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Should Zoos be Banned? Pros & Cons of Zoos – UPDATED 2024

Published by michael anderson on may 3, 2024 may 3, 2024.

Should zoos be banned? Are zoos bad or good?

This question is heavily debated and there is no definite answer for it.  Shutting down all zoos goes against saving animals. But, stopping them from keeping certain animals or doing certain types of research isn’t wrong. It really boils down to how zoos use the money and what they teach people who come and donate.

Nevertheless, we are going to look at the pros and cons of zoos and explore whether or not zoos should be banned .

So let’s dive right in!

The Pros & Cons of Zoos

Let’s first discover the pros and cons of zoos , evaluating both their positive and negative impact!

Let’s first take a look at the arguments for zoos.

What are the Pros of Zoos?

1. zoos are protecting endangered species.

When ecological conservation emerged as a matter of public interest in the 1970s , zoos all over the world have embraced the mission of   saving endangered species   in the world. Zoos are not like the cruel animal menageries from the middle ages. 

They want to provide entertainment, but they are greatly concerned with the protection and conservation of animals and their natural habitats. Environmental protection is one of the biggest reasons why zoos should not be banned.

Zoos provide a protected environment for endangered animals, and also help in raising awareness and funding for wildlife initiatives and research projects. Therefore, zoos educate the public about animals and are contributing their part to the conservation of many endangered species . 

In fact, should zoos be banned, many species would have gone extinct already. A good example are narwahls .

2. Zoos are educating the public about animals

Environmental education   is definitely among the pros of zoos. Many children and adults in cities can only see wild animals in TV or the internet. Zoos offer them the unique experience of contemplating real animals. They can smell them, see how they move and listen their sounds in real life. 

Visiting a zoo is a much more vivid and enriching experience than the one you can get through a screen. Thanks to zoos, kids and adults develop empathy towards animals . In addition, people don’t need to travel to exotic places to see the animals, which is beneficial to the environment. 

Ultimately, zoos provide an affordable opportunity to see (exotic) animals , giving everyone an equal chance to experience wildlife first-hand and learn about nature. 

No matter what a person’s socioeconomic status may be, there is a chance to learn something new because of the work of a zoo. By educating about animals, z oos are also raising awareness about our environmental problems like climate change and illustrate how these impact ecosystems worldwide.

Should zoos be banned, an important educational resource would dissapear, which might lead to less future knowledge about animals and nature.

3. Zoos help in fighting animal extinction

Given that the mass destruction of wildlife habitats across the globe continues unabated and species such as elephants, big cats, birds, primates, rhinos, reptiles, and many others are at real risk of extinction, larger zoos have now stepped in with the hopes of stopping or at least  slowing the decline of these endangered species .

Zoos study  animal breeding  and thanks to them many wild animals in captivity can reproduce. Should zoos be banned, we would certainly loose some species. This is particularly important in the case of endangered species. Due to the low density of the population of some animals in their natural ecosystems they struggle to find partners. 

Some populations in the wild are weakened by endogamy too. In zoos vets and biologist help to prevent inbreeding. Fighting extinction is surely among the pros of zoos!

One of the most powerful images in the world. The Northern white rhinoceros would've already been extinct if it wasn't for zoo conservation. With only 2 females left in the world, conservation efforts have never been more needed. Hope n pray we save this species from extinction. pic.twitter.com/mVCXucZnbP — Francois Boonzaaier (@Fransuchus) May 4, 2024

4. Zoos are conducting valuable research

Zoos are key for   research . Being able to observe and study animals is crucial if we want to contribute to help them and repair the ecosystems. They also help in reducing human-animal conflicts and in better understanding the needs and psychology of animals. 

Zoos serve as laboratories to learn more about how to fight animal diseases and develop effective animal anaesthetics and other treatments to help more animals in the future.

Between 1993 and 2013, 228 accredited zoos published 5,175 peer-reviewed manuscripts. In 2017, 173 accredited US zoos spent $25 million on research, studied 485 species and subspecies of animals, worked on 1,280 research projects, and published 170 research manuscripts.

Because so many diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans, such as COVID-19, ebola, hantavirus, and the bird flu, zoos frequently conduct disease surveillance research in wildlife populations and their own captive populations that can lead to a direct impact on human health.

Should zoos be banned, we might not be able to conduct such research anymore, negatively influencing our ability to find cures to diseases and tackle issues like climate change .

5. Zoos provide income for many communities

Finally, the pros of zoos include their economic importance. Zoos play an important economic role , especially in the less developed areas of the world, where they are an important income source for many communities. Zoos do more than just providing a place for animals to reside. 

They are a place that provides jobs, creates tourism opportunities, and can even be an economic nexus for a community . 

Should zoos be banned, we would need to find other economic resources for these communities. As of 2022, there are  27,267 people  employed in the Zoos & Aquariums industry in the US only. Just imagine how many jobs they provide worldwide, especially in less developed countries.

Nowthat we know the arguments for zoos, let’s take a look at the arguments against zoos.

What are the Cons of Zoos?

Unfortunately, the world of zoos is not as bright as you might think after reading the previous positive points above. Let’s take a closer look at the arguments why zoos should be banned!

1. Zoos entertain humans at the expense of animals

Environmental activists  insist that zoos should be banned, despite their noble intentions. They argue that zoos are inherently immoral and primarily serve to entertain humans at the expense of animals. In fact, zoos exploit animals for the sake of profit generation .

Furthermore, zoos don’t educate the public enough to justify keeping animals captive. In fact, even a study widely cited to justify the argument that zoos educate the public stated that “there was no overall change in understanding of ecological concepts seen” because visitors know a lot about ecology before going to the zoo.

On top of that, there have been cases where zoos killed baby animals, for the sake of controlling the animal population of the zoo. For example, in 2014 the Copenhagen Zoo killed a young giraffe and four lions   on the grounds of genetic purity and breeding.

We should ask ourselves whether the entertainment provided by zoos (especially by animals shows and similar activities) does really justify the price that the animals pay for.

Here are the worst zoos in America .

2. Holding animals in captivity has questionable ethics

Haven’t we learned from our shameful history with “human zoos”? 100 years ago, people accepted that other humans are exhibited in “human zoos”, which everyone would protest against nowadays. 

Who knows how humanity will look back and judge our present animal zoos in 100 years… If we look back at the dark history of zoological institutions, zoos should be banned!

There is no doubt that zoos are questionable from an ethical point of view . Zoos are a typical form of family entertainment, but associating leisure and fun with the contemplation of animals in captivity can send the wrong signals to our children. Zoos can be construed as a  sadistic pleasure . There may be educational value in a zoo, but keeping animals in captivity offers an ethical dilemma . 

Some animals, like the average house cat, will thrive in a captive environment.  Others, like orcas, do very poorly when living in captivity. An orca in the wild may live up to 100 years in the wild, but the average age at a captive orca is less than 30 years – and it’s 17 years for a male orca. For many, this is a strong argument to ban zoos.

3. Zoos can be detrimental to the animals' physical health

Depending on the conditions at-hand, zoos can be detrimental to the animals’ physical health. There are still many animal welfare issues recorded everyday, and animals often have to live in poor conditions , especially in less-developed, poorer countries. And all of that even though zoos are legally required to follow the Animal Welfare Act .

In addition, most animals that are exhibited in zoos are wild exotic animals (such as tigers and lions) who naturally need lots of space and even change their habitat over time. Due to the limited space in zoos, these animals cannot move as they naturally would, which inevitably leads them to develop health issues.

Furthermore, animal cruelty in zoos   continues to be extremely common. There are continuous cases of animals   abused by visitors   and zoo workers. Many of them are reported every week in the media, however, the large majority are kept secret and those responsible are never held accountable or punished. In fact, many zoos are greenwashing themselves, by saying they have high animal welfare standards although they haven’t.

4. Zoos can be detrimental to the animals' mental health

It is proven that zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals . Another reason why zoos should be banned. 

As illustrated in Zooicide , animals in captivity are deprived of many things that are important to them, as a result they become lonely and bored. Many of them suffer from  “ zoochosis “ , a psychological condition characterized by repetitive and obsessive behaviors including vomiting, excessive grooming, coprophagia and self-mutilation.

Animal behaviorists see zoo animals suffering from problems not seen in the wild, such as clinical depression in clouded leopards and gibbons, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in brown bears, and anxiety in giraffes. 

