of the animals that you see in zoos are not always born in captivity. They can be taken right out of the wild as well. Although zoos are fun to visit, animals should not be held in captivity because the breed can become overpopulated, they do not know how to survive on their own, and they are being abused.
In fact, “most of the members found in zoos are not endangered or threatened species, only 18% actually are” (Zoos Hurt Conservation). In fact, many of the animals being bred are babies because that is what brings visitors. Another clear reason that such parks are for profit. The few that do face extinction, including elephants, polar bears, gorillas, tigers, and chimpanzees will never be released into the wild to strengthen diminishing populations (An Idea). Parks claim that conservation is the main reason they are open, but nearly half of all organizations spend 1% of their revenues in conservation (Zoos Hurt Conservation).
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
The question of the necessity of zoos is extremely controversial nowadays. There are many people who advocate for replacing them with sanctuaries as they believe money spent on keeping wild animals captive might have been used for conserving them in wild. Others are concerned that zoos serve not only for people's pleasure but for preserving and keeping populations that otherwise would go extinct. There are sufficient arguments for both points of view, expressed in various articles that are dedicated to the significant topic. “Do elephants belong in zoos?” by Jeffrey P. Cohn and “Eight reasons why zoos are good for conservation” by James Borrell are the examples of such articles.
But that is not the actual purpose of the zoo and it is rare to see those types of zoos. All in all, with the continuing global threats to the atmosphere it is hard for individuals to visualize zoos as something apart from being essential to the long-term survival of various species. Not just in terms of protecting them and breeding them for reintroduction, but to learn regarding them to assist those still within the wild, as well as to educate and inform the general public about these animals and their world: to pique their interest so they will assist or at least accept the necessity to be more environmentally aware. Sure there are many possibilities for improvement, but these benefits are essential to several species and potentially at least. Without zoos, the world would be a much poorer place.
Zoos have always been something that families love and kids look forward to going to. Kids learn about the animals and the habitats and enjoy the entertainment. It is a great experience for people, but not for the animals. Zoos are downright cruel to Animals. Animals our forced to live in an unreal stressful, and boring conditions.
Zoos are bad for humans, most people do not believe it but zoos are not educating us, they are hurting us. Evidence for zoos are bad for humans is, in 2013, a zookeeper in Missouri was killed when he was knocked to the ground by an elephant, he died instantly.(Estrada). This reason this matters is because zoo animals are killing people, and that would not happen as often if they were left in the wild. Animals in films are not as nice as they are on camera. For example, the orca featured in the film “Blackfish,” is responsible for three human deaths.
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 have been around since the eighteenth century. A zoo is defined as a compound where wild animals are kept for viewing and studying. The purpose of a zoo is mainly for education and protection, preserving animal species that are either at a risk of becoming extinct or for increased collection size (Jamieson). Animals from around the world have been enclosed in an area where we can admire and study these fine creatures. However, many modern zoos around the world have introduced animal shows, petting and feeding sessions to attract more visitors in order to earn more money.
Zoos are an unsuitable environment for wild animals and should be abolished. A zoo cannot provide the perfect environment for every type of animal. Also, one of the biggest reasons zoos exist is not for helping animals in danger, but in fact breeding them for human enjoyment. Starting thousands of years ago, zoos attracted large crowds around the world. Because of that, everyone today has seen, been to, or heard of a zoo at least once in their lifetime.
