Animal captivity is a hot topic among both supporters and opponents. Animal lovers argue that keeping an animal in a zoo is cruel, while zoos argue it is the only way to save them from extinction or repopulate species that are becoming endangered. Animal rights activists claim there are many downfalls of keeping animals in captivity, but what do you think? Do the pros outweigh the cons in this scenario, or is it better to have animals roaming free? Some of the arguments for animal captivity are that zoos can teach people about animals, keep endangered species from going extinct and help animals become healthy again after being sick.
Animal lovers also argue that animals get more attention when they live at a zoo instead of in the wild. Animal captivity also allows people to watch and learn about animals, it makes the chance for visitors to see them more accessible. There are many arguments against animal captivity as well. Animal activists argue that keeping animals in cages and pens is cruel because they take away their freedom and restrict what they can do. Animal rights activists say that zoos do not present animals the way they would be in the wild.
Animal activists also argue that there is a lack of space, and some animals are held in cages for their whole lives without ever having room to roam. Animal supporters also state it is unhealthy for animals to live where they cannot reproduce because of certain factors such as lack of resources and predators. Animal rights groups claim that too many people visit zoos which can prove harmful to both visitors and animals, and by going to the zoo these people might support animal captivity which could contribute to more endangered species living in captivity.
Animal protections groups also think that just because we cannot see or find an animal does not mean it does not exist; this can include areas like forests or oceans. Animal supporters think that animals should be living in their natural habitat where they can live freely and naturally. Animal rights activists say one of the main problems is that zoos do not present animals the way they would be in the wild, nor do they allow them to live peacefully. Animal activists claim that some animals like elephants spend most of their time in captivity pacing back and forth and banging on cage bars.
Animal supporters point out that this makes visitors feel uncomfortable; it also stresses out zoo animals which can make them sick or even die. Animal advocates also argue that there is a lack of space for many of these animals, some are confined into pens their whole lives without ever having room to run around or explore. Animal rights groups add that zoos do not always provide the best living conditions for animals, and they may be too hot or cold.
Animal advocates believe that zoos do not give animals enough space to reproduce, which can cause major problems because many of the species are endangered. Animal supporters also think it is unnecessary to keep these animals in cages or pens, believing that they should roam free where they live naturally with their families. Animal rights campaigners say putting an animal in captivity takes away its freedom and forces them to live a different life than what they would have if they were in the wild.
Animal supporters claim that there are some benefits to having these creatures remain in captivity but most of those benefits come from researchers studying them rather than putting them on display for the public. Animal rights groups say that zoos may be a good way to preserve some species but only because the animals are being studied so closely. Animal supporters also argue that most of the time it is impossible for them to stay in their natural habitat which is why many have been forced to remain in captivity, however animal rights groups say this is no excuse since they can easily study them from outside of cages and pens.
Animal activists point out that if it were not for zoos then people would still learn about these animals through books or television, just as they have done with many creatures that have become extinct over the years. Animal supporters believe if we continue taking animals out of their habitats and “re-homing” them into zoos then there will never be an incentive for them to stay in the wild. Animal rights groups fear that if people keep going to zoos, especially children, they may find it more enjoyable to view animals this way rather than seeing them living freely in their natural habitat.
Animal supporters also believe that if more people visit zoos then there is more of a chance that endangered species will be killed off because of these facilities. Animal protectionists point out that even though visitors get up close and personal with some of these creatures it still takes away from the fact that they are meant to live in an area where they can roam freely without being confined or captured. Animal advocates say taking them out of their homes goes against everything we have been trying so hard to teach people about conservation over the years
Animal activists also believe that zoo animals are held in captivity for the wrong reasons. Animal rights groups say many of these creatures are forced to remain in zoos because someone thought it would be cool to have them around for people to look at, or to attract visitors. Animal supporters claim that this is why so many “exotic” animals not found in their habitats can be seen in zoos across the nation even though they do not belong there, and should never have been captured in the first place.
Animal advocates proclaim that zoos should only keep animals if they are doing so to preserve an endangered species, while protecting their natural habitat where they can live without human interference. Animal supporters also state that any animal living in captivity must receive adequate medical attention whenever it is needed. Animal rights groups say that when animals remain in zoos they have a much higher chance of contracting some sort of disease due to their living conditions.
Animal supporters believe every creature has the right to live a happy and healthy life in its natural habitat, not in a cage or an enclosure where it is being used as someone’s “pet”. Animal advocates say there are many people who would love to have a pet but have no desire to take one out of its home and put it into captivity. Animal Rights groups point out that zoo visitors often get excited about seeing these creatures only once they lay eyes on them which does nothing for their natural homes, especially if they end up staying there for the rest of their lives.