# data[].attributes.headline
Article One: How Zoos Benefit Society and the Animals They Protect

# data[].attributes.subject
Article One: How Zoos Benefit Society and the Animals They Protect

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
© Copyright by GrrlScientist | hosted by

Sun parrots (Aratinga solstitialis) eating food from the open hand of a member of the public in a ... [+]
getty

Zoos, aquariums and aviaries are amongst the most popular tourist attractions in the world, with more than 700 million visitors annually. (Throughout this piece, I will collectively refer to zoos, aquariums and aviaries as 'zoos'.) This staggering number of visitors alone suggests that these institutions have a unique platform for reaching the public, but - surprisingly - the benefits of zoos to society are generally underestimated.

In addition to making important contributions to nature conservation and to applied animal science, a newly published study finds that zoos also have an important role in how human society perceives and cares about the natural world.

To understand how zoos affect their human neighbors, an international team of researchers from the UK, Ireland and France conducted in-depth reviews of work done by zoos and catalogued zoo strategies for how they meet their four main goals - conservation, education, recreation and research (Figure 1).

F I G U R E 1 : Wider integration of the zoo's aims helps to expand the societal impact they have ... [+]
doi:10.3390/jzbg4010006

As part of this study, the researchers also went online to assess the presence of zoos there and how well they meet their four established goals, to examine zoo publications, and the activities that they support. After analyzing this work, the researchers proposed that a fifth goal should be added to modern zoos' established goals: human well-being. Human well-being, they argue, would greatly add to zoos' wider societal value ( ref) by providing a more complete picture of the obligations of modern zoos to the animals in their care and to nature as well as to their human visitors and workforce.

"A zoo is more than a place of entertainment and a collection of animals", said animal behavior scientist Paul Rose, a Lecturer at the Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour and Psychology at the University of Exeter, and senior author of the new study. "Zoos allow us to experience nature and are a great resource for understanding more about conservation, biodiversity and sustainability, as well as bringing many positive benefits to human mental health and well-being."

People's well-being could improve as the result of engaging with a zoo's collection of animals and plants, as well as experiencing the green spaces that a zoo manages. It can also be enhanced by accessibility to education about biodiversity and nature that is essential to inspire long-term, planet-friendly behavioral changes.

"We believe that a well-being aim covers both animal welfare and societal well-being and incentivises zoos to strive for better animal welfare and provide meaningful connection to nature to benefit humans that come into contact with the zoo's work", Dr Rose tweeted on Twitter ( here).

And not to be underestimated is the fact that for many residents of high-density urban areas, zoos may be the only real connection they have with the natural world.

"We need places of conservation, such as zoos, to provide us with the education and understanding about the natural world, and for us to be educated, the aims of the zoos need to incorporate increased and meaningful engagement with society and local communities", Dr Rose said in a statement.

Dr Rose and his collaborators suggest that further studying the wider impact of zoos on their local communities and on human populations and behavior more generally could help better integrate the relevance of a zoo's animal collection and its needs, along with the needs, wants and ideals of people.

One of the main strengths of zoos, as I see it, is their combinations of attractive live animal displays with creative educational messaging, such that zoos have the opportunity to influence their visitors, eliciting actions and encouraging them to change their behavior to help conserve wildlife. Further, visiting immersive, naturalistic exhibits in zoos can improve human health and well-being, both physiologically and psychologically.

There is still more work to be done and many questions to investigate, such as evaluating the effect of educational messages on the community, and whether the zoos' messages are influencing human behavior towards biodiversity, planetary health and sustainability issues.

Source:

Phillip J. Greenwell, Lisa M. Riley, Ricardo Lemos de Figueiredo, James E. Brereton, Andrew Mooneyand Paul E. Rose(2023). The Societal Value of the Modern Zoo: A Commentary on How Zoos Can Positively Impact on Human Populations Locally and Globally, Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens, 4(1):53-69 | doi: 10.3390/jzbg4010006

SHA-256: 9ab94921e06b203a216cb219d873f92ea4083642075e2e0be632939cd42949aa

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How Zoos Benefit Society And The Animals They Protect

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
© Copyright by GrrlScientist | hosted by Zoos, aquariums and aviaries are amongst the most popular tourist attractions in the world, with more than 700 million visitors annually. (Throughout this piece, I will collectively refer to zoos, aquariums and aviaries as 'zoos'.)

# data[].attributes.body
Complete the Google Form at the end of the lesson.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Check out this Presentation designed by Kaylee Smith.

