Pros and Cons of Zoos

Today zoos don't just cater to the recreational needs of people, but also indulge in research and conservation of wild animals. However, many animal rights activists are not happy with animals being forced to live in unnatural conditions. Thus, it becomes important to know, both the pros and cons of zoos.

The word zoo, is an abbreviated form of 'zoological garden' and was coined in the nineteenth century. A zoo can be described as the collection of various animal species found in nature. The different reasons behind keeping animals in captivity are associated with educational needs, research, recreation and conservation. The 'zoo' culture can be traced back to the early period of Chinese, Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations. Some of the common types of zoos we know are the urban cage-zoos, safaris and sanctuaries. For a long time, zoos claimed to have conserved endangered animal species; however with number of organizations becoming vocal on the issue of animal rights, the truth behind the working of zoos has been unraveled.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Zoos

Whether animals should be kept in captivity or their natural environment, is a matter of debate. The dicey issue, which is indirectly related to environmental problems is witnessing heated debates the world over, in the wake of the fear of "Global Warming". Let's try to understand the pros and cons of zoos through following arguments.

• Natural Habitat and Animal Rights
  • Pros: It is argued that animals don't have rights. For protecting the endangered wild animals, they need to be captured. With rise in poaching of wild animals for skin, ivory and supposed medicinal purposes, zoos seem to be a safe haven for protecting animals.
  • Cons:Animals have natural rights and capturing them for any reason whatsoever is the breach of the same.
• Good and Bad Zoos
  • Pros: It is true that there have been zoos treating animals in a cruel manner. However, there is continuous improvement in their manner of working. It won't be fair to shut down all the zoos for mistakes committed by few in the past. With reforms being brought about in this sector, animals are provided with proper diet and enough space.
  • Cons: No matter how good the facilities are provided in zoos, the animals are bound to suffer. Animals undergo tremendous stress as their natural movements are limited by the boundaries of the zoo. It shows up in their abnormal behavior. The example of the attention seeking orphan baby polar bear, "Knut" is still fresh in the minds of people. Moreover, not all the claims put forward by zoos are true.
• Role of Zoos in Education
  • Pros: Today's zoos put more emphasis on educational and conservation purpose than mere recreation. Many schools visit zoos to know more about endangered species and the ways to conserve them. Zoos are in fact, trying to make people aware of their ecology.
  • Cons: People don't visit zoos for educational purposes. It is just a means of entertainment for them. Moreover, if people get used to watch animals in zoos, a deep-seated thought of zoos being an ideal place for animals may take root in their minds.
• Conservation of Endangered Species:
  • Pros: The zoos claim that, conservation of endangered species of animals is their prime objective. It is also argued that in today's world where animals face constant threat of poaching, zoos are safe places for them. Zoo authorities don't claim to be perfect and are aware of the problems faced by animals in captivity; however, they also expect people to appreciate the sincere efforts they take to protect and preserve wild animals.
  • Cons: People and activists opposing the zoos, present before us the fact that despite the zoos taking efforts for conserving animals, the success achieved in protecting animals is less. Also it is not necessary to exhibit the animals for recreational purpose, if the sole objective is to conserve them.

The debate over the topic of conservation of wildlife is an endless one. No doubt, efforts should be taken to study, protect and preserve animals; however care should be taken that animals suffer the least in the process. Moreover, it cannot be denied that some zoos misuse and violate the animal rights. Creating awareness about animal rights and devising efficient ways to control their population is necessary. Conservation efforts should be undertaken considering a broader perspective of maintaining the ecological balance as a whole.