Well over 181 million people visit zoos and aquariums each year. However, there have been recent reports that reveals that not all zoos and aquariums are the same. For example, Sea World has been under fire for the past several years for unethical practices of capturing and keep their orca whales ever since documentaries like Blackfish (2013) had come out. Zoos have been called out for their unsuitable exhibits for their animals. Even our own Oregon Zoo has been exposed for using concrete grounds for the elephant exhibits which causes extreme pain for the elephants are they weigh so much, stand on the concrete for many hours, and even getting foot disease leading to an early death. The ethical question it raises is, it ethical to keep wild animals in zoos for human viewing pleasure the expense of the animals well being? People have been putting animals in zoos since the ancient Greek times to profit off of humans wanting to view exotic animals. While some zoos have ethical practices in regards to the treatment and acquiring …show more content…
of their animals many zoos and aquariums don't resulting in the ethical debate on whether animals should suffer at the expense of human pleasure. Through this research I hope to learn the different augments both for and against zoos and why some zoos are considered ethical while some aren't. In regards to the zoos that are considered ethical I would like to learn what aspects of their zoo or aquariums make them ethical. We have been keeping wild animals in captivity captive since the ancient Egyptian times where Queen Hatshepsut built a zoo of collected animals from Africa. (Zoos in Australia: The History of Zoos). Ancient rulers from India, China, and Africa created zoos to show off their wealth and power. However, the ancient Greeks created zoos to study animal behavior and also charged the public admission fees to view and be educated on the animals. (Kulkarni, Which is the world's first zoo?). The British are attributed to creating the first modern zoo called the London Zoological Society Zoo in Regent Park in 1828 as the exhibit were “naturalistic” meaning that they were as close as the animal’s natural habit could be. (Graetz, Historical Background: Modern Development (1750 to 1950)). Unethical zoos are an issue because of their treatment of the animals all in order to gain profit. For example, according to peta.org New Jersey’s Cape May County Zoo immediately sold two twin giraffes to the circus once they grew up. This is because baby animals draw in crowds and therefore profit but once they grow up the visitors and profits go back to normal. Advocates that think zoos are unethical against state that exhibits are not always suitable environment in the fact that the best environment is the wild, and they can not adjust to the unnatural environment and small cages making their whole lives very stressful. (Goffs School Religious Studies) The August 2010 edition of Science Reporter’s Point Counter Point “Keeping Animals in Zoos is Unethical” states an interesting point that we are denying the animals' right to live by keeping them in the zoos. Although we are not killing the animals by putting them in the zoos we are denying them the right of them to life the best possible way of living which is in the wild. Another point against zoos is that by keeping animals in zoos are essentially in prisoning them and dying their right to freedom. Humans are only put into prisons if they have committed a crime, but in this case animals have not done anything wrong. BBC’s Ethics Guide titled Animals for Entertainment and Peta’s article titled Animals Rights Uncompressed: Zoos and Zoos: Pitiful Prisons argues that zoos are exploiting animals for entertainment profit as they are often forced to preform tasks to make the zoos visitor number rise. These shows that are making the animals perform infant of audiences are not behaviors that the animals do naturally. Although many zoos unlike Sea World do not put on shows for their guests even simply holding a feeding show where a trainer feeds the animals and talks to the audience is unnatural because I would not like twenty people watching me eat dinner behind glass. However, there are many reasonable points that argue that zoos are ethical.
The Guardian’s article by Dave Hone titled “Why Zoos Are Good” states that zoos help keep endangered species from going extinct by having breeding programs for those animals. This would ensure that endangered animals would be kept alive at least in captivity. The Association of Zoos & Aquariums argues that zoos promote education about the animals which in turn promotes conservation efforts for the animals in the wild. Lucy Siegle's article “How Ethical is it to Visit the Zoo” brings up the point that zoos are ethical because many zoos fund research or participate in programs that helps protect animals. many zoos donate a portion NPR’s article by Melissa Block defends zoos by stating that zoos foster the public’s, especially young children interest in exotic animals which will create a new generation that will be more lenient towards conservation efforts in the
future. During our class lectures about utilitarianism, I have learned that the key goal of utilitarianism is to bring the least amount of suffering and most amount of happiness and pleasure to the greatest number of people. The main caveat is the words “greatest majority”. People use utilitarianism as their ethical framework include animals when considering ethical discussions because animals can feel pain and suffer. In our class discussions I have learned that main critique of utilitarianism is the question of what is considered the greatest majority. When you look at ethical discussions involving animals, utilitarianism gets clouded as many debate whether the greatest majority can be considered animals or humans. For example, is it ethical for a group of dogs to get medically tested on in hopes of a few humans getting cured of their cancer? When deciding at if zoos are ethical or not, the question that is called into play is if for animals to suffer for human’s pleasure and happiness