The term Species refers to all creatures regardless of their classification.
The zoo conjures up images of animals being caged.
There are those who would have all zoos shut down and the animals released into the wild. Conversely, there are people who believe that zoos make a vital contribution to the preservation of certain species
As always I trust that any discussions that this article provokes will be conducted in a calm, civilised way without the angst that prevails across society these days.
Let’s take London Zoo as an example for starters and then move on to other types.
This zoo is the world’s oldest scientific zoo and opened on the 27th of April 1828 and was originally designed for scientific study. It has on the premises around 750 species of animals which can equate to some 17,000 individuals at any one time. It is a requirement in the UK that all the animals are counted yearly as a condition of having a licence to operate. This should not be confused with the annual weigh-in, when all residents are obliged to have their weight checked. We are not the only ones that have to stand on the scales!!
It opened to the public in 1847, its collection is probably the largest in the UK, and it is sometimes referred to as Regents Zoo.
Another section is called Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire, which houses larger animals such as Elephants and Rhinos.
Both are administered by the Zoological Society of London and receive no state funding.
There are also world-famous zoos in many countries, including the USA, Germany, Singapore and Australia, where the welfare of those in their care is a priority and where scrutiny from activists keeps standards high.
So now to the obvious questions.
Is it right to confine wild animals?
Are there any benefits to mankind?
Are there any benefits to the animals?
Is it cruel?
If there are benefits, can they be found through other means?
Let’s start with the arguments that zoos are good.
They provide breeding programs for endangered species thus ensuring that those animals at risk of extinction are preserved.
A zoo helps raise awareness to the plight of endangered species and educates both adults and children.
The animals are fed, housed and well cared for. Veterinary Surgeons provide the best medical care ensuring that no animal suffers any unnecessary pain or lingering death.
Activity toys, scent trails and specially designed games are created to stimulate both both body and mind.
Some Zoos take abandoned animals who would otherwise have been euthanized.
Some have programmes that release animals into the wild.
Much of the knowledge that we have today about the behaviour of animals has been gained from the close contact that zoo keepers have with these animals.
Many animals are now the result of breeding programmes so it will be unnecessary to capture wild animals.
They have created the advent of the petting zoo where children in particular learn not only about the animals but not to be afraid of them and for some children in inner cities getting close is desirable and therapeutic
Conversely…..
Not all zoos around the world have the same standards of reputable ones.
The animals in these zoos are kept in unsanitary and totally unsuitable conditions.
The argument that zoos protect endangered species is disingenuous as the majority of animals in these places are NOT endangered.
Due to the cramped conditions, many suffer mental anguish and develop serious behaviour problems, which manifest themselves in repetitive behaviour such as pacing and nodding.
The attempt to introduce better conditions is just a myth because it is impossible to create a suitable imitation for a wild animal.
They are badly fed, and veterinary care is virtually non-existent.
Animals that are reintroduced back into the wild are usually ill equipped to survive and die. Those that do survive are so small in number that their release makes no impact at all.
There are no practical benefits to the animal kindom.
So what conclusions can we draw from all this conflicting information?
Without a doubt, the first conclusion that we draw is that our continual incursion into the natural habitat of any native species anywhere in the world will have serious consequences for the survival and welfare of the animals.
Unless we are willing to restrict our invasion into the world of wildlife, then we have to accept that we either will see any number of species become extinct or we have to put in place alternatives for at least a number of them to survive.
Poaching of larger animals, particularly for use of their body parts in ancient or traditional medicine and the illegal trade of small animals contribute to the decline in the numbers of wild animals. Until authorities cooperate more fully and deterrents are in place, then these activities will continue to threaten the wild animal population.
On the subject of the benefits to animals, regardless of what opponents argue, there is a positive side.
An example of this is that elephants, both in captivity and in the wild, are subject to a hideous virus called Endotheliotropic herpes (EEHV). This kills both in captivity and in the wild. It usually affects the very young, and if caught, the mortality rate is around 85% within 24 hours.
In 2019 at Chester Zoo in England, an Asian Elephant called Indali survived the virus, the first in captivity to do so. Due to the efforts of the keepers and vets, plus blood donated by other elephants, there is confidence that a vaccine can be produced. This will enable conservationists to vaccinate wild elephants helping to protect what Is becoming an endangered species and eradicating this deadly virus.
Is there a satisfactory solution to providing sanctuary for animals in the long term?
No. Certainly, I am not aware of any solution that combines closing down zoos and continuing to protect animals from extinction.
If we consider that most of the zoos in countries where animal rights are recognised do at least provide an environment that is as natural as it is possible to achieve. With the obvious continued use of captive breeding, it will become unnecessary to collect any more animals from the wild. If we continue to house, feed and care for what we have, then the survival of endangered species will continue. Furthermore, those who are born in captivity will have never known anything any different and even though they will retain their natural instincts for generations to come, they will adapt.
With the advent of safari parks and more money provided for game reserves then, zoos may eventually become confined to history.
Maybe instead of campaigning for the abolition of zoos maybe, people should be making a concerted effort to close down the bad ones.
A golden rule for me is that we must ensure that changing the status quo doesn’t lead to something worse.
“Our task must be to free ourselves…..by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and it’s beauty.”
Albert Einstein
With subtitle or not?