Persuasive Essay Zoos

The median life span for an African elephant in a zoo is 16.9 years, whereas an African elephant on a nature preserve typically dies of natural cause around 56 years old ("Pitiful," 2017). Researchers are unsure of the exact reason for the lower lifespan, but they believe it to be the lack of space and absence of their natural habitat. Animals that are held in captivity are deprived of everything that is natural and important to them ("PETA," 2017). Many do not understand the immense capacity of danger an animal's life is put in when they are captive. Zoos and animal parks such as, SeaWorld, advertise how they are helping animals, and educating people. But, they are actually doing quite the opposite. Zoos and public aquariums should be banned

They are no longer the same species they once were in the wild. This can be seen through the difference in behaviors that starts to form. "There can be a deterioration in both physical and mental health such as the development of abnormal behavior, disease, and even early mortality" (Travers, 1993). Scientists sometimes call these behaviors 'Zoochosis' (Travers, 1993). This term was coined by Bill Travers, who created the Born Free Foundation. Zoochosis is used to describe the obsessive, repetitive and abnormal behavior that is shown by zoo animals. The behavior is caused by the unfamiliar living quarters, and how unnatural everything seems to them. Behaviors such as pacing, circling, rocking, self-mutilation, vomiting, and several others can be seen. "The climate, diet, and size and characteristics of the enclosure may be complete alien to species as it exists in the wild" (Travers, 1993). By relocating these animals from their typical habitat, they have to relearn how to live. In addition, they must also rely on humans, who may hardly care, to meet their needs. This causes stress amongst the animals, therefore starting these bizarre actions. An Oxford study found that animals such as polar bears, lions, tigers and cheetahs show the most evidence of stress and psychological dysfunction ("Pitiful", 2017). Although these animals show the most signs, all animals experience it. The stress build-up for the animals is unfair, and unnecessary. Their is no reason for these innocent animals to be taking on this great