CONS FOR ZOOS

Zoos create a totally artificial world. In creating such a world, they reinforce cultural images that are scientifically inaccurate. Zoos are controlled by human imagination and ingenuity, not by the laws of nature. No one pro ides the animal with the choice of whether or not they wish to be in a !oo. Zoo animals can not be compared directly to domesticated animals. "y definition a wild animal is one that is not controlled by humans and shuns a close association with humans# dogs and horses do not generally meet this criteria. $isibility is a central feature of a !oo. %nimals whose li es are not normally isible to humans are put on display for human benefit. &thological studies of animals in the field ha e lead to drastic changes in !oo habitats. 'owe er, we continue to (now little about many species. )hus, how can we possibly hope to replicate an animal*s natural en ironment+ )he illusion of natural en ironmental features is often for the benefit of the human iewers and not the animals. 'ow does an artificial %frican sa annah or tropical rain forest with artificial trees, roc(s and water features parallel a natural en ironment that is stimulating, comfortable and allows for the engagement of natural beha ior+ ,i en limited resources, !oos will not be able to pro ide conser ation facilities for the e er growing list of endangered animals. Some species are entirely ignored by conser ation efforts. If an animal is not a member of an endangered species, why is it still (ept in !oos+

Zoos are iewed by the public as a form of entertainment and not a site of education and conser ation. Zoos want to teach people to respond to the needs of species. 'owe er, most people respond to the indi idual animals as indi iduals. -eople react to animals in ways other than those relating to !oology, ethology or ecology. %nimals are anthropomorphi!ed by humans. )hey are seen as ugly, cuddly, cute, fierce, disgusting or frightening. Information labels containing material that is of educational rele ance are rarely read. -eople .ust glance at the name of the animal within the enclosure. )he more *entertaining* the animal, the more interesting it is to the isitor. Rarely, do people stand and watch a sloth ersus a mon(ey. Furthermore, the rarest of animals may be entirely ignored while the most common is mar eled at by humans. In the wild, animals li e their li es for their own benefit. In !oos, the benefit is solely for people# animals are merely actors entertaining us. Surplus animals born within !oos are often sold to game farms or to pri ate collectors. %re animals bred in capti ity actually being released bac( into the wild+ 'ow are conser ation programs wor(ing+ Zoo related in.uries to animals and !oo(eepers are common# escapes from !oos are e/ually common. ,orilla escapes and eats .un( food Zoo animals ha e been (now to practice obsessi e beha iors as a result of their capti ity. "ar biting is .ust one sign Zoo(eepers ha e been attac(ed and seriously in.ured by !oo animals. Chimp %ttac( 0ion %ttac( &lephant %ttac(

1angers of Caring for &lephants

"ostco 234456 Zoos and Animal Rights argues that the rights of animals (ept capti e in !oos are not necessarily infringed upon simply because they are in a !oo. Zoos ser e functions beyond the display of animals for public entertainment# !oos are needed for conser ation, education, scientific study and protections of endangered species. Supporters argue that animals within !oos engage in the same sort of beha ior they would in the wild. "ostco states that 7really good capti ity is not capti ity at all7 2page 896. 'ow is a horse in a stable or a dog in his (ennel any different than a gorilla in a !oo+ Conser ation is the single most important .ustification for the continued e:istence of !oos. Changes in attitudes towards wildlife will only occur through education programs, many of which are best conducted by an e:pert within the field; the !oologist. Zoos teach people to respect the natural world. )hey show us how we can learn about animals by obser ing and appreciating those li ing in capti ity. Seeing an animal is an important step towards appreciating the imperati e need for conser ation. 0ife e:pectancy of !oo animals far e:ceeds that of animals within the wild. Zoo(eepers pro ide animals with the best nutritional care, eterinarian care and protection from natural predators and diseases. Some species ha e had their numbers re.u enated because of breeding programs at !oos. Zoos are wor(ing with schools to educate children about the need for conser ation efforts. <here else but a !oo could you hope to see this species of animals+ Capybara <hy we need !oos <hat a !oo has to say about animals in capti ity

-ROS FOR ZOOS

7In many ways, running a !oo is a hotel(eeper*s worst nightmare.. guests who ne er lea e their rooms ...constant flow of isitors...2for guests who are6 noisy and unruly... 2ne er6 clean up their rooms... 2are as 6 unhygienic as alcoholics ...particular in their diets... 2and6 ne er, e er tip7 20ife of -i, page 386