Ethical Issues In Zoos Essay

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With the biotic world still being destroyed and harmed at an alarming rate, entire biomes are endangered and whole ecosystems are threatened by anthropogenic pressures. These changes globally have impelled zoos and aquariums to create and establish conservation benefits. This coupled with the growth in economic rationalism and the rise of corporate management, rationalises the feasibility of projects in terms of economic efficiencies. Which has seen the battle between balancing of public entertainment and money with the welfare of animals.
It is argued that zoos need to maintain a more concentrated engagement with a range of ethical and pragmatic consideration in the appraisal of animal welfare under the conditions for research. As with advancing global changes, degradation and diseases, a responsive agenda needs to be proposed that encompasses understanding of what these changes can do on species. This will require establishing the priorities of zoos and aquariums so that they can stand in a position in conservation science. As seen throughout the essay the divide between mission and practice displays challenges.
The issue of captivity is that it has the presumption
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So that there were no more animals in cages/spaces too small for them and species were no longer used for tricks to boost entertainment. This would still not be justifiable for having animals in cages. When on a large majority, once the species is in captivity the behavioural traits and domestication that occurs despite all attempts to avoid them, stops the primary aim of restoring biodiversity. Therefore, it can be seen that they are being kept in captivity for no valuable reason. However, this view is different when compared to rehabilitation centres for animals that are injured or threatened. As in zoos and aquariums 95% of the species that are in captivity are not even endangered or need to be in breeding programmes in order to restore

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