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Zoo: The impact on Animal Population

Abbie Hargis

English 1010

"Zoo." Wikiwand. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2017.

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Statement of Topic:

Research to investigate and understand the impact Zoos have on the animal population,

including general treatment of the animals and impacts to increases or decreases in population.

While also looking at the mental health of the animal caused by general treatment in the zoos.

Purpose:

This research paper is intended to examine the contrasting belief between Zoos having a negative

impact on animals because of small confinement and a general sense of cruelty versus the idea

that Zoos save animals, protecting them and ensuring the continuing life of the species.

Scope:

This scope of this paper is going to consider housing and containment methods for the animals;

feeding requirements; general treatment, including abuse versus protection; and the impacts to

the animal (species) life in general. This paper will be limited to animals in a general sense and

not distinguish between adult and babies, males or females.

Research Section:

Zoos are one of the most well known forms of entertainment in the world from children to adults,

there has long been a fascination with animals from people. This fascination to learn about and

see animals close up has led humans to capturing animals, keeping them in captivity and

ultimately desiring a way to keep the animals around long term, resulting in the creation of zoos.

The definition of zoos is a parklike area in which live animals are kept in cages or large

enclosures for public exhibition (Zoo, 2017), however other definitions would include words

such as captivity, entertainment centres, and solitary confinement to indicate a negative side of

what zoos represent (ADDAong, n.d.). Zoos have both a positive and negative aspect to them

depending upon who you are and how you view animals.
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Historical Information

According to History of Zoos by CBCnews, zoos date back as far as 3500 BC. Remains

of hippos, baboons, elephants, wildcats, and other animals have been found in Egypt during an

excavation near Hierakonpolis. The thought is that these animals were captured for various

reasons: the amusement of the rulers; as well as a way to shown wealth and power; and as a way

to intimidate enemies. Even in the earliest zoos the evidence suggests that the animals were kept

in metal cages for display. Although the entire zoo setting was considered park-like the

animals were limited to the cage (2017, March).

(History of Zoos)

Although there is insufficient information about specific feeding and nutrition habits

historically for zoos, it can be assumed that if animals in zoos now are fed in very controlled

ways, then it would have been similar if not worse historically. People are much more informed

now about animals and their feeding needs yet we still control and limit everything. Historically,
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when we would have known less about the specific animal needs, we would have likely offered

less healthy and less nutritionally correct foods that the animals would have needed.

Zoos were developed from a sense of general interest, science, and public education not

from concern for the animals themselves. The general care and treatment for animals in captivity,

such as zoos, was not considered very good, nor was it regulated. There are international, federal,

and state and locals laws that apply to zoo animals now. The United States created the Animal

Welfare Act in 1966 as a way to protect and provide minimum acceptable standards for the

animals (Animal Welfare Act, n.d.). Long term impacts to animal life were likely not even a

consideration prior to the Animal Welfare Act, because people were uneducated on animal(s)

needs, welfare, and lifestyle requirements such as how much room do they need to move around

or be active as they would in the wild.

Current Information

Responsible zoos work to create living environments offering access to the outdoors,

fresh air, and choices about how the animal spends his or her day and with whom. Zoos are

working to ensure animals are allowed to live alone, or within a social and/or family group that

would be appropriate for the species and gender of the animal. The idea is to bring the same

choices available in the wild into the zoo environment, as much as possible. Habitats have been

considerably enlarged, utilize natural materials such as soil and grass, and offer shelter in colder

seasons. There is also serious consideration given to mating, and babies within the zoo

environment (Oregon Zoo, n.d.). Additionally, animals are provided opportunities to learn,

interact, and exhibit natural behaviors as much as possible. Feeding and nutrition for animals

have also had significant improvements. Zoos maintain special diet sheets and nutritional
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information for each species, even creating recipes for certain animals to address specifics

about nutritional values, ingredients, quantities, etc.

However, there is still the consideration that zoos are denying the animals everything that

would make the animal life meaningful because their life is completely controlled and

manipulated by the zoo and human interaction is not natural.

