Persuasive Essay Example: Zoos Are Bad For Animals

Many people have seen those TV shows that display the perfect image that the Zoo would like you to see. These shows show you how well these places take care of their endangered animals. It shows you how they are trying to help and make them a more common animal instead of going extent, But did you know that out of the whole world only 6 endangered species have been saved by zoos? Yes, 6 is making a difference but there are over 7,000 endangered species in the whole world and 600 of those species are in zoos today. My essay is going to do the research so you don’t have to. Many of the world's zoos are displayed to help every animal that comes their way but in reality, is that one hundred percent the truth? Everything in the media can not be trusted. 

According to PETA “Zoos aren't breeding animals with the intent of replenishing threatened populations: Babies bring visitors through the gates, and captive breeding gives the public a false sense of security about a species” (1). This sentence is basically stating my point. More places than you realize are breeding these animals with the intent of money such as the younger and more adorable the animal is will bring the attention of potential visitors. This is a tactic that these places are using so that the community will look over the poor conditions that these animals are being held in. Most of these animals can develop severe depression from not being in the wild and a large open space as they are made for. Most of these animals are held in small enclosures with no more than 3-5 other animals with them, this causes severe depression and anxiety in these animals since most of them are born to be in pacts of 10-20. For these animals being in these small spaces with only little interaction with their same breed and very little human contact only for feed time and water is very inhuman and unnatural. These species are born in the wild and need wide open space to fully be comfortable in their environment. 

Another reason why endangered species are at their worst being in zoos is, that these animals are kept in artificial living environments which from an untrained eye look almost identical to the real deal. The enclosures normally have trees, water holes, etc. things that would look great depending on the breed of animal. In other words to these animals, this artificial living environment is nothing compared to the acres of land that they once had. Moving these endangered animals into the zoo may seem like a good deed being done by some people. In reality, these animals sleeping grounds are so small that they can cause other animals that are in the same enclosure to fight with each other to assert dominance in the space they have. You may say “ that would happen in the wild” which yes is true but these animals aren’t being monitored all night which can cause severe harm or even death to this endangered animal which will put us a step back from saving them. Being concerned about their own safety these animals always have their guard up as humans do. With this being said these animals can have severe stress and no physical stimulation with being in these small enclosures and especially with overcrowding in some of these spaces cause these animals to be more aggressive than they normally would be. This brings me back to my point of these animals cause severe harm to one another. 

A study was published in “The Journal of applied ecology” that states “ Dr. Paul Dolman said: “Our research challenges the assumption that when a species is perilously close to extinction in the wild, it is always a good idea to set up a captive breeding population … Without conservation in the wild there is no point in captive breeding.”

If wildlife as we know it is to survive, the zoo community must quickly and systematically shift focus from breeding more animals to keep in cages and tanks, to directing attention to the root causes of why animals all over the world are in peril: habitat destruction, poaching, and the exotic animal trade.” This brings me back to the first point I had made about these zoos and other places of the such are more considered about the money rolling in than honestly helping these endangered animals. The media portrays the zoos and aquariums and everything of the such to be an amazing family gathering, the media shows you the wonderful things that the zookeepers and the zoo community do for these animals to hide the ugly truth of what it is actually like. Zookeepers have many downfalls, Yes they help run the zoo and “take care” of the animals but in all seriousness, I think we all know this not every human in this world is always as loving to animals or people. Even if these animals are getting fed and given water these animals will never have the space they once used to. These animals will never be comfortable in these tiny enclosures nor do they get to use the skills that they were born to do such as hunting prey, climbing, etc. Also, these animals are not being cared for 24/7 as they should be if they are going to be living in these conditions. From my research that I have collected from many different zoos around the world and from people who have worked at zoos themselves such as my brother and grandfather they t both normally would get to the St.Louis zoo around 5:30 AM every morning but would end up coming home around 9:00 PM. That is 15 hours in between these animals are being seen and taken care of. 

In conclusion, these animals are not being well taken care of and or being provided with the things needed for them to succeed. Looking back on all the information that I have provided. I came to the conclusion that zoos are worse for animals than being in the wild or with another organization. The information that I found myself by going to the St.louis zoo, digging deep into PETA, Our Endangered World, interviews, and experiences from family members, TV shows, Media, Etc.  shows me that inside the facility they try their best to keep their deep dark secrets away from the public eye. Also, the information I collected from the online sources also backs up my point as well as my interview. If you want to help make a change you can visit different organizations such as the humane society of bird sanctuary. Another way that you can help is by supporting different groups such as Born Free Foundation, International Primate protection league. Any organization that helps to protect endangered species and any animals in captivity will help. Spreading awareness of this is a real eye-opener for the community. Many people do not realize how bad and inhumane these places really care for these animals.