Why Animals Should not be Kept In Zoos Essay

Zoo Animals Deserve Better Zoos are an endangerment to animals, and they should not be allowed to keep animals captive. Zoo confinement is physically and psychologically damaging to animals, there are humane alternatives to zoos, and the animals bred in captive breeding programs are not suitable for the outside world. In a way animals are no different from humans, stress and improper care can lead to psychological and physical mistreatment in both humans and animals, but one is taken more seriously than the other. Zoochosis as described by Jillian Barnhart, “The term “zoochosis” refers to the psychological problems that affect animals in captivity; usually resulting in repetitive behaviours”(Barnhart). The mental maltreatment of captive animals is so frequent to the point that a term was created to explain such a phenomenon that is exhibited in these animals. Pacing in regimented circles, bar and air biting, rocking, swaying, head bobbing, over-grooming, and self-mutilation are all behaviours shown in animals who experience psychological problems in zoos. “Arthritis and foot infections from standing on hard surfaces all day are the most common reasons why elephants are euthanized in zoos”(Barnhart). The environment that the animals are in is not suited for them, and it has caused physical issues in the animals like arthritis and foot infections. Most animals in their natural habitat do not have cases of this occurrence. “Animals in zoos oversleep, overeat, and show signs of mental instability because of that zoos have resorted to medicating animals with drugs like antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication like Zoloft and Prozac”(Barnhart). The space that these animals are kept in is usually quite small and congested compared to the open environment they would have in the wild and because of that, they are subjected to boredom and repetition. All these factors play a part in the mental well-being of these caged animals. The psychological issue with zoo animals has become so prominent that animals have started taking antidepressants and antianxiety meds. The mental and physical state is never taken seriously in zoos, and that is unacceptable. Zoos claim that they want to help the animals, but it is clear that they only help for the profit that is being gained from these animals. Fortunately, there are places where the wellbeing of animals is put first, Sanctuaries. Ben Callison explains the varieties of animals that are being aided in sanctuaries. “Animals that require shelter and help always have horrific stories, like the chimpanzees from laboratories, need placement since they have failed as reliable test subjects for human disease. Tigers living in a roadside zoo's deplorable conditions require immediate rescue and shelter. These are just a glimpse of these traumatic stories animals have to go through”(Callison). Animals are constantly subjected to neglect but, places like animal sanctuaries are hope and safety for these maltreated animals. Sanctuaries are the best alternative to zoos because the main goal of sanctuaries is to help animals and not to put them on display for profit, and because of the lack of freedom when in captivity animals are not able to fend for themselves, but fortunately sanctuaries are used to this situation and are always ready to aid all kinds of animals. “Every animal that enters our sanctuaries will remain there for life, and each will receive specialised enrichment and care for the most natural existence possible in a sanctuary setting”(Callison). All animals are given proper care and love when in sanctuaries, even though they can never go back into the wild because they could die because of the lack of skills they have. It is good to know that they have a chance of being treated respectfully and have a place to call home. Lack of movement and exploring in zoos has caused animals to forget and lose basic instincts that they would have had in the wild, making them more vulnerable and reliant on human care. It is even worse for animals that are born and raised in captivity. Our Endangered World perfectly explains this issue.“So instead of it being a success, it takes us back to square one; the threat of possible extinction of the newly reintroduced – recovered – species”(Our Endangered World). All the animals bred in captivity tend to not have their instinct and if they were brought to the wild they would not survive, this causes the animal that was once endangered again. In a zoo, for instance, the animals get their food easily, often fed by their caretakers. So, hunting and scavenging are not options for them because of that. “While the reintroduction of the animals back into the wild has several benefits, it is not as easy as it sounds. Zoo animals should not rely on humans for their survival. Being stuck in one place and treated like property is not an ideal situation for anyone. Animals should be treated better, and places like sanctuaries recognize that. Innocent creatures should not be subjected to abuse and neglect to the point of infections and needing medication. Animals are smart creatures, they should be able to explore their intelligence in the wild.