Zoos: Pitiful Prisons

Zoos are inhumane institutions that causes the animals mental and physical problems. 

Source from (http://becuo.com/sad-baby-animals-in-zoos)

According to Peta's article, "Zoos: Pitiful Prisons" published on their website, peta.org, zoos true conditions and purposes are exposed. Read the Q & A below for more information. 

Q: Can zoos really replicate the wild animals’ habitats? 

A: No, they cannot. Even under the best circumstances, they cannot even begin to imitate the animal’s natural habitats. In zoos, animals are confined to such a small space, that they are “often prevented from doing most of the things that are natural and important to them, like running, roaming, flying, climbing, foraging, choosing a partner, and being with others of their own kind.” Zoos are wrong because they teach society that it is acceptable to interfere with wild animals and force them to live in cages for the rest of their lives. Living in cages or a small inclosed area causes the animals to become extremely bored, cramped, lonely, far from their natural homes, and separated from their pack/herd and family members. 

Q: What is zoochosis?

A: Zoochosis is a condition that many animals held in captivity develop. Due to living in such a small and confided area for such a long period of time. “Animals’ normal behavior is seldom discussed, much less observed, because their natural needs are rarely met. Birds’ wings may be clipped so that they cannot fly, aquatic animals often go without adequate water, and many animals who naturally live in large herds or family groups are kept alone or, at most, in pairs. Natural hunting and mating behaviors are virtually eliminated by regulated feeding and breeding regimens” Animals are so closely confined and therefore, have little opportunities for mental stimulation or physical exercise. Many signs for this condition often provide little more information than an animal’s species, diet, and natural range. All of these symptoms “often result in abnormal and self-destructive behavior, known as ‘zoochosis.’”

Q: Do zoos actually help protect species from extinction? 

A: No, they do not. Zoos claim that they protect species from extinction which would be very helpful and noble, however, they do not help species escape extinction at all. The reason being, “zoo officials usually favor exotic or popular animals—who draw crowds and publicity—rather than threatened or endangered local wildlife.” Therefore, if zoos carry popular animals that are not facing extinction, then their breeding programs for their “near extinct” animals within their zoos are completely useless and therefore, zoos pose no real importance or need for the animals or for society. 

Discussion Question: 

Do you think that people actually visit zoos for educational purposes or for strictly for entertainment purposes? 

Future Research: 

How animals are fed the incorrect food in aquariums and zoos.