The animals experience these issues due to smaller enclosures, changes in diet and activities, and the introduction of things not seen in the wild, such as medical exams and people with cameras.

Even keeping domicile animals such as alpacas and llamas in a restricted or caged environment can cause huge distress to them. In fact, alpacas and llamas tend to spit more in zoos , as they are irritated more frequently there compared to when they are left alone in nature.

The only creature on earth whose natural habitat is a zoo is the zookeeper.

ROBERT BRAULT

5. lack of regulation & control in many zoos.

Another issue with zoos is that there is only insufficient regulation of zoos in many countries. In fact, many zoos are free to treat their animals however they want. In some countries, animals are even considered as property instead of living organisms that need proper regulatory protection. Another reason why zoos should be banned!

Especially in countries with lax   regulations   related to zoos, animals will be treated poorly and in those countries, governments should introduce stricter regulations in order to protect these animals. Even if there is some form of regulation in place, most countries’ abilitiy to control zoos for animal welfare is very limited, meaning that zoos can basically treat animals however they want.

Putting aside these opposing views, it does remain a sad reality that the  welfare of zoo animals varies widely depending on where you are . While many zoos have been working hard to improve their animal enclosures to better fit the needs of captive animals, constraints such as limited space and funds can seriously hinder this process. 

Smaller, poorer zoos simply do not have the luxury of hiring well-trained zoological staff or expanding their breeding programs and facilities to maintain the ethos of conservation. A ban of these smaller, less well-funded zoos could be seen as a reasonable strategy for reducing harm to wildlife.

• @kerstinbrueller ZOOS & AQUARIUMS ARE ANIMAL PRISONS ✽ One of the most normalized forms of public animal cruelty, where people pay to meet victims eye-to-eye, happens in zoos and aquariums. Zoos and aquariums claim to be dedicated to conserving and protecting endangered pic.twitter.com/ffWf5EUBCC — Rob Cardella (@RobertoCardel18) November 8, 2023

After all, something we must consider too when talking about the pros and cons of zoos is their not-so-glamorous history!

A Brief History of Zoos

Until the early 19th century, the only purpose of zoos was to demonstrate the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. Up until this time, people paid no attention to science or animal conservation . Zoos were just used to symbolize the superiority of humans over animals .

Evidence of the existence of zoos and menageries can be traced all the way back to ancient Egypt, circa 3500 BC. Many Roman emperors kept private zoo collections. Sometimes these captive animals were used for study, but most of the time they were simply used for entertainment in the arena, which invariably ended in a cruel death.

At some point during  the history of zoos , humans even tried to emphasize the supposed inferiority of other human cultures, and implied the superiority of Western society, through so-called “human zoos” . There have been plenty of “human zoos” in many European countries, which tried to symbolize the superiority of the Western culture over the culture of their former colonies, by visualizing how primitive black people behaved. 

In fact, “human zoos” are one of Europe’s most shameful secrets. When trying to find an answer to the question: “Should zoos be banned?”, there’s no way around reminding ourselves with our history.

This claim is being brought forward by PETA. However, the animal rights organization experienced a surge in hate after communicating their negative stance against zoos . So it seems that the public opinion is still positive about zoos.

The modern zoo that we know today emerged in the 19th century in the United Kingdom. It was only then that the transition was made from royal menageries designed to entertain the elite to public zoological gardens aiming to educate the wider population . 

Growing urbanization and industrialization led to heightened demand for new forms of public entertainment. This need for entertainment, as well as the requirements of scholarly research , came together in the founding of the first modern zoos. During that time nobody even thought about the question of should zoos be banned.

According to the   Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) by 2020, the USA boasts 230 accredited zoos and aquariums , accommodating nearly 800,000 animals and 6,000 species with around 1,000 of these species being on the endangered species   list. These zoos provide 200,000 jobs with an annual budget of $230 million set aside for wildlife conservation . They attract more than 200 million visitors per year, with special educational programs designed specifically for school groups.

Over the past 30 years, many established zoos have endeavored to improve the level of care for animals and rehabilitate the public perception of zoos . However, despite many good intentions and considerable financial effort, the concept of zoos is nonetheless fraught with many serious problems. 

So much so that calls to ban zoos are still loud and persistent from many activist groups even now…

But what’s the verdict now? Should zoos be banned or not? Are zoos good or bad?

Should Zoos be Banned? (Conclusion)

A zoo can be an integral part of our community and world with the right approach . There are several pros and cons of zoos, and there is no definite answer to whether zoos are supporting a positive human environment interaction or not. Each point deserves consideration. If wanted, zoos can be more than entertainment and provide a positive value to both, humans and animals. 

The pros and cons of zoos often come from two very different points of view. From a legal standard, animals are often treated as property . That means they have less rights than humans, so a zoo seems like a positive place to maintain a high quality of life. For others, the forced enclosure of any animal feels like an unethical decision.

Wild animals, as it is said, are meant to be wild!

In order to avoid the negative side of zoos, you could try out alternatives to zoos .

But in any case, here are the best zoological institutions in California which are treating their animals at least as good as they can:

• Best Zoos in California
• Best Aquariums in California

Are zoos ethical? What about aquariums?

The ethics of zoos and aquariums are a subject of debate. While some argue that they play a crucial role in education, conservation, and research, others believe that keeping animals in captivity is inherently unethical and compromises their welfare and natural behaviors.

What are the pros and cons of zoos?

The pros of zoos include their contribution to endangered species conservation, public education about wildlife, research opportunities, and economic benefits for communities.

However, the cons involve concerns about animal welfare, ethical considerations, potential negative effects on animals’ physical and psychological health, and the lack of regulation in some cases.

Are zoos good or bad?

The question of whether zoos are good or bad is subjective and depends on one’s perspective. Some people see the positive aspects of zoos, such as their educational and conservation efforts, while others emphasize the negative impact on animal welfare and argue for their abolition.

Are zoos morally wrong?

The morality of zoos is a matter of personal opinion and ethical beliefs. Some individuals consider zoos morally wrong due to the captivity and potential harm inflicted on animals, while others see them as a necessary means to protect species and educate the public.

Are zoos bad or good?

The question of whether zoos are bad or good depends on your ethical stance. Whereas zoos are good for wildlife conservation, education, and research, they sometimes involve negative impacts on animal welfare and ethical concerns about keeping animals in captivity.

Are zoos safe for animals?

The safety of animals in zoos can vary widely depending on the specific zoo and its practices. While many accredited zoos prioritize animal welfare and provide appropriate care, there have been instances of poor conditions and mistreatment. The overall safety of animals in zoos depends on the commitment to high standards of care, sufficient enclosure sizes, and proper veterinary attention.

Are zoos for profit?

Zoos are typically not for profit. Though, they need to generate revenue and contribute to the local economy through visitor fees, donations, and tourism. However, the pursuit of profit should not compromise the welfare of animals. Ethical and responsible zoos prioritize animal care and conservation over profit-making, ensuring that financial resources are allocated appropriately for the well-being of the animals and their conservation efforts.

Why should zoos be banned?

There are many reasons why zoos should be banned. As outlined by PETA , Zoos should be banned due to ethical concerns about animal welfare. Keeping animals in captivity leads to physical and psychological harm. Zoos fail to replicate natural habitats, negatively impacting the well-being of the animals. Zoos provide entertainment, not education! And this entertainment comes at the cost of animal welfare.

Why should zoos not be banned?

Zoos should not be banned because they play a vital role in wildlife conservation, offering sanctuary for endangered species. They are important for educational purposes, providing firsthand wildlife experiences that foster public awareness and interest in conservation. Zoos also contribute to scientific research on animal behavior and biology, aiding in broader conservation efforts. Additionally, they support global biodiversity through breeding programs for rare and endangered species.

What are alternatives to zoos?

You can learn about animals without visiting or supporting zoos.