(http://www.addaong.org/en/what-are-we-denouncing/zoos-are-like-prisons/)

Although animal containment improvements have been made, the general use of cages

does not resemble in any way the jungle or natural home(s) of any animal and is therefore still a

reminder of the captivity; and although food and nutrition has seen advancements as well there

are still instances of animals eating what humans leave behind or throw in their enclosures

(i.e.coins, plastic bags, etc.) causing the animals to become sick or die (Zoos: An Idea Whose

Time Has Come and Gone, n.d).

Animal treatment has certainly improved with the laws and regulations that have been put

in place. In addition to the international, federal, state and local laws, additional voluntary
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standards are also in place for zoos that choose to implement them. The American Zoo and

Aquarium Association (hereinafter AZA), an organization of zoos and related facilities,

regulates the zoo industry through voluntary standards (Overview of the Laws Affecting Zoos,

1970). Many zoos consider themselves to be animal sanctuaries, existing to facilitate and

promote the conservation of animals (Zoos are Not Prisons. They Improve the Lives of Animals,

n.d.). The extinction of animals we see today are currently being caused as a result of human

activities, not natural events. Zoos have the ability to fight the human threat through breeding

programs intended to propagate species and preserve genetic biodiversity, and then reintroduce

critically endangered or extinct species into the wild (Zoos are Not Prisons. They Improve the

Lives of Animals, n.d.). However, organizations such as People for the Ethical Treatment of

Animals (PETA) believe the conservation idea is really a con from the zoo environment because

the animals being bred arent endangered or threatened and very few captive-bred species are

released back into the wild because they have lost significant natural instincts to defend and

protect themselves. Additionally, long term effects to animals include zoochosis, in which

animals develop self-harming, neurotic behavior such as primates throwing their own feces and

eating their own vomit, large cats (tigers) pacing incessantly, and polar bears swimming endless

figure eights. This is behavior rarely if ever found to exist in the wild (Zoos: An Idea Whose

Time Has Come and Gone, n.d).

Future Predictions

The research data being found appears to equally support the idea that zoos are both good

for animals, as well as bad. As Ive considered the information I believe improvements need to

continue within the zoo environment including heightened levels of education and at an

increased pace, otherwise the long term effects of zoos will be more negative than positive. The
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research has show to me that although the enclosures for animals in zoos has increased

dramatically from where they started enclosures will never reach what they should be for the

animal to feel like they are in the wild. Ultimately, humans are still taking the animal(s) from

their natural home and putting them somewhere they are not comfortable, causing the animals to

do self harm. The fear and anxiety created by environments where predators are forced to to be

in an enclosure next prey and vice versa is will continue. It is this author's belief that instead of

zoos we should create more Animal Sanctuaries as opposed to Zoos. Animal Sanctuaries are

rescue centers for animals that are abused, unwanted or neglected. They are also a non-profit

organizations that try and find suitable homes for the animals, and they let them die of old age

not anything else unless absolutely necessary. Zoos claim conservation, education, preservation,

and more but Zoos are private organization so there is always going to be a need for profit- this is

the entertainment aspect that is only for the benefit of human and takes no consideration for the

animals. There are similarities between Zoo and Sanctuaries such as human controlled

environments, feeding, and animal-human interaction, however the entrainments aspect is

significantly different (Last Chance for Animals, n.d.).

There is also the human interest factor that should be considered when discussing zoos.

Although zoos tend to be very family oriented, the primary focus in on younger aged individuals,

those under the age of 18. Children have far more interest and fascination with animals than

adults. The adults may be at the zoo for their child but their interest is generally lost and the

impression of the zoo being safe has become something they are less likely to even consider.

One study of visitors to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C.,

showed that visitors spent less than eight seconds per snake exhibit and

only one minute with the lions. Researchers concluded that people
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treat[ed] the exhibits like wallpaper. In fact, numerous studies have

shown that exhibiting animals in unnatural settings may undermine

conservation by leaving the public with the idea that a species must not be

in jeopardy if the government is allowing it to be used for display and

entertainment. (Zoos: An Idea Whose Time Has Come and Gone).

