Zoos Are Doing More Harm To Animals Than You May Realize

Many of us grew up in zoos. Seems like the perfect place for our youth to go out into the desert and bring out the Steve Irwin inside. It was a lovely Saturday, seeing all sorts of animals up close, reading about their habits and origins and even meeting some of them.

But sadly, zoos aren't as interesting as you might remember. In fact, in most cases, the quality of life of animals in them is much lower than in the wild. There is much support for a complete ban on zoos for a variety of reasons.

Why should zoos be banned?

Although many zoos have positive aspects such as funding, conducting research and protecting endangered species, many organizations such as PETA do not believe that this is enough to overcome the negative aspects of the institution.

"Zoos are prisons for animals who hide their cruelty under the guise of protection," Mimi Bakhshi, PETA's director of international programs, told National Geographic .

Besides, Al-Bukhaishi said, zoo animals suffer physically and mentally. For example, they develop behaviors such as "walking, shaking, and biting the bar a lot."

They also say that a typical zoo polar bear is "a million times smaller" than one in the wild. Also, there are ethical issues related to buying and selling animals in zoos.

According to the World Fund for Animal Welfare , zoos do not provide suitable conditions for animals because they are kept in small cages so their needs are not met. Many animals are neglected and may die prematurely. The New York Times also noted several dangerous practices at zoos, such as killing "surplus" animals. Meanwhile, few zoos have survived the extinction of individual species, and biodiversity has continued to decline.

What are the alternatives to the zoo?

Of course, you can continue to study animals without the support of a zoo. First, animal sanctuaries are designed to care for animals in need. While zoos may do this, they are primarily a business. They are designed to show animals to the public, so there is no guarantee that the animals will be treated well - even if they are legally required to comply with animal welfare laws. Of course, not all animal shelters are the same. You should do some research to find one that fits your price range.

If you enjoy being out in nature with opportunities to see wildlife, consider visiting one of the many national parks in the United States. Even if you are not allowed to interact with these animals, seeing them in their natural environment can be very rewarding.

For a simpler experience, visiting a state park is another fun option. You can only see birds and small critters, but for many people it is relaxing entertainment. Parks can be a great way to start bird watching, and taking educational books with you on your trip can make it even better.