Here is a list of ethical alternatives to zoos:

• Wildlife sanctuaries : They provide a natural and ethical habitat for animals, focusing on rescue and rehabilitation, thus ensuring animal welfare and mimicking their natural living conditions more closely than zoos.
• Conservation parks : These large, protected areas conserve wildlife in their native ecosystems, promoting ethical animal treatment and natural biodiversity without the constraints of captivity. 
• Virtual zoos : Utilizing technology, they offer an ethical and educational way to learn about animals through interactive and immersive experiences, without any impact on the animals’ natural living conditions.
• National Parks : These are protected areas that preserve natural environments and wildlife in their native habitats. They offer an ethical alternative by allowing animals to live freely and undisturbed, promoting biodiversity and ecological balance without the need for captivity.
• Public Parks : While primarily designed for human recreation, public parks can also serve as urban sanctuaries for local wildlife. They provide a small-scale, ethical alternative for experiencing nature and wildlife in a more controlled environment, contributing to urban biodiversity and environmental education.
• Wildlife documentaries : They educate and raise awareness about animals and their habitats ethically, using filming techniques that minimize human interference with wildlife.

Michael Anderson

Michael is a dedicated veterinarian and the owner of a thriving animal hospital. With a passion for animal welfare, he sees himself as an ambassador for animals, advocating for their health and well-being. Michael regularly publishes expert articles on a variety of animal health topics, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience with a broader audience. His writings are a valuable resource for pet owners and animal lovers, offering insights into best practices for animal care. Through his work at the hospital and his contributions to the field of veterinary science, Michael is committed to enhancing the lives of animals and promoting compassionate care.

10 Comments

Romy · February 8, 2024 at 8:23 am

Thank you so much for providing this article. It’s super helpful to make up a realistic and argument-based opinion about the ethics of zoos and whether zoos should exist or not. Something I personally wasn’t aware about is the fact that zoo animals can get or are) depressed when held in captivity. Will definitely check the living conditions of the animals before visiting any zoo from now on.

EcoCation · February 8, 2024 at 8:30 am

Thanks a lot for your nice comment! We are glad that this article was helpful and that it made its impact on you. That’s our goal at EcoCation: Providing information that help to make the world a better place.

Olivia · April 13, 2024 at 6:46 pm

I’ve always been strongly against zoos because of animal cruelty reasons. There is a lot of animal abuse going on behind the scenes.Thank you for writing this piece; it’s great to know that others share a passion for these issues too. Very helpful and informative.

EcoCation · April 13, 2024 at 6:52 pm

That’s great to hear!

Jack · May 4, 2024 at 6:50 pm

I’ve worked in a zoo (don’t want to share the name for legal reasons) for over 5 years and have experienced all things mentioned in this article (positive and negative). People think zoos are a good place for animals to live at. But that’s not the case. Once the visitors are gone, ethics are gone too. It all comes down to the money. Those that provide the financial support for the zoo are free to decide how the zoo is managed, even if that means hitting/abusing wild animals… It’s a sad world we live in…

EcoCation · May 4, 2024 at 6:53 pm

Thanks for sharing your personal experiences as someone who has worked in a zoo.

Jake · May 11, 2024 at 8:05 am

Thank you so much for creating this piece of value! I read the entire article and I have to say that it has changed my opinion about zoos quite considerably. Also, your other articles about this topic are super good: easy to follow, but still filled with expertise. Whereas zoos maybe shouldn’t be banned altogether, policy enforcement needs to change to put more pressure on zoos to treat their animals properly, all around the globe.

EcoCation · May 11, 2024 at 8:08 am

Thanks for your nice feedback. It is great to hear that all the effort we are putting into creating articles like this one are liked. And indeed, law enforcement must be increased to put more pressure on zoos to treat their animals appropriately.

Sarah · May 18, 2024 at 5:52 am

I have to write an essay about should zoos be banned and you helped me a lot. Thank you!

EcoCation · May 18, 2024 at 5:54 am

Thank you. We are glad to hear that. It’s nice to hear that topics like the ethics of zoos are now being integrated into education.

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1 June 2017, 15:23 BST — The polar bears in Winnipeg have disco poo. Their droppings look like little glitterballs.

Before anyone starts sprinkling the stuff on their cornflakes, this isn't the hottest new beauty trend nor is it a natural phenomenon: Assiniboine Park Zoo's keepers use coloured glitter in the bears' feed to identify their droppings.

Why? Well, scat reveals all sorts of things about individual animals; information the keepers share with the scientific community. Many zoos conduct such studies, and also run captive breeding programmes for endangered species. However, critics say this doesn't justify their existence.

"Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programmes at PETA, explains. "Animals in zoos suffer tremendously, both physically and mentally. They often display neurotic behaviour, like repetitive pacing, swaying, and bar biting. Not surprising, perhaps, considering the typical polar bear enclosure is one million times smaller than the area they would naturally roam."

PETA isn't alone. In April, ethical tour operator Responsible Travel — after consultation with wildlife charity Born Free Foundation — axed trips that include zoo visits. It's the first travel company to publicly make such a move.

"Only 15% of the thousands of species held in zoos are considered 'threatened'," says Will Travers OBE, president of Born Free. "An even smaller proportion are part of captive breeding programmes and, of those, a tiny fraction have been released back into the wild. That's not a record that justifies tens of millions of wild animals kept in zoos."

PETA's Bekhechi adds, the aim of breeding programmes is just "to produce baby animals to attract visitors."

Some, however, argue that children benefit from zoos. "We engage huge audiences with wildlife, inspiring the conservationists of tomorrow," argues zoological director of ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos, Professor David Field. That claim is up for debate. A 2014 study by the Society for Conservation Biology found that of over 2,800 children surveyed following visits to London Zoo, 62% showed no positive learning outcomes.

But, for every story that casts zoos in a bad light — from Vince the rhino's poaching at Paris' Thoiry Zoo in March; Cincinnati Zoo shooting endangered gorilla, Harambe, last year after a child fell into his enclosure; or Copenhagen Zoo killing and publicly dissecting Marius, a two-year-old giraffe in 2014 — there are heart-warming tales too.

Zoos across the US can take credit for reviving the wild Arabian oryx, golden lion tamarin and Californian condor populations, among many others. And Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo has an on-site Wildlife Hospital to save sick and injured native species.

In the age of social media, high profile culls have sparked heated debates. The shooting of Harambe the gorilla spawned the most-shared meme of 2016 and caused a hounded Cincinnati Zoo to suspend its social media accounts. When it comes to lethal force and animal welfare, at least, public opinion swiftly sides against zoos.

But whether recent events have triggered a profound shift in public consciousness is harder to quantify. Regardless of the merits or ethics of zoos, one thing's for certain: they're going to be around for some years yet.

How can you tell a zoo from a sanctuary?

The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) operates an accreditation system for sanctuaries, rescue centres and rehabilitation centres. Look out for the GFAS seal of approval.

So it's better to have 'close encounters' with animals in the wild, right?

Wrong! Step away from the selfie stick. Don't be suckered into supporting companies that offer experiences like hugging a tiger, swimming with dolphins, riding elephants, or kissing sharks. These experiences are often harmful to wildlife and dangerous for you.

How do we save wildlife if not by breeding programmes?

PETA says: "People who care about protecting endangered species should donate to organisations that safeguard them in their natural habitats — if a species' native environment has been destroyed, there's nowhere left for the animals to go."

Published in the June 2017 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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Should Zoos Be Banned? — A View From Both Sides

Zoos are establishments that put captive animals on display for human observation. It began around 2500 BC when Mesopotamian rulers kept exotic animals in cages. Today, the modern zoo has evolved to be a center that promotes the study of animal ecology, behaviors, and husbandry management. However, unsanitary zoo practices still exist in the 21st century. And it begs the question, should zoos be banned? 

This article will explore the positive and negative aspects of zoological parks. By examining the pros and cons of zoos, we'll get answers to our burning questions. Should zoos be banned? 

Related Read: World Wildlife Day , What Is Rewilding?

What are the positive impacts of zoos on the environment?

Some zoos have positive impacts on the environment and the wildlife ecosystem. Some of these benefits are the following: 

1. Zoos are protecting endangered species.

Many zoos protect species on the verge of extinction. Zoos focus on three conservation aspects, says Nabila Aziz , the developer of the International Species Information System. These aspects are practice, advocacy, and research. The World Association for Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) defines zoos as conservation centers responsible for the ecosystem's health and welfare. 

Wildlife populations are going extinct at an alarming rate. Wildlife animals are extinct or on the verge of extinction because the rapid growth in the human population destroys their habitats. Climate change, overhunting, habitat fragmentation, and introduction of invasive species also contribute to the extinction of wildlife animal species. 

Human urbanization leaves us detached from the horror experienced by the wildlife ecosystem. So, we are unaware of the drastic effects of the extinction of a single plant or animal on an entire ecosystem.