# data[].attributes.headline
Article Two: 9 Reasons Not to Visit Zoos

# data[].attributes.subject
Article Two: 9 Reasons Not to Visit Zoos

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Zoos began as menageries where the rich could see living "exhibits" from foreign lands. The justification many zoos give for their existence in the 21st century is that they protect animals and conserve endangered species - but this isn't true. These days, many people see zoos for what they are: animal prisons.

Read on to discover why nobody should ever support zoos.
1. Animals Suffer in Captivity
Why are zoos bad for animals? Captivity is living hell for animals, who are meant to be free. Enclosures in UK zoos and safari parks are on average 100 times smaller than the minimum home range for animals in their natural habitats.

In zoos, animals' every decision - including what to eat, when to sleep, and whom they choose as a mate - is controlled by humans. They can't roam vast distances or do many of the other things that are natural and important to them. Often, they aren't even allowed stay with their families, as young animals are commonly transferred to other zoos.

The daily stress and lack of stimulation often leads to abnormal and self-destructive behaviour - for example, pacing, walking in tight circles, rocking, swaying, or self-mutilation - a condition known as "zoochosis". This type of behaviour is almost unheard of in their wild counterparts. Zookeepers sometimes give the animals antidepressants, tranquilisers, or antipsychotic drugs to try to conceal their distress.
2. Many Zoos Fail to Provide Even a Minimum Standard of Care
Even in the best circumstances, it's impossible for zoos to meet all the unique environmental, nutritional, climate, and social needs of the various species they hold captive - and some fail to provide even basic care. South Lakes Safari Zoo in Cumbria made headlines in 2017 when it was discovered that nearly 500 animals died there in under three years from causes ranging from malnourishment, hypothermia, and lack of veterinary care to outright neglect. A tortoise was electrocuted by the zoo's wire fencing while lemurs and birds were run over by a toy train that went around the premise.

According to research conducted by Bristol University, more than three-quarters of British zoos failed to meet all the minimum animal-welfare standards.

3. Animals Are Taken From Their Homes

Zoos are still abducting animals from their natural environments in order to display them. Just recently, Borth Wild Animal Kingdom in Wales was responsible for the deaths of two lynxes who had been taken from their natural habitats and placed in enclosures that the zoo owners admitted were "not fit for purpose". One lynx was killed after escaping, while the other was strangled to death while being moved to a different enclosure. And a few months ago, baby elephants were captured in nature and taken away from their mothers and herds before being sent to China to live a life of deprivation in zoos. As a result of inadequate space, food, water, and veterinary care, animals in zoos often suffer from debilitating health problems, and most die prematurely.

4. 'Conservation' Is a Con

The vast majority of species kept in zoos are not endangered. And while there's a commonly held misconception that zoos reintroduce endangered animals into their native habitats, in reality, most zoos have no involvement of any kind with any reintroduction programmes. This means that captive-bred species that do face extinction - including elephants, polar bears, gorillas, tigers, chimpanzees, and pandas - are rarely, if ever, released into their natural environments to bolster dwindling populations.

5. All the Cages in the World Won't Stop Animals From Going Extinct

While zoos spend millions on keeping animals confined, natural habitats are destroyed and animals are killed, as there's insufficient funding for their protection. The only effective and sustainable way to save species is to support schemes that target the root cause of the extinction and endangerment of animals - habitat destruction. After all, what's the point of breeding animals if they have no home left to go to?

6. Healthy Animals Are Killed

Zoos choose to breed animals because the public loves seeing babies. The breeding programmes serve no true conservation purpose, and under the guise of "species preservation", many zoos get rid of "surplus" animals - either by killing them or selling them to unethical exotic-animal dealers. A giraffe named Marius was killed by Copenhagen Zoo and fed to lions, as he was considered useless for breeding. In one British zoo, the carcasses of slaughtered animals, including baboons and endangered deer, were left to rot beside bins.

7. Animals Are Trained to Perform Tricks

Animals are not actors or spectacles to imprison and gawk at. Yet in many zoos, they're trained to perform tricks as if they were in a circus. This year, a panda was made to paint through her prison bars as part of an attraction at an Austrian zoo, and the paintings were then sold online. In a zoo in Alabama , a red panda was made to do the same in an attempt to attract visitors. Back in 2010, an elephant at Woburn Safari Park in the UK was forced to obey the keeper's commands through the use of high-voltage electric shocks. Disturbingly, animals have even been bred in UK zoos to be sold to circuses in other countries.

