Humans have been displaying animals for entertainment for thousands of years. Zoos are overall great for people; being up close with creatures from all over the world that you’d normally never get to see. But when it comes to the animals, more harm is caused to them than good. These establishments should be eradicated or have different standards set for the wellbeing of the animals.
The general goal of zoos is to educate people about the animals living there, but they are inhuman and bad for the animals. An article on KQED discusses the pros and cons of zoos, saying that not all zoos are equal. Some are clean, well kept, and humane, whereas others are unsanitary and cruel. Though some zoos work on animal conservation, rehabilitation, and education, they are few and far between.
There is more bad than good in zoos all over the world. And there are many downsides to zoos which is reflected in the animals’ health. Captivity can be both physically and psychologically damaging for animals. Another article by PETAUK discusses the fact that “UK zoos and safari parks are on average 100 times smaller than the minimum home range for animals in their natural habitats” and along with this the stress and under-stimulation that animals have been put under causes “self-destructive behavior” such as pacing, walking in tight circles, rocking, swaying, or self-mutilation. And well, trying to conceal their distressed zookeepers will give the animals antidepressants, tranquilizers, or antipsychotic drugs. This issue is just one of the countless faced by zoo animals, other large issues deal with animals being taken from their homes, cages not stopping extension, failure to meet a minimum standard of care, and animals being trained to perform tricks. Zoos are not meant for the safety and care of animals but they are rather prisons denying freedom and fair treatment to these animals.
In the long run zoos are more harmful than helpful to animals and there must be something larger done to stop the inhumane treatment of these amazing creatures in zoos worldwide.
Citations
Lartaud, Derek. “Are Zoos Good or Bad for Animals?: KQED Education.” KQED, 1 Oct. 2019, https://www.kqed.org/education/532723/are-zoos-good-or-bad-for-animals.
“9 Reasons Not to Visit Zoos.” PETA UK, 26 Apr. 2021, https://www.peta.org.uk/blog/9-reasons-not-to-visit-zoos/.
“Ethics – Animal Ethics: Animals for Entertainment.” BBC, BBC, https://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/animals/using/entertainment_1.shtml.
Dear Ava,
I was very intrigued by your post “Zoos do more harm than good” because i completely agree with the fact that it is very fun and entertaining for us as humans to go and see these animals, but we never think about the animals themselves. I believe that animals belong in their natural habitat and that they shouldn’t be kept in cages in captivity.
One sentence you wrote that stood out to me was “Zoos are not meant for the safety and care of animals but they are rather prisons denying freedom and fair treatment to these animals.” This sentence specifically stood out to me because I do believe that zoos arent to help these animals but instead to have them for a show, which again is for human entertainment. Don’t get me wrong I love going to the zoo but when I see how small their cages are it breaks my heart. I believe that instead of having zoos for the show we should have care treatment centers for the wild animals that actually need help and if the animals do not need any treatment done they should be set free because by capturing these wild animals we are hurting the future of these animals as well.
Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next because you seem to have good and interesting topics to write about. I think many times humans don’t realize how harmful it can be for animals. Do you think there is a way to show them that?
Sincerely, Kimberly
Dear Ava,
I am impressed by your post; ¨Zoos do more harm than good”because it is impressive that people get impressed when they see the animals at the zoo but the animals feel like they’re in harm because they are always around people.
One sentence that stood out to me was ¨ But when it comes to the animals, more harm is caused to them than good. These establishments should be eradicated or have different standards set for the wellbeing of the animals.” I think this is impressive because they are thinking about the animals and how they feel.
Thank you for writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next.
-Jonathan Alcantar
Hello Ava! I impressed by your post. I liked how you said “Zoos do more harm than good”, because Zoos are good only for people not animals, because they have to live in 100 times smaller environment than in their natural habitats . Thank you for your post!
Dear Ava:
I am impressed by your post, “Zoos do more harm than good,” because it is wrong how humans have been displaying animals for entertainment for thousands of years. I think it’s wrong because when it comes to animals, more harm is caused to them than good.
One sentence you wrote that stands out for me is: “There is more bad than good in zoos all over the world.” I think this is sad because on average the zoos are 100 times smaller than the minimum home range for animals in their natural habitats” and along with this the stress and under-stimulation that animals have been put under causes self-destructive behavior.
Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next.
Jannette
Hey Ava, I really enjoyed your post! I found that my mind was boggled by the fact that there enclosures are often 100 times smaller than their natural habitat. Imagine if your house was 100 times small it would be a living nightmare.
Personally I stopped going to zoos because I believe that they are a horrible places.
I found that I slightly disagreed with your statement “Though some zoos work on animal conservation, rehabilitation, and education, they are few and far between.” I believe that if a zoo really believed in conservation they should keep animals in there natural habitats and protect them there in the wild.
Great job!
-John
Dear Ava, I am amazed by your post ”Zoos Do More Harm than Good” because it notifies the public about the reality of zoos. It shows negatives to zoos and how the initial purpose is to educate the public about the animals.
These animals are suffering due to our actions, they are not meant to be kept in captivity or for our entertainment, they should be free to live their own lives. One sentence you wrote that stands out to me is, ” Along with this the stress and under-stimulation that animals have been put under causes “self-destructive behavior” such as pacing, walking in tight circles, rocking, swaying, or self-mutilation.” I think this is very eye-opening to the audience and it makes them realize that not everything is colorful and fun.
Thanks for your writing. great job on providing facts to your opinion on why the zoos cause so much harm.
-mia
Dear Ava, I am touched by your post, ”Zoos Do More Harm than Good” because it notifies the public about the reality of zoos. It shows the downside to zoos and how the initial purpose is to educate the public about the animals, however many times zoos do not appropriately handle the animals.
One sentence you wrote that stands out to me is, ” Along with this the stress and under-stimulation that animals have been put under causes “self-destructive behavior” such as pacing, walking in tight circles, rocking, swaying, or self-mutilation.” I think this is very eye-opening to the audience and it makes them realize that not everything is colorful and fun. These animals are suffering due to our actions, they are not meant to be kept in captivity or for our entertainment, they should be free to live their own lives.
Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next because it is very informational and brings light to topics many did not even think about. It brings attention to issues which need to be resolved.
-Natalie