Many zoos have frozen zoos where they freeze plant seeds and animal tissues. Frozen zoos preserve years of genetic evolution and variability. In 2004, the Frozen Ark Project invited zoos to participate actively in their frozen project. The goal is to save the genetic materials of endangered animals before they become extinct.

Apart from this, zoos accredited by the World Association for Zoos and Aquariums must have a conservation plan. Zoos take several species and protect them from extinction. They'd reintroduce the species back into the wild if it does become extinct.

An example of a zoological conservation effort is the United States reintroduction program of the black-footed ferret at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and the Smithsonian National Zoo. Another example is the conservation of desert antelope and Mexican wolf at the Smithsonian National Zoo 7 . 

2. Zoos educate the public about animals and their habitats.

Zoos are quite vocal about their educational role in society. Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited zoos have a predominant educational theme in their mission statements. 

The 1993 Conservation Organization Strategy created specific goals for zoos to include in their educational purposes 2 . These goals are;

• To clarify that nature conservation affects everyone,
• Increase public awareness of the connections between human consumption and the survival of species and biological systems, 
• And inform the public about the threatened status of animals. 

Zoos play a huge role in educating the public about wild animals, their habitats, and their role in the ecosystem. Zoos offer guided tours to visitors. Some zoos even send out representatives to schools to educate students with pictures and videos.

An animal lover often visits zoos to learn more about animals and their natural behaviors. Schools and other educational institutions organize excursions to visit zoos to boost students' knowledge about many zoo animals. 

The University of Warwick researched 3,000 schoolchildren. Results showed trips to the zoo build a child's science and conservation education beyond classroom learning. The 3000 students tested were between the ages of seven and fourteen. Researchers quizzed them before and after a trip to the ZSL London Zoo. 53% of 3,000 students improved their knowledge of wildlife and conservation topics.   

3. They rehabilitate wild animals. 

Many zoos help rehabilitate and care for animals like otters , sea turtles , and manatees. Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited zoos work with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). They accept injured animals, nurse them, and release the healthy animals back into their natural habitats.

The Indian government enforced a ban to stop the exhibition and performance of 5 wild animals in circus programs. These animals include lions , tigers , leopards , monkeys , and bears . Then, the Ministry of Environment and Forests allotted the care and rehabilitation of these animals to the Central Zoo Authority (CZA).

Since 1999, the Central Zoo Authority rehabilitated 314 lions and tigers from circuses 5 . They provide healthcare, food, and a safe space for the animals to revert to their natural well-being. Furthermore, zoos save endangered species from poachers and predators when they take them into their care.

Other examples of zoo rehabilitation were the Cincinnati Zoo, Botanical Garden, and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. They partnered with USFWS to rescue and provide critical care for injured manatees.

4. Zoos engage in captive breeding as a part of animal conservation. 

Earlier, we spoke about zoos' contribution to wildlife conservation. Many zoos save many animals from extinction through breeding programs. They collaborate with other zoological institutions to pair and breed captive animals. They don't just produce any animal. Zoos breed animals that are rare and on the verge of extinction in controlled environments. Once the population is large enough, they reintroduce most animals into their natural habitat. 

The first successful captive breeding was the Arabian oryx. The Arabian oryx's habitat used to be the Arabian Peninsula, but they became extinct in 1972. However, the Phoenix Zoo started a captive breeding experiment in 1962. They produced over 200 oryxes offspring from 9 captive oryxes. In 1982, they reintroduced the first set of Arabian oryx to Oman. Their population expanded over two decades, and there are over a thousand oryxes in the Middle East 1 .

Another instance of successful captive breeding happened with the California Condor. The birds were on the verge of extinction in the 1980s because of lead poisoning. By 1987, there were only 27 birds left. The San Diego Zoo successfully bred enough California Condor birds and reintroduced 88 birds in 1999 8 . 

What are the negative impacts of zoos on wild animals?

On the other hand, let's tackle the possible adverse effects of this type of establishment. Here are the following negative impacts you might want to look into:

1. Poor animal welfare is prevalent in many zoos. 

Some zoos aren't ethical. They have poor animal welfare, making life for animals stressful, unhappy, and boring. Many wild animals are captured from their natural habitats and transported to zoos in uncomfortable enclosures. 

Zoos put animals in small, confined cages that limit their movements. These animals no longer have the luxury of living in their preferred habitats. For instance, the space lions and elephants get in zoos doesn't grant them up to 1% of their freedom in the wild. PETA reported Cherokee Zoo confines bears in barren concrete pits . The bears have no access to soft earth they need to dig. These bears have arthritis and cannot walk in their concrete confinement.

Keeping animals in spaces with a lack of adequate physical and mental stimulation leaves them sad and depressed. The lack of environmental enrichment causes animals to lay dormant and uninterested in their surroundings 4 . 

Some zoos try replicating the animal's natural habitat, but it's not just the same thing. Zoos can't copy a natural habitat because it's more than just the aesthetic of the wild. It's an entire ecosystem. Some zoos claim to protect animals but don't care for them adequately. The zoo animals don't have access to proper health care and feeding schedules.  

They separate offspring from their parents prematurely, causing irreparable mental damage to both animals. Animals that experience severe stress and mistreatment don't live as long as their mates in the wild. 

2. Some zoos exploit animals for the sake of profit generation.

Some zoos exploit the animals in their care for profit. They use unhealthy training methods to train animals to perform tricks so they can attract visitors. The animals perform tricks for entertainment. Unethical zookeepers give stressed animals drugs like antipsychotics, tranquilizers, or antidepressants.

3. Captivity changes the behaviors of animals.

The conditions of captivity cause psychological stress in animals. The stress often leads to bigger problems like weight loss, immune system changes, and a reduction in their reproductive functions. Many humans expect animals to adapt to their captivity conditions because they have adequate food and health care. 

However, confinement in a limited space, unfamiliar environment, and human presence do more harm. Animals become a shadow of themselves. They are not as active as they would be in their own natural habitats. These stress-induced behaviors are present in some animals even when they are released into the wild 3 . 

4. Some zoos kill baby animals.

Animal offspring attract more visitors than older animals. For zoos, more visitors equals more profit. So, they force animals to mate and produce more offspring to entertain visitors. Also, most zoos partake in international mating programs to protect endangered species. There are often times when the zoo has more offspring than expected. 

These zoos kill surplus animals to avoid overpopulation in the zoo. This is very cruel and unjust. The killing of 'surplus' and unwanted offspring is widespread in European zoos 6 .

For instance, Copenhagen Zoo in Denmark killed four healthy male lion cubs and a young male giraffe in 2014. The giraffe's name was Marius. The zookeeper shot the young giraffe and fed his carcass to lions while the children were present. Zoos also kill older animals because they don't fit into the plans to gain profit. 

Should zoos be banned?

Humans always debate the existence of zoos. There are usually two sides to the argument. One side claims that the existence of zoos is safe for animals, while the other side argues that the absence of zoos is more beneficial to animals. The unending argument leads to the question, should zoos be banned? 

Examining the positive aspects mentioned above gives reasons we shouldn't ban zoos. Modern zoos promote the protection and conservation of wild animals. They also partake in animal rehabilitation and can be a source of education to the public and support wider conservation efforts.

However, their negative impacts outweigh their positive aspects. Humans who think zoos should be banned are not wrong. Most animals die prematurely in zoos because of mistreatment and poor animal care. Some die prematurely because zookeepers murdered them to control the zoo population.

Also, captivity creates psychological stress in animals. They don't function as they would in their natural habitats. They suffer from weight loss, low energy, anxiety, and reproductive problems. 

Many would agree that banning zoos makes sense when considering these disadvantages. However, that is next to impossible. This is because zoos are profit-oriented. As long as they make a profit, they will continue to exist. It doesn't matter whether it's safe for animals or not. 

Since we can't eliminate zoos, we should move on to the next best solution, which offers more animal protection. Humans should ensure that most zoos in the world maintain healthy animal conditions. Zoos that violate animal safety sanctions should be shut down. 

Should zoos be banned? Overall, zoos have positive and negative impacts on animals and the ecosystem - and the variance is largely down to the zoo's quality, animal safeguarding measures, funding, and ethics. But they cause a lot more harm than good. Animal welfare is taken for granted in most zoos. Also, captivity alters the psychological state of most animals. Unfortunately, we cannot ban them because they are profit-oriented. 