This research has shown to me that the idea of a zoo is more than just fun looking at the animals,

but really the entire welfare of the animals need to be considered. Thinking of zoos in general

gives a feeling of sadness for this author compared to the happiness I used to feel, without regard

to the animal's overall well-being. I do not believe it is the intent for zoos to be harmful, nor do I

considered zoos to be bad as a complete concept; however if conditions for animals do not

continue to improve and the well being of the animals always placed first zoos will not be

beneficial in the long term life cycle for most animals.

Ethics Summary

Zoos have an ethical issue regarding animal rights. It is unnatural and immoral to keep

animals caged, living their lives in a state of confinement for the purpose of human

entertainment. Zoos keep animals caged and confined offering them as visual entertainment to

humans. Thus zoos are an immoral and unnatural environment for animals.

The ethical issue of animals rights, as it relates to zoos, is very controversial because there are

strong arguments for animal protection, animal discovery, and extinction prevention as the

positive reasons for zoos to be in existence. Most people will readily agree that zoos have an

outwardly appearance of enjoyable atmospheres, education about animal life, and encouraging

family activities together. However, focusing on these issues overlooks the deeper problem of

animal rights and possible animal cruelty from confined and caged living.
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Proposal of Action

Through a series of lectures and television promotion, there will be a significant effort put

forth to educate the public on the dangers and harmful effects of zoos. The legislative campaign

will be for the termination of the common concept of zoos for human entertainment, and

embrace only animal sanctuaries (as necessary for aging or sick animals) and seek to keep

animals living within their natural habitats. Coordination with organizations such as PETA, and

support from individual volunteers will be required to coordinate numerous lectures in support of

this campaign. Supporting evidence validating the need for animal freedoms, including long-

term benefits to the animals will be presented at the lectures. In addition advertising campaign on

television will reach a wider audience, beyond the local population who choose not to attend the

lectures. This effort will need to be consistent for numerous years because this idea will have

significant controversy surrounding it and will not embraced quickly. The costs associated with

this campaign effort will be difficult to specifically identify due to the length of time associated

with this campaign, however estimates can be made for each area identified as a target market.

Website creation will be a cost at the beginning for creation of the website, however the

maintenance stage will be far less costly. Website creation can be completed for $1,000.

Television ad campaigns will need to be placed with the target networks reaching the largest

number of people. Basic television advertising will begin at $10,000.

Conclusion

Zoos have been a recognized form of family entertainment and education for thousands

of years, changing this perspective and getting people to see the dangers of zoos and harm it

causes to the animals will be difficult. The positive aspects of zoos are well represented and

human nature is to disregard the negative side of an issue. The majority of information advertised
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about zoos is positive promoting the good aspects and features of the zoos because these

organizations are for profit. The overlooked problem is the unnatural state the animals are living

in, potential cruelty, and general confinement of the zoos. An alternative to the idea of zoos

would be animal sanctuaries, only as needed for aging or sick animals, as a place for humane

treatment for the animal prior to death or until rehabilitated to a better state of health. Allowing

animals to live in their natural habitat, not in confined and caged environments, is the goal we

should be striving to achieve.

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Works Cited

"Animal Welfare Act." United States Department of Agriculture. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr.

2017.

"Full Title Name: Overview of the Laws Affecting Zoos." Animal Law Legal Center.

N.p., 01 Jan. 1970. Web. 30 Apr. 2017.

"History of Zoos - Doc Zone - CBC-TV." CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, 09 Mar. 2017.

Web. 30 Apr. 2017.

http://www.addaong.org/en/what-are-we-denouncing/zoos-are-like-prisons/

Last Chance for Animals - Zoos. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2017.

"Thanks to you a better zoo." Oregon Zoo. N.p., 04 May 2017. Web. 30 Apr. 2017.

"Zoos: An Idea Whose Time Has Come and Gone." PETA. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2017.

"Zoos Are Not Prisons. They Improve the Lives of Animals." Time. Time, n.d. Web. 30

Apr. 2017.

"Zoo." Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com, n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2017.