Zoos: Captivity And Mistreatment Of Wild Animals

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On the other hand, those who view zoological institutions as a harmful to wild animals concentrate on the captivity and mistreatment of animals inside of zoos. Dr. Hone even admits that there are bad zoos functioning to this day. He dolefully admits, “Not all animals are kept perfectly, much as I wish it were otherwise, and even in the best examples, there is still be room for improvement” (Hone). Numerous zoos are far from being considered good zoos. Some are ongoing improvements for animal well-being, while others have no care to better conditions for the animals. T.A. Blackett, C. McKenna, L. Kavanagh, and D.R. Morgan, authors of an article focusing on the welfare of animals in zoological institutions, reveal that zoos can certainly and …show more content…

In their studies Demartoto, Soemanto, and Zunariyah went on to conduct a research experiment on two zoos to find whether or not zoos are implementing their welfare commitments. Their results rendered more negative than positive results regarding the conditions the wild animals are living in. Although one zoo was found to be better in treatment of the animals, they both could undergo serious improvements. One of the zoos studied keeps the animals in undesirable living conditions. The animals in that particular zoo live in rusty, damaged, and small cages without partners. The animals are restricted from behaving normally due to the iron pillars on the cages. Moreover, some of the animals die due to poor maintenance. In the other zoo studied, many animals were often found sick. Freedom from stress, disruption, and pressure from passing vehicles was found in neither zoo. At times, animals experience stress from visitors distracting them whether it may be the loud scream of a child or a visitor luring them with a food that is not consistent with their diet. The research revealed that zoos are definitely in need of improvement and are currently not offering the best environments for wild animals to reside in …show more content…

PETA, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, exploits numerous actions zoos partake in that may be unknown to many. PETA strongly asserts, “Despite their professed concern for animals, zoos can more accurately be described as “collections” of interesting animals than as actual havens or homes” (PETA). According to PETA, zoos stand as prisons rather than a place where animals can live in contentment and safety. Firstly, most zoos are operating under unfavorable financial circumstances. Some zoos are spending their funds on landscaping, gift shops, and landscaping to draw in more visitors instead of spending them on providing better and more humane environment for the animals. Secondly, the workers are not always invested in the protection and supervision of the animals. For example, Tatiana, a Siberian tiger, escaped out of her zoo habitat at the San Francisco Zoo. As a result, she managed to kill one victim and injure two others. Tatiana was also shot to death after doing so (PETA). According to PETA, that was one of the numerous incidents that occur in zoos due to little investment of animal care. Additionally, zoos use the wild animals for entertainment, not education. PETA states, “Animals’ normal behavior is seldom discussed, much less observed, because their natural needs are rarely met” (PETA). Visitors are not being fully educated due to the

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