The Captivity Industry

RE:Dear Editor,

Are zoos and marine life centers changing for the better. In the article “The Captivity Industry”
the author mentioned the change of the Bronx Zoo’s name to “Wildlife Conservation Society”.
While also changing the name of their displays to have a more positive name like living
classroom. Even the atmosphere of zoos have changed from their old timey look to a more free
roam and natural look to give the impression these animals are living in a positive environment.
Another point the author brung up was the effect zoos had on everyday conversations.

This point was backed up by evidence provided by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
(AZA). This study gives definitive evidence that zoo and aquarium visits produce long term
effects on people’s attitude about animals. It goes on to quote Cynthia Vernon (the Vice
President of conservation program at Monterey bay Aquarium) “The Visitor Impact Study shows
that zoos and aquariums are enhancing public understanding of wildlife and the conservation of
the places animals live. It validates the idea that we are having a strong impact on our visitors."
The author also states that the AZA president and CEO Jim Maddy asserts "for the first time we
have reliable data validating the positive impact zoos and aquariums have in changing visitors'
feelings and attitudes about conversations." So is this study the Holy Grail that zoos and marine
parks have been waiting for to validate their message of education and conversation and to
justify keeping animals in captivity?

No, because the author's analysis of the "AZA study methodology reveals that the study lacks
scientific rigor and is extremely flawed, and its conclusions are unwarranted." Also in a recent
study of visitors to the reptile house in the National Zoo, Washington, D.C. The average time in
the house was only around 9.7 minutes with only 26 seconds at every enclosure. So how can
meaningful learning happen in such a short amount of time?

Humans as a whole should not take wild animals and put them in cages to study and test on
wild and domestic animals should have their freedom to roam at an extent. The more people
that can agree upon this the less we would have to worry about extinction from poaching.
Although this wouldn't be a perfect solution to the problem it sure would be a simple and
unproblematic way to solve things. There are still many flaws such as overpopulation in some
species and endangerment of population in others.
In conclusion I believe there is an extent to how animals should be kept as zoo attractions and
pets all together.

Sincerely,
Sway Nowland
Brentwood, CA
The writer is a student at liberty high school that has a strong opinion on the freedom of animals