Are Zoos Unethical to Animals? (Essay Sample)

Are Zoos Unethical to Animals?
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Are Zoos Unethical to Animals?
Zoos trace their origin to northern parts of Africa more than three millennia ago. When they were first established, the sole purpose of their function was to amuse and entertain Egyptian rulers. Thus, Egyptian Pharaohs ordered the capturing of animals to amaze crowds and intimidate enemies on occasions when they held public functions. Generally, animals were captured to display beauty, strength, and extraordinary prowess. It was not long before this culture spread across Europe and the Americas (Spotte, 2006). Besides displaying the beauty and heritage of animals, zoos facilitate research and enable scientific developments in animal physiology, anatomy, pathology, and zoology.
Broadly considered, zoos across various states of the world bear extensive economic values to those states. They attract numerous tourists who visit such states to view animals and elements of heritage. When such tourists come, local populations secure jobs in the tourism industry. Also, the society benefits largely because tourists spend on accommodation, access, and other luxuries in their course of expedition. Economic marketing and diversification is yet another element of tourism that benefits destination locations. In the process of their visits, tourists identify investment opportunities, markets, and sources of supplies for various businesses. Besides these, societies gain numerous environmental and social benefits from activities performed by zoos and other tourism elements (Donahue & Trump, 2010). As a result, most societies develop positive attitudes and establish zoos in order to increase their economic potential from the benefits brought about by zoos.
However, numerous ethical perspectives criticize the basis upon which zoos are established. Mostly, such critics base their arguments on animal rights and freedoms. They argue that animals are more or less like humans and need their natural environments to survive. Therefore, capturing animals and locking them in zoos contravenes the principles of natural freedom and socialization. Just like humans, animals need to relate to others and establish natural bonds. This is impeded by the establishment of zoos. Additionally, the cross breeding of animals to produce superior breeds for display is not ethically acceptable. If anything, humans hotly contest the possibility of using scientific and genetic approaches in modifying their species. Finally, many opponents of zoos claim that studies have revealed that animals kept in zoos live for fewer years as opposed to those in their natural setups. This is because those in natural setups are subjected to less stress and boredom (Leahy, 2005).
Logically, the dispute between proponents and opponents of zoos reveals some outstanding issues. In as much as zoos generate financial benefits to various societies, it is significant to consider the welfare of animals concentrated in the zoos. Notably, being brought to a zoo deprives them of their natural environmental habitats. As argued b...