Instead, we should advocate for stricter policies to keep zoos in check. First, there should be severe fines and punishments for zookeepers who maltreat and murder wild animals. Next, zoos that cannot treat the animals in their care should be closed down. Finally, the government should move the animals to animal sanctuaries. 

Jen’s a passionate environmentalist and sustainability expert. With a science degree from Babcock University Jen loves applying her research skills to craft editorial that connects with our global changemaker and readership audiences centered around topics including zero waste, sustainability, climate change, and biodiversity.

Elsewhere Jen’s interests include the role that future technology and data have in helping us solve some of the planet’s biggest challenges.

Zoos Are Doing More Harm to Animals Than You May Realize

Jan. 30 2023, Published 9:21 a.m. ET

So many of us grew up going to the zoo . It seemed like the perfect place for our young minds to explore the wild and unleash our inner Steve Irwin . Seeing all kinds of animals up close, reading about their habits and origins, and even being able to pet a few of them made for a pretty fantastic Saturday afternoon.

But sadly, zoos aren't as spectacular as you may remember them. In fact, in many instances, the animals in them have a much lower quality of life than they would in the wild . Because of various factors, there's been quite a bit of support for zoos being banned altogether.

Why should zoos be banned?

Although many zoos do have positive aspects, such as funding and conducting studies, and protecting endangered species, many organizations like PETA don't believe that is enough to outweigh the negative aspects of these institutions.

"Zoos are prisons for animals, camouflaging their cruelty with conservation claims," Mimi Bekhechi, director of international programs at PETA said to National Geographic .

In addition, Bekhechi stated that animals in zoos suffer in both physical and mental ways. For example, they develop concerning behaviors like "repetitive pacing, swaying, and bar biting."

On top of that, they said that typical polar bears in zoos are "one million times smaller" than those in the wild. Plus, there are ethical concerns about zoos buying, selling, and loaning out animals.

According to the World Animal Foundation , zoos don't provide suitable environments for the animals, because they are kept in small, confined spaces where their needs aren't met. Many animals are ignored and may even die prematurely. The New York Times also points out a number of harmful zoo practices such as killing "surplus" animals. Meanwhile, some zoos can be credited with saving certain species from extinction, biodiversity is still decreasing.

What are alternatives to zoos?

You can definitely continue to learn about animals without supporting zoos. For one, animal sanctuaries are designed to care for animals in need. While zoos can do this as well, they are primarily businesses. They are meant to show off animals to the public, so there's no guarantee that the animals are treated well — even if they are legally required to follow the Animal Welfare Act . Of course, not all animal sanctuaries are the same. You have to research to find one that aligns with your values.

If being out in nature with the chance of seeing wild animals is something you're into, consider visiting one of the many national parks in the U.S. Although you are prohibited from interacting with these animals, seeing animals in such a natural space can be very rewarding.

For a simpler experience, going to a public park is another fun option. You might only spot some small critters and birds, but it is a relaxing hobby for many. Parks can be a great way to start bird watching, and taking some educational books along for the trip can make it that much better.

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Should Zoos be Banned? Are They Cruel — or Necessary for Animal Welfare?

By Scott Woodside Categories: Environment & Nature June 23, 2023, 6:54 AM

Should zoos be banned? Do they serve a positive purpose, or are they unnecessary and cruel? Here are the pros and cons and some helpful history and context.

Up until the early 19th century, the sole function of zoos was to symbolize the power of royalty and indulge their extravagant tastes. People working at zoos paid little attention to the concept of wildlife conservation or expanding our scientific understanding of the animal kingdom. This long history of exploitation is a big reason many activists call for zoos to be banned.

Evidence of the existence of zoos and menageries can be traced back to Ancient Egypt, circa 3500 BC. The Roman Empire was founded in 27 BC, and many Roman emperors kept private zoo collections . Sometimes the captive animals were studied; however, they were mostly used for entertainment in the arena, invariably ending in a cruel death.

The Deal With Modern-Day Zoos

The modern zoo as we know it emerged in the United Kingdom in the 19th century . It was only then that a transition was made from royal menageries, designed to entertain the elite, to public zoological gardens aiming to educate the wider population. Growing urbanization and industrialization led to heightened demand for new forms of entertainment . This rising need and the requirements of scholarly research led to the founding of the first modern zoos.

According to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums , the US had 230 accredited zoos and aquariums as of 2020. At the time, these institutions accommodated nearly 800,000 animals and 6,000 species, with around 1,000 on the endangered species list. Zoos provide 200,000 jobs with an annual budget of $230 million set aside for wildlife conservation. They attract more than 200 million visitors annually, with special educational programs designed specifically for school groups.

Over the past 30 years, many established zoos have endeavored to improve the level of animal care and rehabilitate their image in the public eye. However, despite good intentions and considerable financial effort, the concept of zoos is nonetheless seriously problematic. Activists are calling to ban zoos, and their voices are getting louder .

How can we effectively protect the natural world? Find out more here: Environmental Organizations: 8 NGOs and Non-Profits Worth Supporting

De-extinction, also known as resurrection biology, is the process of reviving extinct species. Here, we look at what animals scientists…

Should Zoos be Banned? Smaller Zoos Often Lack Regulation

The ethical dilemma around keeping wild animals in captivity is significant. The size and complexity of the zoo system and the vast range of animals in their care mean this problem can’t be solved easily. So, some animal activists maintain that a total ban on zoos is the only fix.

The most urgent issue is arguably the lack of uniform regulation . For example, roadside zoos throughout North America make their profit by attracting visitors to adjacent facilities — usually on gas station lots .

Often animals in such zoos are trained to perform tricks. In addition, visitors are allowed to get very close to them, which is not permitted in larger, better-regulated establishments. In fact, the USDA states that allowing visitors to handle animals like baby tigers or lions violates the Animal Welfare Act .

These roadside zoos are consistently reported for neglect and severe animal mistreatment. That is typically a consequence of employing workers with little to no animal welfare or safety training. A complete ban or more vigorous enforcement of standards would also protect these untrained workers from injury or death caused by unpredictable animal behavior.

Moreover, these smaller, unregulated organizations sometimes possess animals procured through illegal trafficking channels , a serious global problem. Banning zoos could go a long way toward halting this practice or — at the very least — reducing its impact on the natural world.

Zoos and Animal Welfare

According to organizations like the World Society for the Protection of Animals and The Humane Society of the United States, restrictive cages and enclosures affect normal animal behavior and sometimes lead to shorter lifespans.

Animals in captivity often develop dangerous and destructive habits due to the stress of living in such restricted spaces. They also lack the everyday social interactions they would experience in the wild. Abnormal animal behavior also puts zoo workers at greater risk for injury and death.

Furthermore, zoos often harbor non-native species unacclimatized to the local environment. That means many animals suffer in extreme weather conditions (polar bears in hot regions, for example) they would otherwise never encounter.

Another unique set of problems arises from the live feeding of certain species, particularly big cats. Live feeding, often touted as positive since it encourages normal predatory behaviors, has a notable downside. Since this method of feeding large predators generally requires smaller animals to be bred and purchased solely for this purpose , it necessitates the exploitation and frequently painful death of the smaller species.

Every year, farm animal rescue takes place all across the United States. In this article, we’ll take a look at…

Should Zoos be Banned? The Pros & Cons

When ecological conservation emerged as a matter of public interest in the 1970s, zoos began to engage in conservation programs. The American Zoo Association even stated that conservation was its number one priority. To push conservation issues, many large zoos stopped having animals perform tricks for visitors. They even expanded and redesigned animal enclosures to improve the lives of captive animals.

Given that the destruction of wildlife habitats worldwide continues unabated and species like elephants, big cats, birds, primates, rhinos, reptiles, and many others are at real of extinction, zoos have stepped in with the hopes of stopping or at least slowing the decline of these endangered species .

In the face of sharp criticism and loud calls for zoos to be banned, many modern zoos state that their primary function is to breed endangered species and reintroduce them into the wild . They also aim to teach visitors the importance of animal conservation and mindfulness of the ecosystem as a whole.

