What role, if any, should zoos play in conservation/education?
One of the most important things that I learned while viewing the TedTalk: Why I Love Vultures, is that in order to become a part of the solution to the problem, the community must be educated about it. Ironically, we are both the ultimate protectors of all wildlife on the planet, as well as the root cause of their demise. Therefore, since we have started the eradication and fall of biodiversity, we must be the ones to support its revival. Zoos’ primary role should be to educate and aide in the conservation of wildlife species. They may participate in conservation but only through rehabilitation.
What I mean by this, is that if a wounded or orphaned species is at risk, then keepers should then be allowed to bring them into the centre. The public may then witness its recovery, but it should be limited and reduced so as to not stress the animal further. Good zoos will provide a valuable service to both man and animal by allowing people to see them in the flesh, which may help increase support and conservation efforts from the public. This system I think, will both educate about endangered wildlife, as well as their stories, but will not snatch them away from their life in the wild where they belong.
I truly enjoyed this personal article as it agrees with many of my more personal beliefs and expands upon them as to why zoos cannot wholly become a sanctuary for wildlife conservation. To view it click here.
Is it ethical to keep animals in zoos? If so, what size/type of animal or zoo?
The answer is simply no. Without a justifiable reason, wildlife should not be kept in chains where they will waste their life away faster than the paint on the murals behind them can flake away. In the situation of a justifiable reason, if an animal were to be undergoing rehabilitation or is in endanger of extinction, captive born offspring should not be introduced into the wild if zoos and/or parks can meet the space and habitat requirements of said endangered species. Otherwise, like the case of the Russian Amur leopard reintroduction plans,[1] captive born species are placed into large enclosures that resemble their natural habitat, which will help them ‘grow up in isolation from humans,’ allowing them to have a better chance at survival.
Do you enjoy visiting zoos?
Zoos represent and are an active symbol of controversy in regards to whether or not humans should have the power to control animal life. This ideology lingers in the back of mind while I wander the zoos' winding paths, plaguing the experience with its complicated conflict of interest. I love a large variety of wildlife, so to be able to see them without the help of a screen is a surreal experience. However, if it is not maintained properly, (like the current state within a majority of worldwide zoos) then no I do not enjoy my visit. In order to experience the true beauty of vibrant and thriving wildlife, I have made it my life’s goal to go into a line of work that comes into contact with Canadian wildlife within the Canadian environment.
References:
[1] https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/01/080123-carnivores-wild_2.html
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