Mollie Porter

Professor Johnson

English 1101 J17

19 November 2023

Banning of Zoos

The question of whether we should zoos or not has been long debated. Some

people believe that zoos should be questioned because of the mental and physical

neglect that animals can face. Cases, such as Harambe and Tilikum, are good

examples that humans/zoos are the problem. Others say that zoos are good because

they keep animals safe and protect their species. However, in my opinion, zoos are

neglectful because they euthanize healthy animals, the animals are stripped away from

their natural habitats and are stuck into a small enclosure, and the mental issues that

come from being in captivity.

Euthanasia is a debated topic on whether it is necessary or when it is needed.

Zoos are known for unethical use of euthanasia. In an article, called The Moral and

Welfare Issues of Euthanasia, it states “However, we do need to be clear in what

constitutes ‘management’. I am not a proponent for culling in circumstances of genetic

management which was the primary reason given for Marius’ euthanasia. This is where

an animal might be put down because it is of over-represented genetic provenance

within a breeding programme, or that it might be a hybrid, or just simply of ‘undesirable

genetics”. Marius was a giraffe that was euthanized at the Copenhagen Zoo. He was

considered to have “unsuitable” traits. So they killed him. This is not the first case where

this has happened. Another article called, Mental Health of the Animals, stated that “A
study by Oxford University found that 40% of elephants in zoos display repetitive

behaviors. Wild elephants can live well into their 50’s, while captive elephants rarely

make it into their 20’s. Arthritis and foot infections from standing on hard surfaces all

day are the most common reasons why elephants are euthanized in zoos”. Zoos are

supposed to take care of animals if they are sick or in need of help, however this isn’t

the case. Elephants are being killed for unethical reasons.Some might say that zoos are

a sanctuary that sick animals go to try and get better. Some zoos do treat their animals

well. But, not all do. Sick animals and healthy animals both live in zoos. Yet, both can

be euthanized for no reason. If zoos are being considered “sanctuaries”, they should be

acting like them. Zoos should be saving animals, not killing them. Zoos are also not

“protecting animals from extinction” if they are killing them at the same time.

There is a big difference in the size of the wilderness compared to an enclosure

at a zoo. Animals, such as elephants, need larger spaces for them to be able to properly

live in a healthy lifestyle. In an article, Mistreatment of Wild Animals In Captivity, it says

“For example, since elephants do not have large enough enclosures and the floors of

their enclosures are made from inappropriate surfaces, such as concrete, they often

suffer from musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis or are made lame from foot

disorders” (Coleman). With the wrong amount of space for an animal comes discomfort

and pain for that said animal. A small enclosure will never compare to the real world.

The Effect of Zoos on Animal Health and Well-Being quoted that “A recent study found

that zoo animals may feel more driven by fear in captivity because there’s no way to

escape their enclosures when they feel threatened. Environmental stimuli like having

too many people around, hearing loud noises or watching unexpected movements from
visitors could provoke that fear. Small enclosures with little space between visitors and

animals will cause this experience. Without a place to hide from everyone, the animals

could live in a constant state of fight-or-flight fear” (Marsh). Small enclosures can cause

animals to live a scared life. Especially with no connections with other animals from their

natural environment.

An animal’s role at a zoo is to perform all day every day. There can be negative

effects on their mental health. In an article called, Mental Health of the Animals, it states

“As a result of boredom and lack of stimulation or enrichment, animals in zoos

oversleep, overeat, and show signs of severe frustration and mental instability. The term

“zoochosis” refers to the psychological problems that affect animals in captivity; usually

resulting in repetitive behaviors. These behaviors include: pacing in regimented circles,

bar biting, air biting, rocking, swaying, head bobbing, over grooming, and self

mutilation.” (Mental Health of the Animals). Being confined to a small enclosure after

living in the big world where their natural habitats are, it is a big adjustment. Animals

cannot just be thrown into a cage and be expected to be nice and friendly when

thousands of people come by and just stare at them. Being crowded around can easily

cause animals stress. Finally, from the article, Beyond the Zoo:How Captivity Affects

the Mental Well-Being of All Animals, it says “Stereotypic behavior is the term we use to

describe animal behavior which is invariant, repetitive and serves no obvious function.

Commonly seen and documented examples include big cats pacing around the

perimeter of their zoo enclosure, shelter cats habitually over-grooming and the “sham-

chewing” behavior of factory farmed sows”(Lamont). Animal’s mental health declines

from being kept captive against their will. Behaviors, such as pacing and mutilating their
bodies, can occur from this. There have been studies of when humans have been kept

in a room together and they have gone crazy. The same thing happens to animals. But,

people assume the animal has gone savage and the zoo decides to euthanize that

animal. Humans and animals are more similar than people think.

In conclusion, the ethicality of zoos has been long talked about. But, the

complete banning of zoos has yet to come. Zoos can have negative effects on animals.

Zoos unethically euthanize animals, the animals are stuck in small enclosures with not

enough space to properly function, and zoos have negative effects on animal’s mental

health. Zoos either need to be fully redone and changed for the better or completely

gotten rid of altogether.

Coleman, Madison. “Mistreatment of Wild Animals in Captivity.” Ballard Brief,

Apr. 2021, ballardbrief.byu.edu/issue-briefs/mistreatment-of-wild-animals-in-

captivity.

Lamont, Di. “Beyond the Zoo: How Captivity Affects the Mental Well-Being of All

Animals.” One Green Planet, One Green Planet, 12 Apr. 2019,

www.onegreenplanet.org/animalsandnature/how-captivity-effects-the-mental-

well-being-of-all-animals/.

Marsh, Jane. “The Effect of Zoos on Animal Health and Well-Being.”

Environment Co, 7 Nov. 2022, environment.co/effect-of-zoos-on-animal-health-

and-wellbeing/#google_vignette.

“Mental Health of the Animals.” Leviathan-Project, www.leviathanproject.us/zoos-

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