8. Kids Are Taught the Wrong Lessons

A study of children between the ages of 7 and 15 who visited London Zoo found that for the majority of them - including those who took an educator-guided tour of the zoo - there were no positive educational outcomes. In many cases, the trip even had a negative impact on their understanding of animals and their habitats.

And that makes sense. We wouldn't go to a prison to learn about typical human society, so why would we try to learn about animals by observing them in captivity?

At the end of the day, zoos are businesses geared towards entertaining people and making money - not educational establishments. They promote the misconception that it's acceptable to interfere with animals and keep them locked up in captivity, where they're depressed, cramped, and deprived of all control over their lives.

9. Animal-Protection Laws Are Lacking

Some species - animals like orcas or elephants who travel long distances in the wild, for instance - are particularly unsuited to captivity in any form. So any existing regulations do very little to stop the routine suffering that comes from denying animals their freedom and autonomy.

*****

Read more striking facts about zoos here.

What You Can Do

Please don't visit zoos. Withhold your money from these inhumane establishments that profit from exploiting animals. We can protect endangered species by supporting habitat conservation - not animal prisons.

If you want to learn about animals, watch a nature documentary that shows how animals behave in their natural habitat. Or just look around you! Become an expert on the wildlife in your local area, from hedgehogs in your garden to birds flying overhead.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Do not visit zoos. This list for National Zoo Awareness Day explores why zoos are unethical and negatively affect animals.

# data[].attributes.body
We will evaluate this source together.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Some Interesting Zoo Facts - Zoos & Aquariums of America

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It has been estimated by WAZA that over 600 million people visit zoos each year. This is almost certainly an understatement It is estimated (by us) that there are more than 2,800 zoos & aquariums in the world. Germany (1.2.2003) has 414 registered zoos and the most in any single country.

# data[].attributes.headline
Article Three: Should Zoos Still Exist or Not?

# data[].attributes.subject
Article Three: Should Zoos Still Exist or Not?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I'll start by saying that personally I'm fundamentally against zoos but I do understand some of the arguments why they should exist. My main reason for being against zoos is because I don't agree with caging animals for our entertainment.

I've disliked zoos since I was a small child. The memory of a polar bear pacing back and forth in a very small enclosure in a Yorkshire zoo has stuck with me. Many zoos now provide more space for their wild animals but it could hardly be described as equivalent to what they have in the wild. Keeping animals in climates that are not suited to them seems even more cruel.

Why Zoos Should Exist

Bearing all of the above in mind, some zoos do actually carry out important conservation work. The arguments for zoos are many and varied...

The arguments for zoos

Zoos can help to save endangered species by keeping them in a 'safe' environment. Safe as in protected from poachers, predators, habitat loss and even starvation.

If a zoo has a breeding programme, this is another way to protect endangered species which may have trouble finding suitable mates in the wild.

Zoos have an educational aspect. It's easier to learn about an animal by seeing them in person.

Fostering empathy... By seeing an animal up close, the public might be encouraged to be more empathetic to a species that is facing extinction in the wild. They might put 2 and 2 together and realise the orangutan they saw is in jeopardy due to the products they buy (read about Palm Oil here).

Good zoos have high standards of welfare for their animals. Visiting an accredited zoo is better than visiting one which isn't. For example, BIAZA 'members are dedicated to achieving the highest standards of animal care, conserving the natural world through research and conservation, and educating and inspiring their visitors.'

A few zoos take in abandoned exotic pets and rehabilitate wildlife.

Zoos are a traditional family activity.

What is BIAZA?

" BIAZA is the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums; the professional body representing the best zoos and aquariums in Britain and Ireland. We have over 100 zoo and aquarium members who pride themselves on their excellent animal welfare, education and conservation work."

"BIAZA contributes approximately £24 million to conservation projects a year."

Why Zoos Shouldn't Exist

Just like there are quite a few arguments for the existence of zoos, whether you agree with them or not, there are also a lot, if not many more, arguments against zoos.

The arguments against zoos

Like the polar bear that's haunted me for over 35 years, animals in captivity often suffer from boredom and stress. Captivity can in no way compare to being free in the wild.

What gives humans the right to capture, confine or breed other species? If an animal is endangered does that justify us removing its freedom?

Most captive breeding programmes don't release animals into the wild. More often than not they become part of a never-ending chain of zoos, safari parks, circuses, canned hunting facilities and even the exotic pet trade. There are more tigers in American backyards than there are in the wild!

