There is no doubt that incarcerating animals in zoos creates increasing controversy. Some people say that zoos are humane sanctuaries for animals. Others say zoos are cruel prisons. Although zoos can be harsh and stressful for animals, they often serve as sanctuaries for animals because they can protect animals from hunters, breed extinct animals, and provide a comfortable life.
Firstly, zoos are sanctuaries because they can protect endangered animals. In his article entitled “Are Zoos Good or Bad for Animals?” Bjorn Olafsson states that “Zoos can protect Endangered species from Extinction.” This implies that zoos can defend and protect endangered animals affected by hunters by making a safe place for them. However, many people argue that zoos are prisons and cannot protect endangered animals because they cannot afford to give them enough space, leading to violent altercations between different animals. While zoos can be overcrowded at times, animals are often monitored by the zoo staff using CCTV cameras every hour of the day to ensure that any lethal fights do not break out and that animals are able to live a healthy lifestyle with safety. Hence, zoos are sanctuaries because they help protect endangered animals.
Secondly, zoos are sanctuaries because they breed animals threatened by extinction. In her article entitled “Zoos and Aquariums’ Role in Saving Endangered Species,” Jane Marsh states that when zoos breed the endangered animals, it increases the “populations of endangered species.”
This suggests that when zoos breed the endangered animals, they can help in increasing their population. However, some people argue that zoos are prisons because even if they breed the endangered animals, locking them up in a cage can be stressful for the newborn animals. Many tend to forget that zoos can fulfil the newborn animals’ needs such as shelter and vaccinations. Hence, zoos are sanctuaries because they can help in breeding the animals that will go extinct.
Thirdly, zoos are sanctuaries because many animals feel comfortable in the zoos. Belinda Mellor, in her article entitled “Are animals in even good zoos happy,” states that “Animals in good zoos are certainly at least as happy, and quite probably happier, than animals living in the wild.” This suggests that when animals are in zoos, they feel more comfortable finding someone who takes care of them, feeds them, and provides them with all they need than being in the wild. However, many people argue that animals in the zoos cannot move freely as they did before, and they cannot hunt in the wild. Also, it can be noisy in the zoos because many people come to visit the animals. Many forget that the animals in the zoo can feel protected and secured. Hence, zoos are sanctuaries because they can provide a comfortable life for animals.
In conclusion, zoos can be prisons or sanctuaries, but it is widely considered that zoos are sanctuaries more than prisons. Although zoos are considered prisons because they are harsh, stressful, and overcrowded, zoos help in keeping animals comfortable, breeding threatened animals, and helping in taking care of them, making them sanctuaries.
