The Cruelty of Zoos by Laurel Ferguson
Zoos have been around for years and years and can be found all over the world, used to display exotic animals that people normally wouldn't get the chance to see in the wild. They're also a popular place to bring kids to learn about animals. While people enjoy visiting zoos, they can be a terrible place for animals.
Sometimes, animals are kept isolated and prevented from socializing with others of their species. This lack of companionship is common in zoos and leads to loneliness and depression. Animals can also go stir-crazy if they're in the wrong environment, in an enclosure that's too small, or kept in solitude. This can lead to extreme boredom and prompt animals to exhibit in "stereotypical behavior," or "zoochosis," which is restless motion such as pacing. Sometimes animals go as far as to hurt themselves just because they have nothing else to do.
In addition to a lack of space, animals are often put in enclosures that provide them with no privacy, meaning they are being watched by humans all day long. It's stressful for animals to be looked at 24/7. Having nowhere to hide from a constant human gaze and being forced to be in close proximity to humans and noise can cause agitation in these animals.
There are some instances in which zoos claim be beneficial, such as those that rehabilitate hurt animals or promote animal conservation. Still, zoos are mostly inhumane. Rehabilitation efforts should be left to wildlife centers specified for this purpose rather than for human visitors. Conservation efforts are also lost in zoos, as it is difficult to return animals to the wild once they've gotten used to human contact, and all zoos do is keep animals in captivity rather than helping wild populations.
This topic is important to me because I believe very strongly in animal rights. Zoos violate an animal's right to freedom. Animals should have the right to live freely in their natural habitat without being forced to live under unnatural conditions as a means to achieve some human end, even if it's for educational purposes. We need to stop forcing animals to live in captivity and let them live the way they were supposed to.
Sometimes, animals are kept isolated and prevented from socializing with others of their species. This lack of companionship is common in zoos and leads to loneliness and depression. Animals can also go stir-crazy if they're in the wrong environment, in an enclosure that's too small, or kept in solitude. This can lead to extreme boredom and prompt animals to exhibit in "stereotypical behavior," or "zoochosis," which is restless motion such as pacing. Sometimes animals go as far as to hurt themselves just because they have nothing else to do.
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| Gus is a polar bear who became famous for his extreme repetitive behaviors. He often swam in figure eight patterns around his tiny enclosure at the Bronx Zoo for up to 12 hours a day. |
In addition to a lack of space, animals are often put in enclosures that provide them with no privacy, meaning they are being watched by humans all day long. It's stressful for animals to be looked at 24/7. Having nowhere to hide from a constant human gaze and being forced to be in close proximity to humans and noise can cause agitation in these animals.
There are some instances in which zoos claim be beneficial, such as those that rehabilitate hurt animals or promote animal conservation. Still, zoos are mostly inhumane. Rehabilitation efforts should be left to wildlife centers specified for this purpose rather than for human visitors. Conservation efforts are also lost in zoos, as it is difficult to return animals to the wild once they've gotten used to human contact, and all zoos do is keep animals in captivity rather than helping wild populations.
This topic is important to me because I believe very strongly in animal rights. Zoos violate an animal's right to freedom. Animals should have the right to live freely in their natural habitat without being forced to live under unnatural conditions as a means to achieve some human end, even if it's for educational purposes. We need to stop forcing animals to live in captivity and let them live the way they were supposed to.
It's so depressing- as a child, I loved zoos because I loved all animals, but now I despise zoos... because I love animals. Many animal species roam miles every single day, yet in zoos they're kept in enclosures which can easily be measured in feet. Restricted, confined to spaces way too small for their needs, animals often get depressed and exhibit unusual behaviors as you mentioned in your blog. Wildlife preserves are much more preferable, as they leave room for animals to roam for miles and miles, yet are still able to protect and safely monitor the populations within the preserve. Overall, this was a really well worded blog post, and I love how you called attention to a relevant topic which often goes overlooked.
ReplyDeleteVery well written and your concern for animals is a good one. If this information is common knowledge, why don't more zoos close down? Is the business of it holding them back from doing the right thing?
ReplyDeleteWhile this information is easily accessible, people don't actively seek it out. A lot of people don't think twice about the living conditions in zoos and instead prioritize their enjoyment or the "educational experience." The only real way to combat the issue is to continue raising awareness and hope that support for zoos dies out and they're forced to go out of business, but it's entirely dependent on our action as the consumer population.
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