Are Zoos Unethical to Animals? (Essay Sample)

Are zoos unethical to animals?
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Are zoos unethical to animals?
Introduction
Keeping animals in the zoo is unethical. This practice has been practiced since time immemorial. There exist several schools of thought in this regard. The opinions presented go against this norm. Keeping animals in zoos has several disadvantages. These disadvantages are mainly based on biological assumptions and studies.
Discussion
Zoos do not provide animals with all basic needs required. It is a general observation that zoos consider the animals to be business commodities as compared to living beings. The animals are regularly sold and exchanged. The fate of the animals begins to dwindle once the animal starts aging and losing its appeal. (Moscardo, 2007)
Zoos have been in the spotlight for engagement in unscrupulous practices. The practices majorly involved include dumping of animals. Others include taking animals from the world. Zoos have also been victims of animal importation. An example of animal exportation is an occurrence in the Vietnam where 33 monkeys were exported from Africa to Florida. (Christie, 2009)
Common proponent’s claim of their sole objective is the preservation of the wild animals. Notably, these zoos have been observed to take larger animals that draw large crowds. These institutions neglect fewer popular species that equally require attention. Most animals in zoos are not endangered. The zoos keep these animals alive while completely ignoring the natural habitats of these animals. (Moscardo, 2007)
Animals that are kept in zoos are deprived a chance to learn survival skills. Animals that have been bred in the zoos cannot be returned to their natural habitats. As such, these places are at times too populated. Animals from zoos may contact deadly diseases to their counterparts in the Bush if returned. (Christie, 2009) Older animals are thus warehoused. They may be sold to other shabby zoos.