Baby animals bring the visitors in in droves, but this often leads to zoos having too many animals. Surplus animals can be sold onto other zoos (or safari parks, circuses etc) but many are just killed. You might remember back in 2014 when the Copenhagen Zoo in Denmark killed Marius the giraffe. 'Young giraffe unsuitable for breeding was shot, dissected in public and then fed to lions despite offers of a new home.' The Guardian

Bonds between animals are broken when they are sold to alternative facilities which exploit animals, causing further stress to them.

The wild populations of different endangered species may become less genetically diverse due to the removal of individuals from the wild, causing them to become even more endangered.

If you want to see wild animals behaving normally they should be seen in the wild. Watching a dolphin performing tricks at Sea World in no way compares to a dolphin naturally jumping out of the water in the ocean.

If you can't afford to see animals in their natural habitat visit a wildlife sanctuary that does not buy, sell or breed animals. Sanctuaries take in injured wildlife, unwanted exotic pets or surplus animals from zoos.

Wildlife encounters at zoos might be an unforgettable experience for children or adults but they are stressful and can be harmful to the animals.

Zoo animals can escape. Not only is this dangerous for people and native wildlife, but the animals are often killed rather than tranquilised.

Zoo visitors often don't act responsibly and put the animals lives in danger due to their stupidity or lack of care. When a toddler fell into an enclosure at Cincinnati Zoo in 2016 there was a worldwide outcry that Harambe, the gorilla whose enclosure the toddler fell into, was shot and killed.

The Difference Between Zoos, Safari Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries

What is a Zoo? "an area in which animals, especially wild animals, are kept so that people can go and look at them or study them"

What is a Safari Park? "a large park where wild animals are kept and can move freely, and can be watched by visitors driving through in their cars"

What is a Wildlife Sanctuary? "a place where birds or animals can live and be protected, especially from being hunted or dangerous conditions"
Definitions from the Cambridge English Dictionary
The "Conservation Con"

One of the arguments for zoos is that they help to conserve species which may otherwise go extinct. Others argue that this is the 'conservation con', which is explained by freedomforanimals.org.uk

"Zoos in the UK hold tens of thousands of animals captive. One of the main ways they justify this captivity is to say that they need to protect animals who are endangered in the wild. (...)

By focusing on zoos in Wales, we carried out research which unearthed that just 9% of animals held captive are endangered and 17% are threatened in the wild. This means the vast majority of animals kept in zoos are not threatened in the wild, so why are they held captive?"

They go on to say...

"Whilst we do not believe keeping endangered species in zoos actually contributes to conservation, we really would expect zoos that claim to focus on this issue to not be holding so many animals captive who are not of conservation concern. It is time zoos were honest with the public and stopped using conservation claims as a veil for animal exploitation."

Peta also weighs in on the issue of the conservation con...

"Most animals confined in zoos are not endangered, nor are they being prepared for release into natural habitats. In fact, it is nearly impossible to release captive-bred animals, including threatened species like elephants, polar bears, gorillas, tigers and chimpanzees into the wild. Zoos aren't breeding animals with the intent of replenishing threatened populations: Babies bring visitors through the gates, and captive breeding gives the public a false sense of security about a species' survival. But that belief undermines support for and diverts resources from in-situ conservation efforts."

'Conservation' is frequently used in defence of trophy hunting as well.

So, Should Zoos Still Exist?

I don't think that zoos should need to exist. For those that do actually rehabilitate wildlife and protect endangered species I think there is an argument for them in todays world. However it would be far better if they were to become wildlife sanctuaries and they stopped buying and selling animals. What we should be doing is protecting the habitats of wild animals and ensuring their survival in the wild. Until people around the world care more about life than money I'm afraid there's little chance of certain species surviving without a helping hand from zoos.

That's not to say that I think all existing zoos should still exist or that most of them are adequate. I believe there are many zoos that should be shut down immediately. As far as I'm concerned the majority of 'good zoos' still need to make massive improvements to their facilities. In my opinion, a zoos major function should not be to make money for its owner. The profits from ticket prices should go toward increasing animal welfare standards and increasing enclosure sizes. Most importantly the money should go toward protecting the natural habitats of wild animals.

I hope that in the not too distant future we see the end of zoos. Sadly I don't feel like it'll happen in my lifetime... We have too many people in power around the world for whom animal welfare and conservation is of little concern.

Even some wildlife charities are not what they seem.

In these times of lockdown ...
If you like what I do and want to support this website, you can buy me a 'coffee' which helps with the running costs of the website. Alternatively come and say hello on facebook, twitter or pinterest.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Should Zoos Still Exist or Not? The Arguments For & Against Zoos

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I'll start by saying that personally I'm fundamentally against zoos but I do understand some of the arguments why they should exist. My main reason for being against zoos is because I don't agree with caging animals for our entertainment. I've disliked zoos since I was a small child.