in going to the zoo and viewing the animals. The happiness and suffering of the animals or humans is in conflict with in terms if the animals or humans are considered the greatest majority. In my critique if zoos are ethical or not according to utilitarianism I would say that zoo are not ethical. This is because humans can find a different way of being happy without comprising the happiness of animals. For example, they could take a hike in a nature park, get a hobby like playing an instrument, reading, or playing a sport. These all do not restrict the happiness of an animal. However, with the ethical frame work of utilitarianism ether side could be argued so I also believe that zoos can be ethical only if every possible action to ensure that the animals are suffering the least amount. The framework of Buddhism focuses on how the world and everything in it is one. If someone hurts something else, we all are hurt by this action. Buddhists are the only religion that has had a strong and consistent view on animal rights. They believe that you should not kill an animal for any purpose but rather to preserve and cherish all life. The Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh reiterated that all life is sacred and must be cared for. (Bernard, 136). In fact, BBC’s article titled “Buddhism and Animals” states that Buddhists try to treat the lives of humans and non human animals with equal respect and the doctrine of right livelihood “teaches Buddhists to avoid any work connected with the killing of animals”. The conflict between avoiding any work connected to the killings of animals and the duty to preserve and cherish all life leads me to belief that Buddhists would be okay with zoos and aquariums if they treated their animals as equals and focused on the animals needs and happiness by treating them ethically. Mangotsfield School’s publication titled “Religious Studies (Short Course) Revision Religion and Animal Rights” supports my conclusion by writing that both “Christians and Buddhists will support zoos as long as the animals are kept in conditions as close as possible to the wild. They recognize that zoos can help to preserve species which is seen as good stewardship.” In conclusion, as a result of my research, I have learned that people against zoos claim that the animals are not treated properly and the people for zoos argue that zoos promote education and conservation for the animals. When critiquing this ethical issue using the ethical framework of utilitarianism zoos can both be ethical and unethical depending on who you considerer to be the greater majority. If the greater majority is the animals then the zoos are unethical if you consider humans and their desire to be happy through viewing animals at zoos, utilitarianism says that zoos are ethical. The Buddhist belief that you should not be involved with any work that kills animals but instead work to preserve and cherish all life suggests that Buddhists would be okay with zoos that are concerned with the animals well being and happiness and practices ethical ways of acquiring animals. The answer to my thesis question is that zoos can be ethical or unethical depending on how they treat their animals, but all zoos can become ethical if they change their ways. Originally my opinion on this issue was that zoos are unethical because they charge admission and some have bad exhibits. Upon researching my topic my opinion has softened slightly in that I now think that zoos can be ethical if they are treating the animals the best possible way to ensure their happiness and less suffering. For example, as mentioned in the introduction the Oregon Zoo has been under fire for their bad exhibits epically for the elephants and polar bears hard concrete floors. Recently the zoo has pledged to improve most of their old exhibits. They have created their innovative and enriching elephant lands, renovated their primate, rhino, California condor exhibits and their veterinary center. A new polar bear exhibit that is enriching and not made of concrete will be finished in 2019. Sea World has pledged to improve their orca exhibits by expanding their all of tanks nearly double the size. As the debate and discussion over if zoos are ethical or not continues and has more attention the zoos that are practicing unethical means are being forced to change. If we keep exposing the zoos and aquariums that are not ethical and demanding change, we can have a win-win—zoos treat their animals right and humans can enjoy the zoo without worrying if they are being ethical.
Have you ever seen an animal sitting in a cage all alone with nothing to do. Well, zoos are trying to change that fact. They will allow the animals to live in an environment that is like their home. Many people don't realize this, but zoo are keeping and breeding these animals because they would not survive in the wild alone. In the three passages, ¨The Stripes Will Survive,¨ ¨The Zood Go Wild from No More Dodos,¨ ¨Our Beautiful Macaws and Why They Need Enrichment.¨ All of these articles present one claim, that is that the role of zoos is no longer to keep animal, but to protect them.
Peoples Trust has provided me with an extreme amount of information on why zoos are beneficial through their “Zoos & Conservation article.” Peoples Trust has pointed out that not every zoo mistreats their animals, but never took into consideration how the animals themselves may undergo, and what is being taken away from them.
Analysis of Argument for Ethical Zoos and How They Benefit Animals Due to the recent events in the Cincinnati Zoo, arguments have been sparked about the ethics of zoos. Most articles try to argue against zoos and closed environments, but there are those that still support zoos and the programs that they provide for endangered species. The argument “Zoos Are Not Prisons”? They Improve the Lives of Animals” focuses on the positives of animal enclosures and fights for support to keep zoos in business. The author, Dr. Robin Ganzert, ties examples of programs that zoos help create and what type of research is conducted in the zoos, to support his claims.