Tip: You probably came to this article with an open mind and ready to learn more about the usefulness and morality of zoos. This suggests a certain level of intellectual humility — which is an important skill to foster, not just for academic learning but also to bridge differences with others. Learn more about it: Unlock Intellectual Humility: Uncovering Its Benefits, Obstacles, and Development

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Critics and animal rights activists insist that despite their noble intentions, zoos are inherently immoral and primarily serve to entertain humans at the animals’ expense. Zoo advocates maintain that their efforts make a difference in wildlife conservation and will continue to have a positive environmental impact well into the future.

Putting aside these opposing views, it remains a sad reality that the welfare of zoo animals varies widely depending on where you are. Some establishments have worked hard to adapt their enclosures to better suit the needs of the animals they hold. However, constraints like limited space and funds hinder this process. Smaller zoos don’t always have the money to hire well-trained zoological staff or expand their breeding programs and facilities to maintain the ethos of conservation. Banning smaller, less established zoos with little funding could be a practical first step to reducing harm to wildlife.

For some cute marsupial, bear or cat-like faces that you might not get to see in a zoo, check out the 15 cutest exotic animals in the world !

There is no quick fix for the issues faced by zoos across the country and around the world. That said, a more uniform, robust, and compassionate regulatory system based on the humane care and conservation of wildlife would be a step in the right direction. Then, targeted bans for specific zoos that do not satisfy firmer regulations might become an option.

Learn more about endangered species on Earth:

• Uncomfortable Truths: How Many Polar Bears Are Left?
• Are Praying Mantises Endangered? No—But People Think They Are
• Why Are Tigers Endangered? The 4 Major Threats
• Are Honeybees Endangered? How to Help the Honeybee
• Why the Mexican Gray Wolf is Endangered and How You Can Help
• Why Are Red Pandas Endangered & How Can We Help?
• Are Narwhals Extinct or Endangered? How Can You Help?
• Are Bears Endangered? These 3 Species Are
• Are Sea Lions Endangered? Threats & What You Can Do
• Endangered Trees: 10 At-Risk Species
• The 15 Most Endangered Animals in America
• Animal Testing: How Big Is the Problem?
• 6 Solutions to Deforestation – and What You Can Do
• Factory Farming: A Look at This Problematic System

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Are Zoos Ethical? Arguments for and Against Keeping Animals in Zoos

Zoos, if done right, could be a good thing for the animals and the public—yet many so-called zoos get it terribly wrong.

• University of Southern California

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A Brief History of Zoos

Arguments for zoos, arguments against zoos, the last word on zoos.

A zoo is a place where captive animals are put on display for humans to see. While early zoos (shortened from zoological parks) concentrated on displaying as many unusual creatures as possible—often in small, cramped conditions—the focus of most modern zoos is conservation and education. While zoo advocates and conservationists argue that zoos save endangered species and educate the public, many  animal rights activists believe the cost of confining animals outweighs the benefits, and that the violation of the rights of individual animals—even in efforts to fend off extinction—cannot be justified.

Humans have kept wild animals for thousands of years. The first efforts to keep wild animals for non-utilitarian uses began about 2500 BCE, when rulers in Mesopotamia, Egypt kept collections in enclosed pens.  Modern zoos began to evolve during the 18th century and the Age of Enlightenment, when scientific interest in zoology, as well as the study of animal behavior and anatomy, came to the fore.

Early zoos were a dismal affair. Animals were kept in small enclosures with little if any, greenery. With a scant understanding of what the various animals needed, many perished relatively quickly. In accredited U.S. zoos (and elsewhere) things are better now, fortunately. Primates, for example, have gone from barren cages with little furniture to naturalistic and sometimes semi-free-ranging designs. But is it enough?

• By bringing people and animals together, zoos educate the public and foster an appreciation of other species.
• Zoos save endangered species by bringing them into a safe environment, where they are protected from poachers, habitat loss, starvation, and predators.
• Many zoos have breeding programs for endangered species. In the wild, these individuals might have trouble finding mates and breeding, and species could become extinct.
• Some zoos have conservation programs around the world that use the zoo's expertise and funding to help protect wildlife against poaching and other threats.
• Reputable zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums are held to high standards for the treatment of their resident animals. According to AZA, its accreditation guarantees that the organization has undergone strict evaluation by recognized experts to ensure the highest standards of "animal management and care, including living environments, social groupings, health, and nutrition."
• A good zoo provides an enriched habitat in which the animals are never bored, are well cared for, and have plenty of space.
• Seeing an animal in person is a much more personal and more memorable experience than seeing that animal in a nature documentary and is more likely to foster an empathetic attitude toward animals.
• Some zoos help rehabilitate wildlife and take in exotic pets that people no longer want or are no longer able to care for.
• Both accredited and unaccredited animal exhibitors are regulated by the federal Animal Welfare Act, which establishes standards for animal care.
• From an animal rights standpoint, humans do not have a right to breed, capture, and confine other animals— even if those species are endangered . Being a member of an endangered species doesn't mean the individual animals should be afforded fewer rights.
• Animals in captivity suffer from boredom, stress, and confinement. No pen—no matter how humane—or drive-through safari can compare to the freedom of the wild.
• Intergenerational bonds are broken when individuals are sold or traded to other zoos.
• Baby animals bring in visitors and money, but this incentive to breed new baby animals leads to overpopulation. Surplus animals are sold not only to other zoos, but also to circuses and hunting facilities. Some zoos simply kill their surplus animals outright.
• Some captive breeding programs do not release animals back into the wild. The offspring may be forever part of the chain of zoos, circuses, and petting zoos.
• Removing individual specimens from the wild further endangers the wild population because the remaining individuals will be less genetically diverse and may have greater difficulty finding mates. Maintaining species diversity within captive breeding facilities is also a challenge. 
• If people want to see wild animals in real life, they can observe wildlife in the wild or visit a sanctuary. (A true sanctuary does not buy, sell, or breed animals, but instead takes in unwanted exotic pets, surplus animals from zoos, or injured wildlife that can no longer survive in the wild.)
• The federal Animal Welfare Act establishes only the most minimal standards for cage size, shelter, health care, ventilation, fencing, food, and water. For example, enclosures must provide "sufficient space to allow each animal to make normal postural and social adjustments with adequate freedom of movement. Inadequate space may be indicated by evidence of malnutrition, poor condition, debility, stress, or abnormal behavior patterns." Violations often result in a slap on the wrist and the exhibitor is given a deadline to correct the violation. Even a long history of inadequate care and AWA violations, such as the history of Tony the Truck Stop Tiger, does not necessarily ensure abused animals will be freed.
• Animals sometimes escape their enclosures, endangering themselves as well as people. Likewise, people ignore warnings or accidentally get too close to animals, leading to horrific outcomes. For example, Harambe, a 17-year-old western lowland gorilla, was shot in 2016 when a toddler accidentally fell into his enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo. While the child survived and was not badly injured, the gorilla was killed outright.
• Petting zoos have been linked with numerous incidents of diseases including E. coli infection, cryptosporidiosis, salmonellosis, and dermatomycosis (ringworm).

In making a case for or against zoos, both sides argue that they're saving animals. Whether or not zoos benefit the animal community, they certainly do make money. As long as there is demand for them, zoos will continue to exist.

Since zoos are likely an inevitability, the best way to move forward is to ensure that zoo conditions are the best possible for the animals that live in captivity and that individuals who violate animal care health and safety sanctions are not only duly punished but denied any future access to animals.

One day we may look back at zoos and marvel at their barbarity. Or, one day we may look back at zoos and be grateful for the species they saved from extinction. Of these two scenarios, only time will tell.

Hosey, Geoff, et al. Zoo Animals: Behaviour, Management, and Welfare . Oxford University Press. 2013.

Hosey, G. (2023). The History of Primates in Zoos . In: Robinson, L.M., Weiss, A. (eds) Nonhuman Primate Welfare. Springer, Cham.

“ Species Survival Plan Programs .” Association of Zoos & Aquariums.

“ Accreditation Basics .” Association of Zoos & Aquariums .

“ Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Regulations .” U.S. Department of Agriculture .

Meagher, Rebecca K., Georgia J. Mason. “ Environmental Enrichment Reduces Signs of Boredom in Caged Mink .” PLoS ONE , vol. 7, 2012, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0049180

Kleiman, Devra G., et al. Wild Mammals In Captivity: Principles And Techniques For Zoo Management, Second Edition . University of Chicago Press. 2010.