# data[].attributes.headline
Article Four: Should You Be Going to the Zoo?

# data[].attributes.subject
Article Four: Should You Be Going to the Zoo?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The question has probably crossed your mind before.

If you're like me and love going to the zoo, you've inevitably brought it up in conversation with a friend and suggested they go with you sometime. And you're met with, "Maybe, but I just always feel guilty when I go and see the animals caged that should be out in the wild."

And you probably paused and thought one (or both) of these things:
Well, shouldn't they be there rather than in the wild where they'd be poached? Am I a bad person for enjoying going to the zoo?
I can relate. I've been there.

While I understand the point our friends are trying to make, my experience at the zoo has always been positive. I never understood how people could think that zoos were bad. They provide care for animals that can't be in the wild themselves, they raise money to defend and protect endangered species...but then I realized that I was spoiled by growing up near the Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo.

Not all zoos are like this.

It is masterfully built - an oasis in the middle of the Bronx - with hardly any cages to be seen. The closest you get are the barred enclosures for the birds of prey, who have plenty of room to nest. Or the glass protecting you from their tiger as he explores his open air habitat that includes lots of trees, a pool to cool down in, and toys for playtime.

The way they built their enclosures is with the animals in mind. Most are open air, simulating the habitats these animals would be in in the wild, with space being used to keep the animals and the guests protected.

For example, the lion enclosure is surrounded by a dry moat that is too large for the lions to jump across - keeping everyone safe and the idea of cages unnecessary.

As a member of WCS, with free access to their four zoos and one aquarium annually, I love to go any chance I get. Insider tip: it's the best in the winter time when the zoo is at its most quiet. You get almost the entire place to yourself and get a wonderful, peaceful eight mile walk around the zoo during the day.

But what really sets the Bronx Zoo apart is that WCS doesn't just run several zoos and an aquarium, they are on the frontlines of conservation all around the world.

So I know that every dime I spend there is going back into the conservation work they do. I can go to their zoo guilt-free, knowing I am helping make a difference in the fight for environmental protection.

But not all zoos are created equal. And that's where most of the negativity around zoos comes from.

As stated before, not all zoos are equal, and it's the ones that don't have ethics or the welfare of their animals as their top priority that set the tone for the representation of zoos overall.

Laws require that businesses exhibiting animals to the public have to ¹:

Be licensed by the USDA/Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service

Provide basic care under the Animal Welfare Act

But it's safe to say that simply meeting "basic care" needs for any kind of animal, doesn't mean that the animal is living it's best life possible.

Put this into the context of a puppy. What are their basic care needs?

Food, water, a place to go to the bathroom, and toys.

But if all of that is provided in a single room where the puppy cannot run around or get fresh air, is it truly getting all of its needs met?

This is where other zoos fall short.

Many institutions that provide animals for entertainment or showcase purposes have not had or do not have the animals' best interests in mind.

Think of how many circuses have been shut down because of their mistreatment of animals. Or I'm sure you've seen at least one video on Facebook from a wildlife park or zoo that allows visitors to take pictures with lions or tigers that are heavily drugged.
These are the institutions to stay away from.
It's the places that keep animals in small enclosures, where they don't have the toys or stimulus they need, or the space to run around, that ruin the reputation everywhere else. Animals need to have the proper space to live and thrive in.

Animals shouldn't be in cages or exploited for the entertainment of humans. Organizations that value the health and well-being of their animals understand that.

But the argument for animals being in the wild only is a more complex issue.

The attitude around zoos is imperative for their survival and for their work.

Zoos often have more than a mission of giving you the opportunity to see wild animals up close and in person. They usually strive to:

Educate their visitors

Breed animals that are on the brink of extinction

Conserve wildlife at home and abroad

Education tends to be at the forefront of what you experience at the zoo. You're going not just in the hopes of observing these animals, but to learn something about them as well. That's why we take our children there, isn't it? To teach them about these animals that they otherwise wouldn't know about, or have only read about in books or seen on TV.

Learning about these animals, especially now when so many are at risk of losing their lives and their habitats in the wild, helps us to care more about the situations they're in. And encourages us to take action to help them.

Zoos also strive for the continued existence of their animals, especially those that are at risk of going extinct in the wild. Zoos work together on captive breeding programs to help bring animals back from the brink.

