Literature Review

Summary: Viewing exoctic animals in zoos that are not normally encountered in our
everyday lives can be a very exciting experience. However, is it truly ethical to be
keeping these nonative creatures captive? There are many arguments on how it can be
beneficial, but it can also be very harmful for these animals not to be in their natural
habitats.

History: The development of zoos goes back all the way to as early as 2500 B.C in
ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Having a captive exotic creature such as hyenas,
cheetahs, falcons, or baboons was a sign of royalty during this time period. Some would
just have them as exocitc pets to flaunt their rich lifestyles, but others would learn to
train these animals to demonstrate power by having the ability to train these wild
animals. As time went on, in other countries such as China, more large and dangerous
animals were being kept captive, such as alligators, elephants, tigers and bears, to
show even more dominance in the royal line of power. The Roman Period around 31
BC- AD 476 expanded the variety of animals being kept and now started demonstrating
them to the public. Although, they were known to display harm and violence toward
these animals for their own entertainment. They would force them to do tricks, dress
them up, and even murder these animals for pleasure. Fast forward to 1806 in Vienna,
Austria, we see the first actual concept of what an actual modern zoo should look like.
The animals were displayed to spike public interest, and scientific studies were carried
out to understand more about these animals. In 1831, Dublin, Ireland people began to
understand the medical assistance in studying the creatures. They did this by studying
animals that were deceased, instead of collecting more of the species. By 1907 Carl
Hageneck discovered instead of these animals being kept in actual cages, they needed
a space that mimicked their natural habitats and allowed for these exhibits to be more
spaced out and have more open areas to see different places. This led to a concept of a
safari zoo park which allowed guests to visit the animals in a more natural setting the
animals were used to.

Key Points: Zoos help people expand their knowledge and attitudes towards different
types of creatures. Being exposed to animals in their simulation of the natural habitats
with the rock features, different trees for where an animal is native to, and if they aquatic
creatures are all important factors in having a memorable experience. When an
individual is mezmorized, it makes information stick with them. However, this is not
always good for the animals. According to Spooner, with live shows displaying animals
trained to do tricks and actions to spark public interest, this can be out of the ordinary
for what the animals natural instincts are and in a way are being forced to do it which is
never a positive action. This confuses them about their natural adaptations and
questions animal welfare ethics. Even if it is proven to increase public knowledge , it can
be harmful to these creatures that are commonly seen in live shows such as sea lions
and different species of birds. Zoos can also have detrimental effects on larger animals'
health. Species including brown bears, lions, gorillas, polar bears and many more lead
to problems of pacing in circles often and have infant mortality rates due to being
confined in these small enclosures. Elephants in zoos also have proven to only have the
ability to live half the lifespan of what they could live out in the wild. Psychological
studies show animals also have experienced more anxiety and depression in captivity.
Zoos turn to the use of drugs such as antidepressants, and tranquilizers, and
antipsychotic medication to stabilize the animals which isn't a healthy solution for them.

Critical Analysis: However zoos can help replenish an endangered species population
and protect them from predators. They also can provide medical attention to injured
animals which they do not have in the wild and give them a better chance of survival.

Possible Answers to Research Question: Sanctuaries are positive alternatives where

animals can live freely and have plenty of space to move around and are treated with
proper respect and dignity. They also can protect and breed endangered animals with
safe and quality living facilities.
 Works Cited

Marino, L., Lilienfeld, S. O., Malamud, R., Nobis, N., & Broglio, R. (2010). Do zoos and aquariums

promote attitude change in visitors? A critical evaluation of the American zoo and aquarium study.

Society & Animals, 18(2), 126-138.

Spooner, Sarah Louise, et al. “Evaluating the Effectiveness of Live Animal Shows at Delivering
Information to Zoo Audiences.” International Journal of Science Education, Part B:
Communication & Public Engagement, vol. 11, no. 1, Mar. 2021, pp. 1–16. EBSCOhost,
doi:10.1080/21548455.2020.1851424.

Rosenberger, Zoe. “Zoos Cause Animals Far More Harm than Good.” Sentient Media,

Sentient Media, 17 May 2021, https://sentientmedia.org/zoos-cause-animals-far-more-harm-

than-good/.

“How Did Zoos Develop.” How Did Zoos Develop - DailyHistory.org, 1 Oct. 2021,

https://dailyhistory.org/How_did_zoos_develop.

ProCon.org. “Zoos - Top 3 Pros and Cons.” ProCon.org, 13 Aug. 2021,

https://www.procon.org/headlines/zoos-top-3-pros-and-cons/.

Bockman, Jon, et al. “The Value of Sanctuaries, and How to Maximize Their Impact.” Animal

Charity Evaluators, 7 Oct. 2020, https://animalcharityevaluators.org/blog/the-value-of-

sanctuaries-and-how-to-maximize-their-impact/#:~:text=Sanctuaries%20provide%20a

%20symbol%20of,t%20recognize%20them%20as%20individuals.