Gunasekera, Crystal Allen. “ The Ethics of Killing “Surplus” Zoo Animals .” Journal of Animal Ethics , vol. 8, 2018, doi:10.5406/janimalethics.8.1.0093

Brichieri-Colombi, Typhenn A., et al. “ Limited Contributions of Released Animals from Zoos to North American Conservation Translocations .” Conservation Biology , vol. 33, 2019, pp. 33-39., doi:10.1111/cobi.13160

Krasnec, Michelle O., et al. “ Mating Systems in Sexual Animals .” Nature Education Knowledge, vol. 3, no. 10, 2012, p. 72.

“ 9 CFR § 3.128 - Space Requirements .” Cornell University Legal Information Institute .

“ Animal Welfare Act Enforcement .” U.S. Department of Agriculture .

Conrad, Cheyenne C. Conrad et al. " Farm Fairs and Petting Zoos: A Review of Animal Contact as a Source of Zoonotic Enteric Disease ." Foodborne Pathogens and Disease, vol. 14, 2017, pp. 59-73., doi:10.1089/fpd.2016.2185

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Pro and Con: Zoos

To access extended pro and con arguments, sources, and discussion questions about whether zoos should exist, go to ProCon.org .

Zoos have existed in some form since at least 2500 BCE in Egypt and Mesopotamia, where records indicate giraffes, bears, dolphins, and other animals were kept by aristocrats. The oldest still operating zoo in the world, Tiergarten Schönbrunn in Vienna , opened in 1752.

The contemporary zoo evolved from 19th century European zoos. Largely modeled after the London Zoo in Regent’s Park, these zoos were intended for “genteel amusement and edification,” according to Emma Marris , environmental writer and Institute Fellow at the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. As such, reptile houses, aviaries, and insectariums were added with animals grouped taxonomically, to move zoos beyond the spectacle of big, scary animals.

Carl Hegenbeck, a German exotic animal importer, introduced the modern model of more natural habitats for animals instead of obvious cages at his Animal Park in Hamburg in 1907. That change prompted the shift in zoo narrative from entertainment to the protection of animals. In the late 20th century, the narrative changed again to the conservation of animals to stave off extinction.

Controversy has historically surrounded zoos, from debates over displaying “exotic” humans in exhibits to zookeepers not knowing what to feed animals. A gorilla named Madame Ningo, the first gorilla to arrive in the United States in 1911 who was to live at the Bronx Zoo, was fed hot dinners and cooked meat despite gorillas being herbivores, for example.

The contemporary debate about zoos tends to focus on animal welfare on both sides, whether zoos protect animals or imprison them.

• Zoos educate the public about animals and conservation efforts.
• Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers.
• Zoos don't educate the public enough to justify keeping animals captive.
• Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health.
• Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals.

This article was published on August 13, 2021, at Britannica’s ProCon.org , a nonpartisan issue-information source.

Zoos: Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

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The expediency of zoos and similar institutions is controversial since no artificially created conditions correspond to the natural range of animals’ origin. However, people seek to tame or at least be closer to animals. Therefore, the emergence of zoos, detention centers, or theme parks is an obvious decision. Instead, it is worth determining the expediency of keeping wild animals in captivity and outlining possible compromises.

Today, zoos follow the trend of creating conditions similar to animals’ natural habitats. Thus, one can observe an improved diet, natural plant species of the respective region, and an expanded area of maintenance enclosures. Moreover, children really like zoos because there, one can see animals not native to the region, take cute photos, and have a good time. Unfortunately, no artificial environment will make animals as happy as they could be in the wild. They are unable to make seasonal migrations, some are unable to mate to have offspring, and predators are unable to hunt. In addition, not all zoos follow elementary sanitary standards or the appropriate temperature regime. Thus, animals cannot live freely and happily while in captivity.

Summarizing the advantages and disadvantages of zoos, one can find a compromise regarding the conditions for keeping wild animals in artificial conditions. The only optimal option is to keep only those animals unable to function normally in wild conditions. Thus, the employees of the relevant institutions must ensure the capture and treatment of those animals that need it. If continued captivity under the supervision of specialists is a better option than release into the wild, this option should be chosen. In this way, animals will live in the comfort they deserve, and visitors to zoos will enjoy the beauty of the wild world.

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IvyPanda. (2024, February 11). Zoos: Advantages and Disadvantages. https://ivypanda.com/essays/zoos-advantages-and-disadvantages/

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• Environment

Persuasive Essay Sample: Zoos Should Be Banned

Imagine being caged throughout your life. Being stripped away from your family at a new pace with new people. Being stared at and pointed at by strangers. This is actually what animals go through while living in zoos. Zoos, short for zoological parks, are places where animals are forced to live in captivity and put on display. Zoos have been a form of entertainment as far back as 2500 BCE and became popular during the 18th century. Throughout time zoos have been a great experience for humans this is not the case for the animals. Animals in captivity are severely mistreated and have serious health conditions. Zoos are a negative environment for animals and should be banned. 

Animals held in captivity at zoos face major dangers mentally and physically, which could lead to death. These animals are separated from their families and trapped for the rest of their lives. These intergenerational bonds are broken depriving animals of the love from their families. Even if the animal is born in the zoo, they are still stripped away from their parents and sold to other zoos. Living without the support and dependability of their family members takes a toll on the mind. The animals are stuck alone in a new place with little space and extreme boredom. There is not enough space to exercise and way less than their natural habitats not allowing them to live naturally. This can cause animals to be diagnosed with zoochosis. Zoochosis is a mental illness that many zoo animals have to suffer from. This includes physical behaviors such as swaying, rocking, over-grooming, vomiting, and self-mutilation (Smith). Mental struggles affect the physical body causing critical medical issues to arise. Zoos animals are introduced to new diseases only found in captivity that they have to combat. Some examples are Overgrown hooves, Avain Aspergillus infection, and Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus infection (EEHV) (Loomis). These diseases could have easily been avoided if Zoos’ were more sanitary. All three of the diseases listed are caused by poor hygiene and or poor feeding habits. Zoos claim to be dedicated to the conversation of endangered species but fail to care for these animals successfully. It is unknown that all zoos are like this some may be successfully carrying out nature conservation but the absolute truth about zoos is untold so no assumption cannot be made. 

Nature conservation is the movement that focuses on the conservation of specific species from extinction and the habitats that house these species. Zoos usually have a breeding program to contribute to the conservation movement by saving different animals from dying off. It is no secret that a massive number of species are going extinct all around the world and zoo breeding has prevented many of the species known and loved to remain alive (Hone). The point of this breeding is to raise the number of endangered species and releasing them into the wild. Yet, this is not the case since only 12% of captive-bred animals are released (Brichieri-Colombi 35). Many baby animals are instead kept at the zoo being exploited to attract more money and visitors. For example, in Wales zoos only 9% of the animals held captive are endangered (Free). Sometimes the newly bred animals are killed. Zoos are killing animals frequently for reasons such as lack of space or no reason at all and were told by Zoo CEOS to just dispose of the bodies (Smith). The zoos’ over-breeding is counterproductive and goes against their word of saving the species. There have been nearly five hundred animals dead at a single zoo in the past four years (Smith). The animals have the chance of being killed on top of being underfed, used to excessive breeding, and being confined to a small space all for humans’ amusement. 

Zoos are morally wrong. No human has the right to capture and confine an animal for their enjoyment. Why should animals have to be stripped from their families, be under-fed, have little space to live naturally, and have to go through such mental trauma? Animals do not deserve this kind of treatment. As living creatures, they have the same feelings as humans, especially given that many are mammals as well.  Zoos are animal prisons, which on most occasions do not truly care about the well-being of animals. So in conclusion, should we as humankind be allowing this suffering to continue for our amusement? NO! Zoos need to be stopped.

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• Oct 27, 2022

Student Opinion: Zoos should be banned

Do you think zoos are nice places for animals to live? If you do, think again. Zoos are actually harmful to animals. There are three main reasons why. First, zoos breed animals inhumanely. Second, they do not help animals return to the wild. Third, they do not take good enough care of the animals. For these reasons, zoos should be shut down and banned, or stopped altogether.

The first reason zoos should be banned is that they breed captive animals. Zoos breed animals so that they will have baby animals to show the public. Most zoo animals are born inside zoos. Many are raised without ever seeing their original, wild homes. When zoos have too many animals, they do not return them to the wild. They simply kill the "extra" animals.