Zoos are responsible for the saving of several species ²:

Arabian Oryx

California Condor

Corroboree Frog

Bong

Golden Lion Tamarin

Amur Leopard

Not to mention the increasing numbers of elephants and tigers in the wild, due to their conservation efforts abroad.

Although we'd love to have all animals live in their own habitat, the reality is that it's not safe for many of them due to loss of environment and poaching.³ So the next best option is zoos that take good care of them, give them a safe space to live, and help their numbers go up.

However, for those that can or do still live in the wild, institutions like WCS have teams on the frontlines, helping preserve protected land and keep poachers away from the wildlife.

WCS helps support local governments, park rangers, and local enforcement agencies in their efforts to preserve protected areas and go after illegal poachers and traffickers of wildlife like tigers and elephants. ⁴

They also run "mitigation teams" for instances where there is a conflict between humans and wild animals, such as when livestock are killed by a tiger or other wild predator. ⁵
Zoos help wildlife both in their parks and in their natural habitats.
There are few ways to gauge if the zoo you are visiting is one you should be visiting.

A great sign is if it's AZA Accredited.

AZA is the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. They offer accreditation to zoos and aquariums. The process is long and detailed, and their mission is that institutions meet the highest standards of care for their animals. ⁶

According to their website, "AZA accredited zoos and aquariums meet the highest standards in animal care and welfare and provide a fun, safe, and educational family experience. In addition, they dedicate millions of dollars annually to support scientific research, conservation, and education programs." ⁷

When you are visiting an AZA accredited zoo, you can be sure that you're putting your money toward an organization that is helping wildlife, not exploiting it.

Other things to look out for are:

Are the animals living a normal, peaceful life? Or do they seem distressed or anxious in their enclosure? How do they react to people being there?

Do the animals have enough room to move around and thrive? Are there toys they can play with? Does it simulate their natural habitat in the wild? Is there a place they can cool off if it's hot or warm up if it's cold? Are they outside in a season they shouldn't be?

Is this institution transparent with where their animals are from, what their standards are? Do they make their financials available to see?

Does this institution also help conserve wildlife outside of their zoo? Or are they purely focused on the "entertainment value" their animals provide visitors?

If you have any concerns about the standards of a zoo or aquarium you're visiting, the AZA suggests contacting the USDA or local agencies.

As long as you're taking the steps to make sure the business you're supporting is ethical and meeting the highest standards of care, you do not need to feel guilty for going to the zoo.

The AZA states that, "less than 10 percent of the 2,800 wildlife exhibitors licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture under the Animal Welfare Act meet the more comprehensive standards of AZA accreditation." ⁸

That means there are a lot of zoos out there and not many meet the same standard of care. Make sure you're researching organizations so you are sure you're spending your time and money in the right places.

Accredited zoos do important work and provide for a wonderful day out. They need your support to continue their efforts of conservation at home and abroad.

Unsure if your zoo meets the criteria? The AZA has a whole list of their accredited zoos and aquariums here so you can confidently plan your next zoo trip right away!

1. https://www.aza.org/accred-faq

2. https://taronga.org.au/news/2017-05-22/10-endangered-species-saved-extinction-zoos

3. Cohn, Jeffrey P. "Captive Breeding for Conservation." Bioscience. Vol. 38 №5 May 1988.

4. https://www.wcs.org/our-work/wildlife/elephants

5. https://www.wcs.org/our-work/species/tigers

6. https://www.aza.org/becoming-accredited

7. https://www.aza.org/about-us

8. https://www.aza.org/accred-faq

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you're like me and love going to the zoo, you've inevitably brought it up in conversation with a friend and suggested they go with you sometime. And you're met with, "Maybe, but I just always feel...

# data[].attributes.headline
Article Five: Should you go to the zoo? 

# data[].attributes.subject
Article Five: Should you go to the zoo? 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The zoo is a popular place to visit at any age and at any time of the year. But are zoos helping or harming the animals housed? Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines a zoo as "a place where many kinds of animals are kept so that people can see them." Zoos educate people about different kinds of animals, but the rights of the individual animals housed there are arguable.

A zoo enables people to view animals that they normally would not see. Visitors are also able to learn about animals and their habits. Zookeepers and tour guides are available to answer any questions visitors may have about the animals. Visitors gain an awareness of a life other than their own by learning about different species of animals and can learn about endangered species as well.

Children are frequent visitors at zoos, but seeing an animal out of its normal habitat is exciting at any age. Zoos provide a memorable experience for children standing a few feet away from their favorite animal. Educating children about animals at a young age allows them to remember the animals for the rest of their lives.