Considering the many challenges animals face in the wild, it is understandable that people may be eager to support zoos and may feel that they are protective facilities necessary for animal life. In the article “ Zoos Are Not Prisons. They Improve the Lives of Animals”, Author Robin Ganzert argues that Zoos are ethical institutions that enrich the lives of animals and ultimately protect them. Statistics have shown that animals held in captivity have limited utilitarian function resulting in cramped quarters, poor diets, depression, and early death for the animals thus, proving that Zoos are not ethical institutions that support and better the lives of animals as author Robin Ganzert stated (Cokal 491). Ganzert exposes the false premise in stating
Some supporters even acknowledge the ethical problems zoos face, but choose to ignore them for what they believe is the overall positive impact on society. In “Why zoos are good” Dr. Dave Hone highlights education as one of the main reasons he supports zoos, mentioning how many people who live in cities may never get to experience wild animals if it weren’t for zoos. Hone states educational videos and documentaries are an option, but they “pale next to seeing a living creature in the flesh, hearing it, smelling it, watching what it does and having the time to absorb details” (Hone). Not only do zoos provide interactive learning opportunities and a direct opportunity to experience how animals behave in the flesh, Hones notes zoos can be educational elsewhere, as a significant amount of work is being sent to conservatives to help educate others on how to improve conditions for the animals.
Captive breeding programs are what make zoos ethical, but several problems need to be confronted. Zoos operate captive breeding programs in which they take animals from the wildlife and breed then in a scientifically controlled environment. They have saved several species from extinction such as the Red Wolf and the Przewalski Horse, and are aiding many others such as the blue-crowned laughing thrush. Before the breeding program saved the Red Wolves from extinction, there were only 14 pure breed Red Wolves remaining. When a species gets endangered it goes on the Species Survival Plan program. There are two issues that I came across during my research. Firstly, some zoos are taking advantage of several species to generate revenue. Cohn said that “to get more white tigers, zoo managers in India and the United States in the 1950s mated fathers with daughters, granddaughters, and even, on occasion, great granddaughters. (Cohn 654)” The question is whether this is ethical? After reading this I felt...
In the film, Madagascar, zoos are depicted as a sanctuary in which all the exotic animals are kept safe and are open for the public to view. But many would argue that zoos are inhumane, the charging of animals for our personal entertainment is unjustifiable. Those who believe that zoos are wrong and should be destroyed are animal rights activists; they believe that animals should be allowed to choose their own destiny. Those that believe that zoos are an important part of our lives are scientists and zoologists. This debate has gone on for generations and average folk are stuck in the middle, not knowing which side to stand on.
Even though some zoos have an endangered species exhibit with the intention of protecting and rehabilitating animals, many do not do an adequate job of protecting the animals. Zoos have been harmful to the very animals they have sworn to protect. Animals in captivity often suffer from anxiety, boredom and other severe issue related to prolonged confinement. Most animals are unable to thrive in small enclosure with unnatural weather and climates. For example elephants are known to walk as far as 30 miles per day, but the association of Zoos and aquariums only require a space the measures $0 feet by 45 feet, which is about the size of a three car garage, to house these large animals. (peta.org) the drastic difference in the amount of space their allowed ...
Zoos also help endangered animals by keeping them safe from predators, and feeding them. Although keeping animals in the wild is good, animals should stay in zoos for the reason that They are keeping animals from going extinct, the captive animals live longer than animals in the wild, and zoos are always improving to fit the animals needs. Animals should stay in zoos because they keep endangered animals from going extinct. Some animal species are having more deaths than births, so that means there are very few of that animal left. Zoos take these animals in, and breed them to repopulate the species.
Zoos are not beneficial because they are unsafe and they do not have good practices. Also, since animals are similar to humans, they should have some of our basic rights. Zoos are unsafe for many different reasons, but one important reason is it has lead to many injuries. As stated in the article “Animal-rights group complains about Pittsburgh Zoo elephants”, “46, year old handler Mike Gatti, was killed when a mother elephant pushed her head on his chest
Zoos bring human kind closer to wild life. Though, sometimes that means taking the animal out of its natural habitat. Some animals have lost most of their habitat and are on the verge of extinction. In this way, the zoo helps the animals rather than using them as a form of human entertainment. Zoos also allow humans to study different kinds of animals more closely. Some zoos on the other hand manipulate the animals to acquire as much revenue as possible rather than being concerned with the welfare of each animal.
Firstly, you’re saving animals lives from predators. Would you like to see a baby gazelle being mauled by a lion? Zoos protect and care for all the animals in danger and keep them safe from being eaten or attacked by their predators. Research has shown that many animals are being brought in zoos for they’re almost becoming extinct.
Zoos provide a great educational experience. On the other hand, zoos help protect animal species through breeding programs. For instance, if a species is on the verge of extinction, zoos can easily solve this problem. Zoos are able to fix this problem by putting these animals in breeding programs.
Furthermore, zoo animals are often exposed to chemicals, solvents and other toxic substances. Finally, it is common for visitors to tease and provoke caged animals. In conclusion, therefore, it is not true to say that zoos are educational or they help to protect endangered species.
Did you know that zoos save endangered and non-endangered animals from dying? If you didn’t know that, well it’s true. Plus if they have trouble mating in the wild, zoos help them. Odd, but, true. People talk about these things all the time and in a debate people even say “nature is far more dangerous and cruel than the zoos we go to.”