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Genecia Tyler
Professor Dursema
English 1010
2 May 2014
Wild Animals in Captivity
Zoos take property for animals in captivity, often in urban areas where many of the
animals would not be found. Many types of zoos exist, from the petting zoos that encourage the
public to get up close and personal to the large nature reserves that provide enough space for the
animals to roam. Author Rob Laidlaw presents a passionate argument against the practices of
most zoos around the world in Wild Animals in Captivity. From his resources, he concludes that
there is an estimated 10,000 zoos around the world (Laidlaw 24). Laidlaw effectively captures
the predicament faced by captive wild animals and explores the challenges they linger. Like any
debate, you have two perspectives, the proponents and opponents. The provocative dialogue is
between those who use animals for perceived human benefits, and those that are fighting for the
freedom of animals from use and abuse. The two perspectives balance each other, its really a
win win situation. Proponents argue that zoos are beneficial both to the animals themselves,
protecting endangered species with breeding programs, and the public, as an educational tool to
increase the awareness and understanding. Opponents, such as Laidlaw, believe the removal of
wild animals from their habitat is wrong along with using them for public entertainment.
Animals rights attorney, Doris Lin wrote an argument for and against zoos. She added,
Zoos argue that they save endangered species and educate the public, but animals activist
believe the costs outweigh the benefits, and the violation of the rights of the individual animals is
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unjustifiable. She argues from an animal rights standpoint. Along with Laidlaw, she argues that
captive animals usually suffer from stress, boredom and confinement. Wild animals have very
complex lives and deep emotions. In captivity they develop abnormal behaviors due to
independency (Laidlaw 8). Zoos try to provide enough space for the animals, but most live in
very small spaces. Nearly every zoo keeps animals in exhibits that are far smaller than the
animals need. The only exception might be natural exhibit, such as a drive-through safari.
Though it compares to their natural habitat, its not freedom like the wild. In the wild, animals
need places to hide. They hide to avoid predators, when they give birth and raise their families,
and when it comes time to rest. Animals in captivity have even more reasons to hide. They need
a break from all the foreign noises, sights, and smells of a zoo full of visitors. Laidlaw posed that
they suffer from anxiety and stress when they cant escape to a private spot. Doris Lin
argues, Inadequate space may be indicated by evidence of malnutrition, poor condition, debility,
stress, or abnormal behavior patterns.
Animals are unable to thrive in small enclosures, especially with unnatural weather and
climates. For Example, elephants typically need a lot of room to roam, in the frigid winter
months, theyre usually locked inside a small barn, without much room to move. They often
develop arthritis and foot infections from the lack of motion. Laidlaw stated, Elephant
enclosures are 1000 times smaller than their natural habitats. He also mentions that wild
elephants do not get arthritis like the ones in captivity do. Doris Lin presented a study showing
that elephants kept in zoos do not live as long as elephants in the wild. Writer Randolph E.
Schmids article Elephants Live Longer in Wild than Zoos shows the median life span for
African elephants in European zoos was 16.9 years, compared with 56 years for elephants who
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died of natural causes in the wild. Like many animals in captivity, elephants suffer from welfare
problems, such as dry skin, arthritis, foot rot, and physiological unbalances.
Laidlaw stated, Zoos say their animal displays are educational, but theres not much
evidence to support that claim. Not a lot can be learned by looking at caged animals, especially
when they are acting abnormally. Laidlaw believes zoos use these animals for entertainment
purposes and not for education. Many activist dont accept the reality of captive animals. They
suppose spectators only go to zoos to gawk at the imprisoned animals. Spectators from a broad
sense are drawn to these exotic creatures, but when they see them, they lose interest very fast.
Some onlookers might go as far as tormenting the animals, like banging against the glass, or
making faces towards the animals. This can trigger aggression if the animal feels threatened in
any way. The story of the Siberian tiger that escaped her closure shows how tormenting can lead
to menacing challenges. The tiger was shot dead after attacking three visitors and killing one.
This shows how animals bear the brunt of societys violence.
Doris Lins take on zoos is implicit and both sides of the debate are expressed carefully.
Her arguments for zoos- they save endangered species by bringing them into a safe environment,
where they are protected from poachers, habitat loss, starvation and predators. Dozens of zoos
participate in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZAs) Species Survival Plan (SSP)
Program, which aims to manage the breeding of specific endangered species in order to help
maintain healthy and self-sustaining populations that are both genetically diverse and
demographically stable. Jennifer Boves article The Role of Zoos in Endangered Species
Conservation explains how AZA programs are designed to expand populations of endangered
species and avoid extinction. She also mentions that these programs are powerful tools use for
stabilizing and re-establishing the animal populations that have suffered substantial declines.
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The goal of AZA programs is to release animals that have been raised or rehabilitated in zoos
back into their natural habitats.
Bove declares, Zoos participate in conservation projects that support studies of
population in the wild, species recovery efforts, veterinary care for wildlife, disease issues, and
conservation awareness. Her research shows that conservation breeding and reintroduction have
helped prevent the extinction of six out of 16 critically endangered bird species and nine out of
13 mammal species, including species formerly classified as extinct in the wild. Endangered
species breeding programs will also help scientist recognize population dynamics critical to the
management of animals in the wild. Saving endangered species is one thing, but zoos also
support scientific research in at least three ways: they fund field research, employ scientists as
member zoo staffs and they make animals available for study. Zoological institutions have
become a portal through which the general public can view and appreciate wildlife. Doris Lin
agrees that zoos educate the public and encourage an appreciation of the animals. Lin
commented This exposure and education motivates people to protect the animals.
In the case of zoos, both perspectives will argue that their side saves animals. Only in
recent years have zoos come in for much sustained scholarly attention. The debate has always
been a clear concern for animal activist. They dont believe wild animals should be caged and
kept in captivity for our entertainment. They believe they should be left in their natural habitats.
For those who favor captivity, believe it to be beneficial for our research and findings. They also
believe they help save endangered species from coming extinct. The debate will always raise
awareness between whats morally justified on the animals behalf.

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Works Cited
Bove, Jennifer. The Role of Zoos in Endangered Species Conservation. Endangered Species.
About.com, n.d., Web. 28 Apr. 2014.
Laidlaw, Rob. Wild Animals in Captivity. Massachusetts: Fitzhenry, 2008. Print.
Lin, Doris. Arguments For and Against Zoos. Animal Rights.About.com, Mar 2014. Web. 28
Apr. 2014.
Schmid, Randolph E. Elephants Live Longer in Wild than Zoos. ABC News. ABC News
Internet Ventures, Dec. 2008. Web. 28 Apr. 2014.