Essay About Zoos

The Reality of Zoos
For hundreds of years, eager visitors have journeyed to see animals from various parts of the Earth. Zoological institutions have been provided a place where both wild animals and humans can convene in a controlled manor. A zoo’s purpose is to conserve wild animals’ lives, educate visitors, and provide a site where wild life research can readily take place (Demartoto). Many hold a positive view on zoos. Some believe that zoological institutions provide a safe environment for animals and provide the animals with the best care. However, many find zoos to be guilty of stealing animals’ freedom and dignity. Animal welfare has become a major issue within zoological institutions. The question of whether or not zoos are actually

David Hone, a dinosaur and pterosaurs specialist and previous zoo volunteer, reveals that there are in fact good zoos. Again, he believes that good zoos are institutions that provide superb care and protection to the animals it houses. A monumental amount of species is going extinct and becoming increasingly threatened across the whole Earth. Dr. Hone clearly states, “Zoos protect against a species going extinct.” However, activists disagree and claim that captivity in zoos is not a humane way to preserve animal lives. Such activists believe that the wild animals kept in zoos should be left alone in the wild with their inherent freedom. In objection, Dr. Hone states, “A lot of very nasty things happen to truly ‘wild’ animals that simply don’t happen in good zoos and to cast a life that is ‘free’ as one that is ‘good’ is, I think, an error “(Hone). In totality, Dr. Hone concludes that fewer species would be living today if it were not for the efforts of zoological institutions to keep them alive. In his experience in working in two zoo facilities, he found that research in zoos is an important resource in keeping deteriorating species and ecosystems alive. Research scientists and experts can study living habits, behavior, and reactions of wild animals in zoos all while remaining safe. Because the animals are not in the wild, the scientists and experts experience less variables in their studies which results in better results. Dr. Hone explains, “Knowing say the

Welfare-based zoos are cognizant of the well-being of the animals it inhabits. The welfare of the animals in such zoos is valued over the exploitation of the animals. In other words, the owners and workers in welfare-based zoos are not concerned about the amount of income they are receiving from the number of visitors. They are concerned about the well-being and ethical treatment of the animals. Zamir Tzachi, a philosopher and professor, defends good zoos in the fact that they remain true to their moral treatment of animals. Many zoos respect animals and treat them with utmost dignity and kindness. Instead of housing the animals for human enjoyment and exploitation of the animals, the zoos focus on providing safe environments where the animals can thrive and be safe. After the animal is content, it will then be able to live comfortably as human visitors pass by in awe. An acceptable and good zoo must provide the proper amount of food, drink, and care for each of its specific animals. The spaces created for each animal must not be uncomfortable or over populated or cramped in size. Animals should be able to receive veterinary help when needed and treated with respect and nurture by workers. Even more, the animals must be protected from the actions of zoo visitors. As long as zoos treat animals with proper care and provide a morally acceptable environment, they are deemed as being good zoos