Take this example from 2014. The Copenhagen Zoo is located in Denmark, a country in northern Europe. A giraffe there named Marius was raised as a baby in the zoo. He was loved by the public. Yet, when he became an adult, he was killed. The zoo's staff shot him. They didn't think he would be useful. They had other male giraffes they could breed instead of Marius.

Baby animals attract more visitors than older animals. Killing an adult animal opens up space and resources to bring in a younger animal. That animal can draw bigger crowds and more money. That is the real reason Marius was killed. The zoo made less money as he grew up. People were more interested in Marius when he was a baby than when he became an adult.

The second reason zoos should be banned is that they rarely help endangered animals return to their original habitats. A report by National Geographic found that most zoos do not have any contact with reintroduction programs.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is a nonprofit organization that fights for animal rights. According to them, fewer than one-fifth of the animals in United States zoos are actually endangered. When an animal species is endangered, it is at risk of dying out completely. Zoos spend tons of money building enclosures for animals. Yet, they do almost nothing to restore wild habitats or to stop poaching in wild environments.

Finally, zoos simply do not have enough resources to properly house the creatures that live there. Wild habitats cannot be remade in spaces where animals are held captive. An opinion article called "All the Reasons Why Zoos Should Be Banned" was published by Vice in 2015. It said polar bears in zoos have up to 18,000 times less space than they do in the wild.

Animals cannot be healthy in zoos. Seventy-five percent of elephants kept in zoos are overweight, according to the article. Forty percent of lion cubs pass away before their full life span. This data supports the argument that zoos do not have the resources to support animals' well-being, health and populations. The British Broadcasting Company (BBC) has reported that around 3,000 to 5,000 animals are killed each year in zoos in Europe. Many more animals show signs of zoochosis. This is a psychological disorder observed in zoo animals that leads to pacing, bar biting and other repeated behaviors.

Zoos should make an effort to reintroduce the animals they own into natural habitats. Some could be returned to the wild. However, many zoo animals would not be able to survive in the wild. These animals should then be sent to sanctuaries where they can live peacefully.

Zoos inhumanely source and breed animals. They do little to improve wildlife populations. Zoos also do little to help the public understand their impact on wildlife. Also, they cannot provide what is needed to support animals' lives. Zoos should reintroduce their animals into the wild or into sanctuary settings. This will have the added benefit of relieving zoos of the burden of keeping these animals alive. Isn't that a win-win?

Megan Zhou is a sixth-grade student at Sycamore Ridge School in San Diego, California.

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Should Zoos Exist or be Banned?

This essay will debate the existence of zoos. It will discuss the arguments for and against zoos, including conservation efforts, educational benefits, and animal welfare concerns. The piece will explore the ethical considerations of keeping animals in captivity and the potential alternatives to traditional zoos. You can also find more related free essay samples at PapersOwl about Animals.

How it works

 Bang! Boom! Clinking! Rattle! Zoos have millions of animals, but there are kids who bang on the glass of exhibits and shake the animals cages, when the animals are in them. There are also animals dying in zoos. Even zoos with to little space. That’s horrendous for animals who live in zoos. Zoos should be banned for eternity because; the animals have barely any space, zoos are killing innocent animals, people taunt/ abuse them.

To begin, people taunt and abuse these poor animals.

Debbie Monsey noted a sign at the zoo, it said “Don’t make loud noises that bother animals.” Just think if the animals were released the you wouldn’t have to deal with that. You are just going to abuse the animals hearing in the zoos. If you’re trying to sleep or hate noise in general, you probably would be nice and not rude, which would mean you’d let them be. Continuing with that, a gorilla was getting taunted by visitors, so it lunged itself at the glass and pressed its palms and head against the glass. That was after the visitors were calling the gorilla “ugly.” See these visitors are taunting and abusing these furry animals. How would you feel if someone called you “Ugly,” you would probably be angry and probably scare them. That’s what the gorilla did. That’s one reason why zoos should be evacuated.

Furthermore, animals barely have any space in zoos. According to Michael D., “elephants roam as much as 30 miles a day.” Also “he will share 3.7 acres (About 3 Football Fields) with two companions.” So 30 miles is 19,200 acres, that’s a lot of land. What I’m saying is these elephants don’t get nearly enough space. On the other hand, Panda’s need 114.7 square kilometers. Which to be exact, they need 28342.987 acres, that is quite a lot if you ask me.Saint Louis zoo has Red Pandas,and their zoo’s only 89 acres. That means the Pandas don’t get enough space. Last, Tigers need 23 to 39 square miles. That’s 24,960 acres of land, they won’t get at zoos. Columbus Zoo is only 580 acres, and they have Tigers there. These Tigers need our help, we need to give them more space. In fact, all the animals need more space, and that’s another reason why zoos shouldn’t exist.

Additionally, zoos are killing innocent animals. Vin Morabito, stated “a gorilla was shot and killed for supposedly threatening a kid that wandered into its domain.” It wasn’t Harambe fault the kid wandered into its domain. It was the kids and parents fault. Another animal was killed, it was a young Giraffe named Marius. The reason he was killed was to prevent inbreeding. It can cause a problem for infants, it can also cause development of an unhealthy animal breed. LAst, I don’t know if you remember Tatiana, but she was a Siberian Tiger. She was shot and killed at just the age of four years old, weighing in at 450 pounds. This is really sad, and that’s another reason why zoos should be gone forever. You know, it’s quite funny, that people say zoos kill animals because they made a terrible mistake. Let me tell you this, everyone makes mistakes, but we aren’t exactly killed for them. Murderers have too even people in jail/ prison for another reason. They aren’t killed, like these animals, it’s just one mistake. Really zoos should be banned and the animals should be freed, not persecuted.

In essence, zoos should be absent, for eternity. Zoos should be absent, for eternity, because; these poor animals hardly have space, zoos are persecuting them, and visitors taunt/ abuse them. 

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Home — Essay Samples — Environment — Zoo — The Ethics and Controversies of Zoos

The Ethics and Controversies of Zoos

• Categories: Animal Ethics Zoo

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Words: 824 |

Published: Aug 24, 2023

Words: 824 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Table of contents

Conservation and education, animal welfare and enrichment, research and scientific study, human-animal connection and conservation awareness, ethical concerns and animal rights, alternative approaches: sanctuaries and natural habitats, case studies and success stories, captive breeding and reintroduction, conclusion: navigating the complex landscape of zoos and animal welfare.

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Guest Essay

Enough With the Fireworks Already

By Margaret Renkl

Ms. Renkl is a contributing Opinion writer who covers flora, fauna, politics and culture in the American South.

For 15 straight years, our old dog Clark — a hound-shepherd-retriever mix who was born in the woods and loved the outdoors ever after — spent the Fourth of July in our walk-in shower. He seemed to believe a windowless shower in a windowless bathroom offered his best chance of surviving the shrieking terror that was raining down from the night sky outside.

Did he think the fireworks, with their window-rattling booms, were the work of some cosmic predator big enough to eat him whole? Did he think they were gunshots or claps of thunder spreading out from inexplicable lightning bolts tearing open the sky above our house?

There’s no way to know what he was thinking, but every single year that rangy, 75-pound, country-born yard dog spent the Fourth of July in our shower, trembling, drooling and whimpering in terror.

Clark was lucky. We have friends whose terrified dog spent one Fourth of July fruitlessly trying to outrun the explosions. The next day a good Samaritan found him lying on a hot sidewalk miles away, close to death. Other friends came home from watching the fireworks to discover that their dog had bolted in terror from their fenced backyard and been killed by a car.

And those were all companion animals, the ones whose terror is clear to us. We have no real way of knowing how many wild animals suffer because the patterns of their lives are disrupted with no warning every year on a night in early July. People shooting bottle rockets in the backyard might not see the sleeping songbirds, startled from their safe roosts, exploding into a darkness they did not evolve to navigate — crashing into buildings or depleting crucial energy reserves . People firing Roman candles into the sky above the ocean may have no idea that the explosions can cause seabirds to abandon their nests or frighten nesting shorebirds to death .

Then there’s the wildlife driven into roads — deer and foxes, opossums and skunks, coyotes and raccoons. Any nocturnal creature in a blind panic can find itself staring into oncoming headlights, unsure whether the greater danger lies in the road or in the sky or in the neighborhood yards surrounding them.

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