The Truth About Zoos
The Truth About Zoos
Argument Assignment
Tracey Starr
The Truth About Zoos
Zoos are public parks which claim to display animals for the purpose of recreation and education, as well as the protection of endangered species; but the reality is that zoos are doing more harm than good. Animals in the zoo are more likely to suffer from illness or injury than an animal living in the wild, and they often have a shorter lifespan. Even though some zoos have an endangered species exhibit with intentions to protect and rehabilitate animals, the fact is that they are not doing an adequate job of protecting the animals. Zoos have been harmful to the very animals hay have sworn to protect.
Animals in captivity often suffer from anxiety, boredom and confinement. Animals are unable to thrive in small enclosures, especially with unnatural weather and climates. (Carr,
2012) For example, elephants are known to walk up to 30 miles a day; but Lucy, from the
Edmonton zoo, is kept inside a barn when the zoo is closed and during Edmonton 's frigid winter months. This means that she spends most of her time indoors with limited room to move. The continuous confinement because of the harsh weather has led Lucy to develop painful arthritis.
(Carr, 2012) In fact, researchers have found that elephants in zoos only live for 17 years, compared to elephants in their natural habitat that have life spans of over 50 years. (Mhuire,
2013)
The stresses, confinement, and constant attention has had a negative effect on the mental health of the animals. One study done at the Malaysian Zoo revealed that animals, particularly big animals such as giraffes and elephants, have a medical condition known as zoochosis. (Michal, n.d.) Zoochosis is an informal term that is used to describe the depressed behavior and associated physical actions of animals who are kept in confinement. (Michal, n.d.)
"If you have ever witnessed a captive animal rock and sway back and forth, you 've
Argument Assignment
Tracey Starr
The Truth About Zoos
Zoos are public parks which claim to display animals for the purpose of recreation and education, as well as the protection of endangered species; but the reality is that zoos are doing more harm than good. Animals in the zoo are more likely to suffer from illness or injury than an animal living in the wild, and they often have a shorter lifespan. Even though some zoos have an endangered species exhibit with intentions to protect and rehabilitate animals, the fact is that they are not doing an adequate job of protecting the animals. Zoos have been harmful to the very animals hay have sworn to protect.
Animals in captivity often suffer from anxiety, boredom and confinement. Animals are unable to thrive in small enclosures, especially with unnatural weather and climates. (Carr,
2012) For example, elephants are known to walk up to 30 miles a day; but Lucy, from the
Edmonton zoo, is kept inside a barn when the zoo is closed and during Edmonton 's frigid winter months. This means that she spends most of her time indoors with limited room to move. The continuous confinement because of the harsh weather has led Lucy to develop painful arthritis.
(Carr, 2012) In fact, researchers have found that elephants in zoos only live for 17 years, compared to elephants in their natural habitat that have life spans of over 50 years. (Mhuire,
2013)
The stresses, confinement, and constant attention has had a negative effect on the mental health of the animals. One study done at the Malaysian Zoo revealed that animals, particularly big animals such as giraffes and elephants, have a medical condition known as zoochosis. (Michal, n.d.) Zoochosis is an informal term that is used to describe the depressed behavior and associated physical actions of animals who are kept in confinement. (Michal, n.d.)
"If you have ever witnessed a captive animal rock and sway back and forth, you 've
Bibliography: Carr, M. (2012, February 23). The Reality Of Zoos. Retrieved November 4, 2013, from PETA: http://www.peta.org/living/animal-friendly-fun/the-reality-of-zoos.aspx Mhuire, S. (2013, April 12). Zoos Are Internment Camps For Animals And Should Be Shut Down. Retrieved November 4, 2013, from Scoil Mhuire English: http://scoilmhuireenglish.weebly.com/1/post/2013/04/23-zoos-are-internment-camps-for-animals-andshould-be-shut-down-pro.html Michal. (n.d.). Shutting Down Zoos. Retrieved November 4, 2013, from Teen Ink: http://teenink.com/opinion/environment/article/533342/Shutting-Down-Zoos/