SHOULD ANIMALS BE KEPT IN A ZOO?
Zoo, haven’t we all been to one to watch animals, learn about them and spend some quality time with our friends and family. People of all ages love visiting the zoo and protecting animals, birds, and reptiles, and bonding with them.
Zoo, also sometimes called an animal park, is the short form for zoological gardens are areas in which animals are kept in an artificial natural environment within enclosures and are taken care of. The general public is free to visit a zoo with a nominal fee to enjoy watching the animals and learn about them.
However, it has always been a debatable issue of whether zoos should prevail or not. As per survey on schools in India, the number and area of many zoos increasing, many people oppose this, arguing that it deprives animals of their natural habitat and cages them to be a form of entertainment to the public.
However, it might seem immoral to keep animals in a confined space and isolate them, there often arguments presented in favor of zoos. Many have disagreed with the point that zoos provide a healthy environment for the animals and take care of them by giving food and vet services if the animals are sick.
On the one hand, another survey done by a top international school in India, said that zoos are necessary for the conservation of wildlife. They provide animals with healthy food and a safe environment. Any need of the species is taken care of, and they are constantly monitored. Vet facilities are available in case of any health issue faced by any animal.
Also, human understanding helps in the development of relations between humans and animals. There have been various instances when wild animals have bonded with humans and love and protect them rather than being a threat. This understanding also forces humans to dwell upon the importance of the conservation of various species on Earth.
Along with that, if everyone has access to see and observe wild animals, they can help those in the wild if needed. One can make out the patterns of how animals behave and, if required, can help or provide basic first aid to an animal in the wild. It is also essential to understand that keeping animals in zoos can help in preventing extinction. Many endangered species are given extra attention and care to avoid their death and increase their breeding. Once the number reaches an average amount, the species is sent back to the wild.
On the other hand, zoos keep animals in captivity. They are only allowed to roam in a particular area and have to be dependent on humans. In many zoos, the animals are not kept in a hygienic environment and are also fed significantly less as compared to their natural appetite.
Wild animals are not supposed to be domesticated and should be left in the open. It also adds up to be an excuse to destroy their habitats as people claim that they are being bred in zoos. This leads to the suffering of animals. Many of them are caged alone, leading to isolation. People pelt stones and sometimes even throw coins at the animals.
This gives out a message that humans are superior to other species and can treat them the way they want to. It seldom is educational; instead, it is okay for humans to use animals for entertainment and recreational purposes.
Zoos are doing more harm than good. The research on animals can be carried out even when they are open, and it is not necessary to cage them. Destruction of their habitats is the primary cause of extinction, and rather than saving them by imprisoning animals.
Wildlife sanctuaries are a better option and should be encouraged as they fulfill the educational purpose by allowing visitors and giving animals their freedom because, in the end, animals have feelings too, and we need to respect that.