Report on the Pro’s and Con’s of zoos Essay Example

that fully conscious wallabies were beheaded in a separate trial, an act that we regard as outrageous and shameful. In 1992, the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV) uncovered that Longleat Safari Park and Woburn Wild Animal Park were providing primates to Shamrock GB Limited, UK's primary distributor of laboratory primates for scientific research that employ animals in such experiments as those mentioned earlier. It is also beyond our comprehension that animals are still being caught from the wild to be confined in zoo enclosures. This has genuine consequences for the animals, with at least half of them dying due to a variety of factors.

Various reasons contribute to why certain animals find it challenging to survive in zoos, ranging from the absence of their native habitats, incapability to adjust to novel living conditions, and loneliness. Notably, numerous zoos encounter severe financial difficulties that lead to inadequate living standards for the animals. Some young elephants are transported from South Africa to the UK after witnessing the horrifying experience of their families being killed. In essence, many zoos prioritize their interests such as drawing crowds with famous animal species like giraffes, monkeys, tigers, and elephants rather than prioritizing genuine conservation or education.

The purpose of keeping animals in captivity in zoos is solely for the benefit of humans. Although visitors are drawn to seeing animals that have been bred and born in captivity, these creatures ultimately age and become less active, losing their attractiveness. Sadly, older animals are often either killed by shooting or sold into the pet trade. As an example, a team investigating animal welfare from CAPS found two Goeldi's marmoset monkeys at

a pet store in 1992; it was later revealed that they had originally come from a zoo.

Goeldi's marmosets are a rare primate species and it is the responsibility of zoos to protect endangered animals. However, getting rid of rare species may encourage their extinction, contradicting the very purpose of zoos. Unfortunately, some zoos suffer from staff shortages and inadequate knowledge and skills in animal care. For instance, Asia's largest zoo lacks a veterinary hospital and does not comply with legal requirements to have on-site veterinarians. These shortcomings and negligence in care contribute to animal deaths in zoos. Tragically, in 2003, a male tiger escaped an open cage and killed Badri, a 13-year-old tiger in an adjacent cage.

It is evident that the inadequacy of the staff and shortage of personnel have resulted in their negligent behavior. Despite the fact that zoos have negative connotations, we recognize that they offer some benefits. One of them being that they create awareness for the public and emphasize the need to protect endangered species by showcasing the animals. Additionally, protecting orphaned animals that would have otherwise perished is an essential and commendable function of zoos. Finally, there is praiseworthy scientific research conducted on animals in a non-invasive manner, which we believe is beneficial.