Analysis Of The Controversial Topic Of Zoo Ethics

One of the most controversial cases that has sparked huge debate over zoos had to do with a single gorilla. On May 28th, 2016, shots fired at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden grew to cause major waves throughout the world. After a 4 year old child climbed into a gorilla’s exhibit, authorities were left to kill the gorilla in an effort to save the child. The infamous gorilla, Harambe, sparked a major debate over the ideas of animal rights and the morality of zoos. While the nation scrambled to find who was to blame for the tragic incident, many different arguments were made. Efforts were made by many for the family of the child to be held responsible.

A petition was even created that had garnered “over 138,000” signatures (Fieldstadt). Others argued that the zoo could have taken less invasive methods of saving the child, such as a suppressant. When the zoo had determined nobody would be tried for a crime, animal activists began to point out that regardless of who’s “fault” it was, Harambe never should have been in captivity in the first place. The tragic death of Harambe swarmed the media for days, eventually becoming one of the most significant and controversial moments of 2016. Upon the event of Harambe’s viral dilemma, other cases were beginning to surface from around the world that posed similar questions.

One week before Harambe’s death, two lions had been killed in Chile, and a week before that, an elephant was killed in Indonesia (Prideaux). Harambe had effectively shifted all eyes towards zoos, and caused many to question if zoos crossed too many lines that inevitably ends in danger or harm. These cases shoved animal rights debates into mainstream media, and forced many people to finally join the debate that had already been circulating for years. Why is it important that Harambe shifted the debate into mainstream media? The story of harambe is important because it did what no group animal activist could do. It showcased the issues that lie within zoo systems and how it can possibly end in tragedy. Regardless of whether one might believe zoos should be completely omitted or not, it’s undeniable that the conditions in zoos should be improved for the well being of animals and humans.

Holding cell practices in zoos are odd and inhumane. Forcing an animal to endure hours of enclosure in a space 10 times smaller than their enclosure is unnecessary. Whatever purpose the holding cell serves, does not outweigh the stress, anxiety, and aggression that holding cells cause in animals. The statistics mentioned in the Lincoln Park Zoo study detailed a 6.3% increase in stress and a “.4%” increase in aggression (“Zoos”). These shifts in behavior were only a product of 2 hours in the holding cells a day. Imagine the effect holding cells could have on the animals forced to endure up to 12 hours a day. Furthermore, the zoos that animals are spending this long amount of time in aren’t some random backyard zoos. A whole “85%” of accredited zoos that people know and love are forcing animals to endure this pain (“Zoos”).

Enclosure sizes are another area of concern when considering improving zoos. If an animal can not be given enough room in a zoo, or it would be unreasonable to give an animal the amount of room they deserve, they should not be put in a zoo. Animals such as elephants require too much space and simply just should not be placed in zoos. An exception to this would be injured elephants seeking healing, or disabled elephants who would struggle in the wild. Not that because an injured or disabled elephant doesn’t deserve space, but rather they should be placed in the facility that has to most space to offer and simultaneously meets their needs. Finally, management euthanasia practices should be banned globally. Not only do other methods of controlling the population give animals the pleasure of a full life; it aids in preventing the use of euthanasia to maintain a supply of its “cutest” animals for a profit based upon the death of animals (Bove). Other methods that could be more humane than euthanasia involve contraceptives, or even the relocation of animals into reserves or zoos that have adequate space.

One might argue that zoos should be dissolved entirely, however, there is too much evidence that would suggest zoos play a vital role in aiding the science and animal worlds. The studies that both the San Diego Zoo and the Smithsonian National Zoo are leading, not only will provide valuable information in aiding animals in captivity, but potentially have the power to aid animals in the wild by administering vaccinations to prevent illnesses (Ganzert). Furthermore, zoos allow for the protection of endangered species, and possibly provide a complete restoration of species similar to the success story of the Arabian Oryx. For these reasons, it is important that zoos are not dissolved entirely, but rather adjusted so that inhumane practices are phased out, and more natural elements of the wild are implemented into enclosures.

Thinking back to the story of Lucky, it’s important to remember that while there are cases of animals struggling in zoos, there are still stories of zoos serving as places that have saved an animal's life, or have given an animal a chance. Lucky’s story isn't over yet, and with the implementation of various improvements in zoos worldwide, she and thousands of other animals like her can attain the justice they deserve, while ensuring pleasurable lives for all the animals that will come after them. This is also important for humans, as it is for animals. Here on Earth, animals and humans are all intertwined. Since the beginning of time humans and animals have worked in harmony to contribute to the circle of life that keeps the world turning each year. As time goes on, humans stray further from animals and with that, further from being humane.

Animals being held captive in zoos in harsh conditions put the relationship between animals and humans at an unequal balance. The energy this relationship fosters emits a overwhelming idea that humans reign over animals. This energy has remained the underlying force that has powered and been the supporter of millions of extinctions, even leading scientist to believe we currently exist during the 6th mass extinction. Could this disruption in the circle of life cause the world to stop turning? It doesn’t have too. Creating and improving the way animals are treated can help even out the relationship once more, leading to a more harmonious environment for everyone.

Regardless on if you believe zoos should go extinct or not, it is vital that we work to create improved practices within them, and improved methods of treating animals in general. Otherwise instead of the zoos going extinct, the animals might.