Zoos are often able to keep endangered animals safe from harmful environments. Zoos can also rehabilitate animals and give them a space to grow healthy again. Animals are frequently bred at zoos because they may not have mated if left in their natural habitats.

Although animals may be safer in a zoo's environment, they are away from their natural habitat. The area afforded the animal is similar to the original environment, but most times it is not the same. An animal's original environment is usually much more expansive and does not have walls or fences. Temperatures and climates often differ from the animal's original habitat as well.

During a recent visit to the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, I considered the arguments both for and against zoos. I enjoyed observing various animals and learning about them, and saw many curious children excited to learn about the animals there. But there were also arctic foxes and a polar bear in a 60 degree Fahrenheit environment, quite different from their original ecosystem. Giraffes paced back and forth in a small corral outdoors. Dozens of children were shouting at and petting the goats just in the course of one day. Educating people about animals and keeping animals genuine in their true environments is a balance that is tough for zoos to undertake.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The zoo is a popular place to visit at any age and at any time of the year. But are zoos helping or harming the animals housed? Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines a zoo as "a place where many kinds of animals are kept so that people can see them."

# data[].attributes.headline
Article Six: Why You Should Think Twice Before Visiting a Zoo

# data[].attributes.subject
Article Six: Why You Should Think Twice Before Visiting a Zoo

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why you Should Think Twice Before Visiting a Zoo - OneKind Planet Blog

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
No matter how much time or money zoos spend, it’s impossible to recreate the wild. Elements will always fall short, whether that is space, food or climate.

# data[].attributes.headline
Article Seven: 6 Reasons Why You Should Visit a Zoo on Your Next Family Vacation

# data[].attributes.subject
Article Seven: 6 Reasons Why You Should Visit a Zoo on Your Next Family Vacation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A family trip to the zoo is one of the easiest ways to expose your kids to the wide variety of animals that exist on this planet, while also providing valuable teaching moments about conservation and the effects people can have on nature.

You can see some amazing wildlife up close and personal, but a trip to the zoo is much more than that. You will likely learn many interesting facts about the animals in the zoo and their habitats. There is a lot of work being done by zoos to conserve endangered species that are under threat of anything from poachers to deforestation to disease. Learning about these dangers is the first step to taking action to help put an end to them, and oftentimes we can learn how to do our part to improve conditions from local zoos.

So, keep reading to discover why a visit to the local zoo or wildlife park is an excellent activity to plan for your next vacation.

A lot of planning, thought and effort goes into the process of breeding within zoos; it is not simply a case of just putting a female and male in an enclosure together. Breeding is carefully controlled to ensure that endangered populations may still exist, while also preventing inbreeding. There are, in fact, several species that would now be extinct if it wasn't for breeding in zoos; the Arabian oryx, Partula snails and the California condor, to name a few.

Critical breeding programs at zoos help ensure that endangered species may continue to survive and thrive. The leadership teams at zoos work together with their communities to support breeding programs and animal conservation.

If you go on a family outing to the zoo on your next vacation, your family will not only get to see all these magnificent creatures up close, but they will also have the opportunity to learn about them. This includes what they eat, how they interact with one another and what their natural habitat is in the wild. Not only that, zoos often teach children about their conservation efforts and explain the importance of the work that they do. There are often tours, presentations, feeding expos, and more scheduled at zoos to provide in-depth information about the animals that live there. Take advantage of all of these learning opportunities for your kids to learn more about their favorite animals and what they can do to help.

Unfortunately, many animals in the wild are under threat from poachers. Zoos offer a protected environment for these animals who would otherwise perish in dangerous environments while also being able to fund and send assistance to conservation programs to protect animals in the wild. Zoos and wildlife parks do all that they can to recreate the living experience that each animal would have in the wild, from their habitat and foods that they eat to the activities that they need on a daily basis to keep them mentally alert. This educates visitors and provides a long and healthy life under managed care for the animals.

Many zoos also incorporate donations to conservation programs that help protect wild habitats for certain species. Eric Mogensen, CEO of the Gulf Breeze Zoo in Florida, has organized partnerships between the zoo and top conservation programs such as the Sumatran Orangutan Society, Giraffe Conservation Foundation, and International Rhino Foundation.

You can find out more about these breeding programs and animal conservation at https://www.gbzoo.com/eric-mogensen.

