Do you support zoos and aquariums?
| Yes | 20 | |
| No | 11 | |
| I have mixed feelings on this particular topic (Comment) | 14 |
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NeofelisNebulosa
Yes, I do, and I'll tell you why.
Zoos and aquariums provide a very important role in biology. They provide an environment where scientists can monitor animals to learn about their behavior and physiology. They also provide a safe haven for endangered species, and often participate in captive breeding programs for threatened species. Additionally, zoos and aquariums spark interest in wildlife amongst laypeople, and provide education about wildlife.
A zoo or aquarium should provide realistic environments for its animals to maximize their health and happiness. An animal would go insane in a concrete box, but in a naturalistic environment with other members of its species, an animal can be quite happy at the zoo. A good zoo will monitor its animals' behavior to ensure they are mentally healthy.
I DO have a problem with entertainment parks like SeaWorld. They masquerade as an educational resource, but they are Strictly for profit. They are a business and they do not care about the mental wellbeing of their orcas. Life in captivity causes killer whales to develop extreme mental problems, and they become a danger to all the humans around them. You can learn more about that in the book "Beneath the Surface" by John Hargrove (a former SeaWorld trainer).
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Koda
You're super cool.
I have to admit I used to think of zoos as a lesser evil. As a kid, I had it in my mind that all the animals were miserable and wanted me to free them, but I think anyone who does their homework, as you obviously have, will see that although many zoos (and the zoo system in general) are FAR from ideal, the benefits of having zoos DO outweigh the detriments.
I love the natural world and wildlife, so I find the experience of going to a zoo quite overwhelming and thrilling. I'm pleased that the treatment of animals in most modern zoos is far better than just acceptable like it used to be. Many pet homes, for example, are FAR less comfortable/healthy than zoos are (but that's a topic for another day).
There are certain species (those who might often, or even constantly, feel threatened/stressed in a zoo environment) that I AM against captivity of, but when I think of all the species saved from the brink of extinction (often by poaching or hunting) by zoos and the many other benefits you listed, I have to admit they're pretty indispensable.
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NeofelisNebulosa
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januarycurse
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NeofelisNebulosa
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wistfulmaiden
Yes as long as try are well taken care of. Actually a lot of those animals are happier and safer from predators poachers etc. I agree that animal shows such as circuses or dog shows are not that nice though.
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thegypsysailor
Very few people would actually get to see any of the creatures in zoos and aquariums if they did not exist. I think it's very important for the continued existence of many species that people actually get to see and interact with these species so they better understand what their loss would mean.
If you've ever touched an elephant or petted a tiger, you are going to want your children to have the same experience.Comment Hidden ( show ) -
Lisababymj