Are Zoos And Aquariums Putting Animals In Captivity?

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Zoos and aquariums are not putting animals in captivity without a driving purpose. Although not a perfect solution, society should view zoos and aquariums as a bulwark against the world’s extinction crisis. These conservation centers are commonly associated with brutality and unethicality, when in reality they’re offering a great deal of care and hospitality towards the animals. Conserving animals in an artificial environment is a way to restore the damage we’ve done towards their ecosystems. This is done while ensuring the animals being safeguarded receive the care and compassion they deserve.
People in search of entertainment and edification can fund animal preservation via zoos and aquariums. Zoos and aquariums have evolved from being …show more content…

This may give the impression that zoos and aquariums are putting animals in captivity for the sake of entertainment and establishing dominance. This is a common misconception given today’s more justified approach. This being said, it’s crucial that we recognize that zoos and aquariums can only do so much. Although zoos and aquariums are making an extensive effort to preserve as many animals as possible, it’s impractical to think they’re capable of maintaining such a wide variety of species without some error. Zoologists Beth Stevens, Michael Hutchens, and Terry L. Maple expand upon this when they state, “while it is unfortunately true that for some species zoos and aquariums may be their last refuge, it is unrealistic to view captivity as the "safety net" for all endangered species, because there simply is not enough space. However, zoos and aquariums and their living collections can, and do, play a much broader role in the preservation of wildlife in nature.” (Beth Stevens, Michael Hutchens, and Terry L. Maple).
Zoo and aquarium visitors should know their visits are funding zoologists to further research on animal behavior, potential illness cures, and improving animal’s well being and overall health. As said by The National Academies Press, “pets, livestock, and animals in

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