The standard of care offered at zoos across the globe has never been better, with not just vets being on call, but pathologists, technicians and any other specialists that may be needed. Animals are regularly checked over and treated immediately if any issues are detected, as well as having their regular well being looked after, i.e., cleaning their teeth and administering vaccinations as and when they are needed.

The medical equipment available at the largest zoos worldwide is spectacular, with surgical suites, intensive care units, and even holding areas for animals waiting to be treated.

One of the many problems that animals face in the wild is the destruction of their natural ecosystems, the habitats that they need to live in, in order to survive. These ecosystems need to be restored in order for animals to continue to live safely in the wild. The easiest way to do this is to monitor these animals in a less risky environment with fewer variables. Meaning to study how they live, how they act, and how they react in their daily lives.

Furthermore, many zoos employ experts to study animal infection and disease, including methods that can assess the risk of their animals contracting a specific disease when they are reintroduced to the wild. There is one zoo in Washington that has been researching the treatment and early detection of the elephant herpes virus, which can be fatal to these animals.

Once an animal is at a zoo, that doesn't mean that it can never live in the wild again. In fact, there are times when animals live in zoos for a certain time period and are then reintroduced to the wild. This happened with the Przewalski horse . In 1945, thirteen of these horses were captured from the wild and placed in a zoo in order to undergo an extensive breeding program to ensure the species' survival. They were later reintroduced to protected habitats in the wild, and there are now roughly 2,000 in the world.

These are only a few reasons why visiting a zoo or safari park on your next vacation. Each visit is helping to pay for vital conservation work, research projects, invaluable veterinary care and necessary breeding to avoid some of the world's beautiful wildlife from becoming extinct. Not to mention the enjoyment that your children will have seeing and learning about these endangered animals.

Who knows - your child might just be the next conservation activist or revolutionary researcher to continue to preserve endangered species.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
6 Reasons Why You Should Visit A Zoo On Your Next Family Vacation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
6 Reasons Why You Should Visit A Zoo On Your Next Family Vacation

# data[].attributes.headline
Article Eight: Are Zoos Good or Bad for Animals?

# data[].attributes.subject
Article Eight: Are Zoos Good or Bad for Animals?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Zoos are great, right? You get to be up close and personal with some amazing animals that you'd pretty much never get to see in the wild. Clearly, zoos are a win for people. But when it comes to the animals, zoos might cause more harm than good. Should zoos exist?

TEACHERS: Guide your students to practice civil discourse about current topics and get practice writing CER (claim, evidence, reasoning) responses. Explore lesson supports.

How did zoos become a thing?
Humans have been capturing and displaying exotic animals for thousands of years. The earliest known collections date back to 3500 BCE in Egypt, where rulers kept hippos, elephants, baboons, and different species of large cats. Now back then, that didn't mean that your average Egyptian could go check any of that awesomeness out. These early zoos were really just a way for kings to flex on other kings. Modern zoos, where the public can come and watch animals exhibiting their natural behavior, didn't really become a thing until the early 1800s. The longest continuously operating zoo in the world is the Vienna Zoo, which has been going strong for more than 260 years.

What are the arguments in favor of having zoos?
Zoos may be great entertainment, but their big goal is to educate the public about wildlife and what we can do to protect them. Zoo animals are sort of like ambassadors for their counterparts in the wild. Zoos also contribute to scientific research. "Zoo" is short for zoological park, and zoology is the scientific study of animal biology and behavior. In addition, zoos work really hard to save animals that are threatened in the wild. Zoos can take at-risk animals, breed them in captivity, and then reintroduce them back into the wild.

What are the arguments for NOT having zoos?
Zoos have their problems. Not all zoos are created equal. Some are clean and well staffed, others aren't. There are some in the richest cities in the world, and there are some in conflict zones. What this means is that not all zoos have the resources to properly care for the animals they house. And for many critics, no amount of education or research justifies keeping animals captive. That captivity can be REALLY bad for both physical AND psychological health. And while zoos have been really helpful is saving endangered animals, it doesn't work out for certain species. For example, most large carnivores like lions and tigers that are bred in captivity die when released into the wild. It turns out that they haven't developed the natural behaviors they need when they're out on their own and have to fend for themselves.

SOURCES:
Do we need zoos? (The Atlantic)
https://www.theatlantic.com/news/archive/2016/06/harambe-zoo/485084/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Are Zoos Good or Bad for Animals? | KQED

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Zoos are great, right? You get to be up close and personal with some amazing animals that you'd pretty much never get to see in the wild. Clearly, zoos are a win for people. But when it comes to the animals, zoos might cause more harm than good. Should zoos exist?