Zoo Tourism: The Whole Picture

 

Zoological gardens, commonly known as zoos, are spaces where the public can observe animals from around the world living in enclosures. They are incredibly popular tourist attractions, and often serve as spots for educational school trips. However, despite the good zoos do, the unethical treatment of animals within them has come to light, and advocacy against their establishment has increased. Every story has two sides, and both the pros and cons of zoos must be examined carefully in order to get the whole picture.

Zoos are a good place to learn. Scientists and researchers may be able to study animals in zoos, which results in a better scientific understanding of said animals. Understanding animal needs and behavior is crucial for conservation, and wild animals are much more difficult to observe. Furthermore, zoos provide children with exposure to non-domestic animals from an early age, allowing them to understand and learn about wildlife. They also spread awareness about issues surrounding animals, and help sensitize people to the same. 

Zoos protect endangered species by keeping them safe from poachers. In some cases, zoos also help promote population increase in such species by providing a suitable environment for reproduction and raising offspring. Breeding programs in zoos are designed to eliminate population bottlenecks, helping stop the extinction of a species. Zoos often act as rescue and rehabilitation centres for displaced or injured animals as well.

Despite these benefits, there are numerous disadvantages of zoos that cannot go unsaid. Zoos were first introduced as royal menageries, intended to entertain the rich. They were a place for royalty to see exotic animals, not a place to keep animals safe. Zoos have since evolved into more humane spaces, but many unethical practices still remain.

Animals live in captivity, unable to roam as freely as they would in the wild. Enclosures are often too small for the animals, even when zoos attempt to mimic the animals’ habitat within them. The animals are not free to behave the way they would in their natural habitat, and this may impact research as well. Their schedule and lifestyle are all determined by their human caretakers, and many of them are separated from their families and transferred to other zoos.

Daily stress and a lack of motivation often lead to abnormal behaviors and self-harm. Animals kept in captivity are known to develop a condition called “zoochosis”, a form of psychosis involving repetitive behavior which serves no purpose. Animals walk in circles, pace back and forth, repeatedly brush their fur, bite their cages or injure themselves. This kind of behavior is almost unheard of in the wild. Veterinarians sometimes give animals antidepressants to try to hide their stress.

It is extremely difficult for zoos to meet all the different environmental and social needs of the diverse species they hold - and some fail to provide basic care. There are several reports from zoos about animals dying due to various health issues like malnutrition and hypothermia. Many animals also die due to severe neglect. There is often news of zoo animals suffering from electrocution, and getting hurt by barbed wire fences. Animals that thrive in various climates are made to survive in different ones. Many zoos even force animals to perform live and do tricks.

This is the whole picture. While zoos do a lot of good with regard to changing people’s mindsets about animals, whether animals thrive within them is questionable. It is imperative that zoos change their treatment of animals, and focus on improving their condition if their aim truly is to conserve and protect.