Zoos, for quite a long time, have been regarded as "safe havens" for animals whose habitats have been destroyed. But simply holding them captive (as in "captivity") is not the solution. Animals do not want to be held in cages for screaming children to point at them. They want to be free, just like you or me.
Aside from being prisoners, there are many health risks animals face when living in zoos. First of all, there is a high risk of disease. Being in close proximity to so many animals that they would never encounter in the wild, humans especially, puts many of these poor creatures lives' in jeopardy. There is also the risks of obesity and muscular dystrophy. When placed in such small cages and pens, animals have no way to exercise as they would if they were free. And finally, there are never enough animals of a certain species in one zoo at the same time to rule out the risk of inbreeding. This possibility could lead to multiple genetic defects and health problems for new born animals.
Hopefully after reading this, you will regard zoos in a different light. Although many zoo workers may truly be trying to do the right thing, they are not. The only way to truly protect these animals is to respect their right to this Earth as equal, if not greater, to our own. If you're still not convinced, here are some sites from which I got most of my research. They are very informative, and I strongly urge you to check them out and expand your mind.
Check my video!
And that's the way it works!
(*UPDATE 2/24/2010)
Well here's proof that animals do not belong in captivity: an orca whale just killed its trainer at Sea World, apparently they didn't get along as well as everyone thought. This is a prime example as to why wild animals should not be kept in captivity performing tricks for us on a daily basis. Here's the full story...
I really like all of your blogs about animal rights. It's a different topic then I think most college kids would write about. I'm actually producing a documentary in Prof. Provenzano's class about live animal markets in Chinatown including the tubs, tanks and buckets of frogs, fish and turtles.
ReplyDeleteugh... there is so many animals being abused out there. i heard about the stuff they do to chickens, and cows, and seals. now this. jesus.
ReplyDeleteI kind of share in the opinion that zoos perpetuate animal cruelty. The only thing is that I had just so many darn good times at the SF Zoo growing up.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I've also been a volunteer at the SPCA as well as a trainer of both seeing eye and hearing dogs.
That said, I still like zoos. Sorry.
I will agree animals don't belong to be in zoos. They are obvious mistreated and malnourished, but with that said I think the zoo is a great environment for people to see different animals in person. How often do we get that opportunity?
ReplyDeleteIt's a double edged sword. Wild animals don't belong in captivity, but zoos create an experience that helps you appreciate nature. I feel that most zoos encourage individuals to understand more the lives most of these animals live in the wild and how easy it is for them to be killed and tortured for their assets. (ie elephant tusks, fur from animals, and etc) I'm pretty sure most zoos provide information if not donation areas where you can help preserve their cause of helping wild animals.
ReplyDeleteI loved going to zoos as a kid but never realized or thought about how the animals might feel being locked up in their fake habitats. I feel that there are people that work at zoos because they truly love and want to protect the animals but I also feel like there are people that just want to turn a profit.
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